Falcons

Sokoły is a village in the Podlaskie Voivodeship, once a town with a rich history dating back to the 14th century, founded by the Sokoł brothers. The first written records of the settlement come from 1446. In 1471, the founders, including the Sokołowski brothers, built a church. In 1659, Sokoły obtained the privilege to organize fairs, which continue to this day. Moreover, the town held city status between 1827–1867 and 1915–1950, and during the interwar period, it was a hub of intense Jewish activity, with Jews making up over 70% of the population at the time. In 1893, the Narew Valley Railway was established, contributing to the further development of the region. Sokoły suffered immense losses during World War II, when many residents, including Jews, were brutally murdered. After the war, tragic events occurred when the local armed underground attacked Jews returning from camps. Today, Sokoły holds cultural significance, with landmarks such as a neo-Gothic basilica from the early 20th century, a wooden bell tower from 1835, as well as Catholic and Jewish cemeteries. In 2022, a monument commemorating the victims of the NKVD's "anti-Polish operation" was unveiled. The village is well-connected to other towns thanks to regional roads and proximity to major railway lines. Rich in history and culture, Sokoły is an important point on the regional map, blending the heritage of the diverse communities that once inhabited it.