Fortochka

A fortochka (Russian: фо́рточка, IPA: [ˈfortətɕkə] ^ⓘ) is a small ventilation window generally not greater than 35x45 cm.^[1] It usually spans the frame of one window pane and opens on hinges independently of the whole window. Fortochkas are in common use in Russia, other post-Soviet states (Ukrainian: кватирка, kvatyrka), and Finland (Finnish: tuuletusikkuna).

A window with a fortochka (in the upper left corner)

A fortochka can be used for ventilation during cold winters, when opening a whole window would be impractical for heat conservation purposes.^[2]

The window was designed by Italian architect Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli for the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg in 1754.^[3]

Cultural significance

The true origin of the word appears lost, but its nearest relative appears to be the German pforte, for "gate" or "gap".^[4] Someone referred to as a "fortochnik" is a criminal specializing in the challenging art of sneaking into and out of a fortochka.^[5] In the realm of dream interpretation, fortochkas have at least four roles – a broken one indicates a wasted effort; a dusty one indicates someone is spreading ill rumors about you; if you look through one, your dreams will come true; if you open one, your life will take a positive turn.^{[citation needed]}

See also

• Sash window
• Transom (architecture)
• Wicket gate