The Old Believers of the Ukraine Danube Delta, near the town of Vilkovo, “Venice of the Ukraine,” moved to this place where the streets are water channels. The Turks who occupied this region in the 18th century allowed the Old Believers to live there tax free. The Old Believers are characterized by their severity, by their manners, work and devotion to community. Idleness and drunkenness have always been considered great sins. Living conditions are spartan: no electricity, or running water, nor gas.