This is the 9240th most frequent Russian word.
создавались
"Создавались" means "were created" or "were being created" in English.
Here, 'создавались' is used to describe the process of creation of paintings in a passive voice in the past tense.
Эти картины создавались великими художниками.
These paintings were created by great artists.
In this case, 'создавались' indicates the gradual process of forming traditions through time in a passive voice.
Долгие традиции создавались на протяжении веков.
Long traditions were formed over centuries.
Here, 'создавались' is referring to the planning and development of projects, emphasizing their purpose and intent.