Belarus (magazine #12 2015) by BELARUS Magazine

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No.12 (987), 2015

BELARUS www.belarus-magazine.by

Беларусь. Belarus

Politics, Economy, Culture

Belarus — Turkmenistan:

The dialogue continues

Events in Belarus and abroad

Weekly newspaper read in dozens of countries Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be late to subscribe

contents

Беларусь.Belarus Monthly magazine No. 12 (987), 2015 Published since 1930 State Registration Certificate of mass medium No.8 dated March 2nd, 2009, issued by the Ministry of Information of the Republic of Belarus

Around 13,000 books are published in Belarus annually

Founders: The Ministry of Information of the Republic of Belarus “SB” newspaper editorial office Belvnesheconombank Editor: Viktor Kharkov Executive Secretary: Valentina Zhdanovich

Design and Layout by

Life never stands still An interview

with Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus Anatoly Kalinin

Economy without distance

Treat yourself, dear guests! Motol

Deathhail of bullets The Great Patriotic

22 24

By preserving our common past we construct our joint future The Belaru-

sian Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Oleg Tabanyukhov, tells us about current and future prospects for Belarusian-Turkmen co-operation

26 28

Delicacies Festival held for the seventh time in Ivanovo District

War newspaper Krasnoarmeiskaya Pravda (Red Army Truth) and now known as Belorusskaya Voennaya Gazeta (Belarusian Military Newspaper) was also published in Turkmenistan, called Gyzyl Esger Khakykaty

Watermelons from 1944… Fraternal

беларусь.belarus 2015

Distributed in 50 countries of the world. Final responsibility for factual accuracy or interpretation rests with the authors of the publications. Should any article of Беларусь.Belarus be used, the reference to the magazine is obligatory. The magazine does not bear responsibility for the contents of advertisements.

Publisher: “SB” editorial office

Carpet for Marshal Decades have

This magazine has been printed at State Entertainment “Publishers “Belarus Printing House”.

passed since the Great Patriotic War and we might believe that there is nothing new to say, but life continues to bring discoveries.

Belarusian Alexander Khodzko acquaints Europe with Magtymguly Red colour of love People’s Artist of

Turkmenistan Izzat Klychev followed roads of Belarus

79 Nezavisimosti Ave., Minsk, Belarus, 220013 Order No. 3133 Total circulation — 1883 copies (including 547 in English).

Write us to the address: 11 Kiselyov Str., Minsk, Belarus, 220029. Tel.: +375 (17) 290-62-24, 290-66-45. Tel./Fax: +375 (17) 290-68-31. www.belarus-magazine.by E-mail: belmag@sb.by

Turkmens study in Belarus, with 708 attending the Belarusian State University — the country’s oldest higher educational establishment, which is among top 500 worldwide

Kerekuliev wasn’t even 20 years of age when he moved to Minsk from Ashgabat, in 1980, and had no friends or relatives, or any idea of what to do…

Беларусь.Belarus is published in Belarusian, English, Spanish and Polish.

friendship of Belarusian and Turkmen nations strengthened during the Great Patriotic War

Knowledge highly valued Over 9,000

Land of kind people Turkmen Charyar

Vadim Kondrashov Nadezhda Ponkratova

Subscription index in Belpochta catalogue — 74977

Pervana the butterfly

For future foreign subscribers for ‘Belarus’ magazine, apply to ‘MK-Periodica’ agency. E-mail: info@periodicals.ru Telephone in Minsk: +375 (17) 227-09-10.

From Minsk — with love

We tell you about the people who have facilitated the development of relations between our people, and about the major BelarusianTurkmen projects

ear friends! Dear participants and guests of the National Exhibition-Fair of Belarusian Goods in Ashgabat! This edition in your hands has been prepared by journalists of the SB. Belarus Segodnya Media Holding and Belarus magazine (part of the holding) to conclude 2015. It reflects only a small part of the multi-faceted contacts which have connected Belarus and Turkmenistan for centuries, and which continue today, but it does provide insight into the rich history of our interrelations: between Belarusians and Turkmens. Here, we look at our two states’ modern political, economic and humanitarian relations: the situation in the Republic of Belarus and in Turkmenistan. We tell you about the people who have facilitated the development of relations between our people, and about the major joint Belarusian-Turkmen projects. Here we recollect what can be never forgotten: the years of the Great Patriotic War, where Belarusians and Turkmens fought shoulder to shoulder. This special edition also explores our collaborative achievements, which boast deep roots, and which now acquire new prospects in various spheres, including education, science and culture. As we move forward and write new pages in our interaction, in our mutual understanding and respect, we recall the history of our relations. Turkmenistan is Belarus’ strategic partner in Central Asia and, we dearly hope, will grow closer towards to our own nation, at the very heart of Europe. Lilia Ananich, Belarus’ Information Minister

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 Belarus is located in the eastern part of Europe, bordering Poland in the west, Lithuania in the north-west, Latvia in the north, Russia in the northeast and east, and Ukraine in the south. Belarus comprises six regions: Brest, Vitebsk, Gomel, Grodno, Minsk and Mogilev.  The country’s territory covers 207,600 square kilometres (the 84th largest worldwide) and has a population of 9.5mln (the 90th globally). Belarusian and Russian are the state languages. The country has 118 districts, 113 cities and towns, 109 urban-type settlements, and 24,583 villages. The capital of Belarus is Minsk: the largest economic, scientific and cultural centre of the country, and home to 1.729mln people.

Interesting facts

ccording to the last UNDP Human Development Index Report, Belarus is ranked 53rd among 187 countries and belongs to that group of states with a high level of human development. Belarus was ranked 53rd in the 2014 Legatum Prosperity Index in the consolidated index of figures for its economy, education, healthcare, personal freedoms, safety, entrepreneurial opportunities, and management and social capital.

oreover, Minsk was ranked 1st in the rating of former USSR business-friendly cities, compiled by Forbes, based on a wide range of criteria. These include assessment of infrastructure, labour resources, financial systems and security.

elarus is called a ‘country of lakes’, having about 11,000; most are located in the north and north-west, in Belarusian Poozerie (the lake area). Most are glacial in origin. The first printed book in Belarusian language was the Psalter — released in Prague in 1517, by Polotsk-born (now in Vitebsk Region) Frantsisk Skorina. This year, the whole world is celebrating the 525th anniversary of the birth of this Belarusian printer, enlightener, humanist and philosopher.

round 13,000 books are published in Belarus annually, with a total circulation of about 80,000 copies — around 6 books per capita.

s of September 1st, 2015, 718 newspapers and 819 magazines were published in Belarus, with printed media being mostly published in Belarusian and Russian languages. However, editions also exist in English, Polish, Ukrainian and German.

elarus was ranked among the top 40 creative states in the annual Global Creativity Index, in 2015, and was ranked 1st among the CIS states, while occupying the 37th position among 139 researched countries worldwide.

gricultural lands occupy a considerable part of Belarusian territory (42.9 percent), as do forests (37.8 percent).

here are about 20,800 rivers in Belarus, with most being modest in size, while 42 rivers are recorded, with lengths from 100km to 500km.

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B. Belarus Segodnya and Respublika newspapers are the most influential in the country. Local issues of major Russian newspapers are also popular: Komsomolskaya Pravda and Argumenty i Fakty.

here are more than 4,000 foreign printed media distributed in the country, including editions from Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, the USA, the UK, Germany, Italy, France, the Netherlands, Poland, Lithuania and Latvia.

COOPERATION

The dialogue continues Top-level contacts between Minsk and Ashgabat have developed greatly in recent times, with our presidents meeting annually, alternately in Belarus and Turkmenistan. Besides political liaisons, we’ve nurtured economic collaboration, inspiring a number of mutually beneficial joint projects. On the one side, regular official meetings between our heads of state monitor the fulfilment of agreements. Meanwhile, on the other hand, they drive forward further collaboration, across various spheres, as was noted by Alexander Lukashenko as he welcomed his Turkmen colleague, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, last year.

et’s remember the ceremony of official meeting of the high guest. The Palace of Independence hosted negotiations between the heads of state, discussing issues in narrow and extended formats. Initially, Mr. Lukashenko focused on the presidents’ eagerness to develop inter-state liaisons. Trade turnover has reached almost $0.5bln in a very short period of time, leading to Turkmenistan being ranked fourth among our trade partners: behind Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan. No such relationship existed in Soviet times, proving that new levels of interaction are possible where the desire exists. Moreover, much more is yet to be achieved. Mr. Berdimuhamedov is keen to promote joint work in machine building, metallurgy, the chemical and food industries, agriculture and education, among other areas — with Minsk in agreement. At that time Mr. Lukashenko has proposed increasing deliveries of trucks and tractors to Turkmenistan, as well as harvesters, buses and cargo

freight carriages. In fact, harvesters and buses are already being tested in Turkmenistan and are demonstrating good results; it seems likely that supply contracts will soon be signed. However, this is only part of a major Turkmen programme of transport infrastructure development, aiming to connect neighbouring states to the Persian Gulf, via optimal automobile and railway routes. The project will require the construction of logistics

of mining and processing facilities at Garlyk, by Belarusian specialists. Our presidents agree that this is most certainly of mutual benefit. We enjoy many mutual interests, leading to Mr. Berdimuhamedov supporting Mr. Lukashenko’s proposals to lay out more detailed plans — via the Inter-governmental Commission for Economic Co-operation. In elaborating a clear ‘roadmap’, efforts can be optimised, for maximum efficiency.

Minsk and Ashgabat have a clear vision of the way forward centres, with which Belarus is keen to help, having experience. The mining and chemical industries also offer prospects, as does large-scale housing construction in Turkmenistan, using Belarusian materials and lifts. Joint ventures in light and textile industries look promising, with a factory sewing uniforms for Turkmen power agencies likely soon to open. Perhaps the biggest venture is the construction

Our humanitarian collaboration is of no less importance, with over 8,000 Turkmen students already studying in Belarus; Ashgabat is keen to increase their number. Mr. Lukashenko instructed the government to study this issue while also thinking about the construction of a hostel for Turkmen students with national peculiarities. An opportunity is also being discussed to construct a hotel-type building for

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belta

COOPERATION

Alexander Lukashenko and Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov during the ceremony of laying a ‘time-capsule’ for the descendants in the foundations of the new Embassy of Turkmenistan to Minsk

Turkmen scientists who arrive in Belarus in big quantities in line with scientific exchange programmes. As a result of negotiations, almost 15 documents have been signed, promoting interaction across diverse spheres. The presidents made a joint statement confirming the progress of inter-state relations — politically and economically. Both heads of state noted the substantive and constructive character of their talks, and Mr. Lukashenko thanked Mr. Berdimuhamedov for approving most of the initiatives offered by Belarus: new projects are now to be added to the 16 already being implemented in Turkmenistan, with support from Belarus. These look set to be worth at least $1.145bln.

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Dialogue continues, with Minsk and Ashgabat having a clear vision of the way forward, as symbolised by Mr. Lukashenko and Mr. Berdimuhamedov laying a ‘time-capsule’ in the foundations of the new Embassy of Turkmenistan to Minsk. The gesture confirmation the seriousness of intentions and, clearly, the construction of a beautiful building in the country with which one plans to co-operate, long and constructively, says much. Belarus has allocated a beautiful and prestigious site, close to the Palace of Independence, where a ‘territory of friends’ is being formed. Nearby, Kazakhstan has begun construction of its new diplomatic mission building, and the Russian Embassy is situated on the

other side, as is a residential complex for working diplomats. Such geography speaks much of Belarusian foreign political priorities. The President of Belarus is convinced that the creation of an island of Turkmen in Minsk will open up new opportunities for expanded collaboration. He has called the embassy complex a house of friendship and a venue for constructive meetings. Mr. Berdimuhamedov thanked his Belarusian colleague for this and assured him that the new embassy building will be a place in which Belarusians will be welcome to learn more about the culture and arts of Turkmenistan, as well as hosting scientists and cultural figures. By Dmitry Kryat

topical interview

Life never stands still An interview with Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus Anatoly Kalinin Mr. Kalinin, there are all grounds to assert that our relations with Turkmenistan are developing dynamically. As Cochair of the Inter-governmental Belarusian-Turkmen Commission on Economic Co-operation, you are among those Belarusian officials who often visit Turkmenistan, having been around 10 times over the past three years. Which issues have been on the agenda and what has been achieved? Belarus views Turkmenistan as a major partner in Central Asia; accordingly, there are regular and close Belarusian-Turkmen contacts. Our two states’ heads — Alexander Lukashenko and Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov — contribute a great deal to our interaction. Since 2009, their annual exchange of visits and agreements has created a good basis for mutual success, inspiring business circles to interact. Belarusian and Turkmen ministries and agencies are encouraged to seek out new paths of co-operation and to responsibly fulfil top level orders. The Belarusian and Turkmen economies harmoniously supplement each other, ensuring dynamic growth of bilateral trade. 2013 was a record year, with bilateral trade of goods and services reaching $450mln (up from $50mln in 2008). Sales of Belarusian machinery to Turkmenistan are a traditional avenue of our economic interaction. Belarusian tractors, trucks and road-and-construction machinery — all adapted to the hot climate — enjoy good demand in Turkmenistan; over 5,000 MTW tractors and 5,000 MAZ, Amkodor and MWTP vehicles operate at present.

Of course, to preserve our presence on the Turkmen market, we must expand and update our range of machinery. At present, various new models of combine, agricultural vehicles and passenger trucks are undergoing tests in Turkmenistan. The local market is demonstrating demand for grain harvesting combines so, with this in mind, Belarusian Gomselmash OJSC has supplied two such vehicles for testing, with plans for delivery of 500 grain harvesting combines in 2016. Belarus is working to optimise its service maintenance of machinery supplied to Turkmenistan, building a multi-function service centre for Belarusian machinery in Ashgabat. A regional network of service centres is being expanded and perfected, all equipped with the latest devices. Moreover, since 2010, over 400 students from Turkmen agricultural companies have passed productional internships at Minsk Tractor Works. Belarus has significantly expanded its range of machinery and other goods, with Turkmenistan purchasing our bicycles, tyres, medicines, timber goods (such as furniture, plywood and paper) and foods (meat and dairy products, sausages and confectionery). In 2011, a trading house opened in Minsk as a shop window for Turkmen products, with a similar retail outlet in Turkmenistan for Belarusian goods. Much progress has also been achieved in the field of scitech co-operation and education.

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topical interview The Garlyk mining complex is a landmark event for our economic ties. Can you tell us more? Its construction has cost $1bln: the contract signed with Turkmenistan has been a major Belarusian export deal in the sphere of industrial construction. The facility comprises two complexes (and 138 individual sites within the facility): an above-ground ore-processing factory; and an underground mine, reaching down over 300m. Over 1,800 people have worked on the site, including around 500 Belarusians, and 16 Belarusian and 10 Turkmen construction organisations have been involved. In August 2015, the basic productive potassium layer was uncovered and, at Belgorkhimprom JSC’s pilot facility, potassium concentrate was produced from sylvinite ore mined in Turkmenistan, with 120kg of potassium fertilisers dispatched to Turkmenistan as an example. The Garlyk mining complex in Turkmenistan will become a recipient of Belarusian machinery and construction materials, while promoting future contracting work, with significant economic effects. What needs to be done to ensure a close relationship between our nations and economies? Belarus and Turkmenistan already use a wide range of instruments to this end, including visits at various levels, joint projects, liaisons between trading houses and the organisation of exhibition-fairs. Humanitarian contacts have huge potential, and are being actively developed. Our Days of Culture are already a tradition, as is participation in conferences, seminars, subject Olympiads and sporting competitions, hosted by Belarus and Turkmenistan. It’s true that we need to seek out new avenues of co-operation and interaction in the healthcare system. Turkmenistan is demonstrating interest in Belarusian transplantology experience and our country is ready to share this expertise. Collaboration in the railway sphere could become a new vector of our trade-economic ties, with particular reference to updating rolling stock, and designing new sites of Turkmen railway infrastructure. Belarus boasts huge experience in this field and has great industrial potential. We have proposals for the Turkmen oil-and-gas complex too. Belarus’ Fidmash has supplied coiled tubing equipment and equipment to enhance oil recovery in Turkmenistan, including controlled angle drilling. What results do you expect from the National Exhibition-Fair? In December 2014, Belarus successfully hosted the National Exhibition Fair of Belarusian Goods at Ashgabat’s Chandybil Trading House. Meanwhile, in October 2014, Minsk’s cultural, sports and entertainment complex, Chizhovka-Arena, hosted a fair of Turkmen goods, attended by President Berdimuhamedov. These two events indicate that Belarusian goods enjoy great demand on the Turkmen market and Turkmen manufacturing is popular in Belarus.

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Within the intense dynamics of Belarusian-Turkmen economic co-operation, our country was recently represented in Ashgabat, for a major exhibition-fair, held at the Sergi Kosgi Exhibition Palace, on December 11th-13th. The Belarusian pavilion occupied around 3,000 square metres, hosting leaders of Belarusian machine building, chemical, food and light industries, as well as wood processing, and producers of construction materials and medicines. There were also companies providing services — such as communication and tourism. Our Belarusian universities presented their scientific achievements and educational services as part of the event, while our Belarusian producers displayed a range of goods available now to Turkmen buyers, including those sold by the Belarusian-Turkmen Trading House and Turkmen dealerships for Belarusian enterprises. Performances by leading Belarusian artistic troupes and singers created a cultural atmosphere, while some talented folk masters held master classes. I’m convinced that our country’s exhibition in Ashgabat will enhance business contacts between Belarusian and Turkmen companies, while attracting attention to new products on offer from Belarusian manufacturers. It should contribute to the signing of agreements for further Belarusian sales to the Turkmen market. Will the National Exhibition-Fair help define vectors of further co-operation? The construction of embassies in Minsk and Ashgabat indicates our countries’ desire to build long-term relations. As regards the global goals of the forthcoming fair, we hope to achieve political targets, showing Belarus’ eagerness to sustain and strengthen bilateral relations with Turkmenistan, while strengthening and further developing mutually beneficial trade-economic ties. We also have economic goals in demonstrating Belarus’ trade-economic potential. We want to establish business contacts, while attracting attention to the latest goods produced by Belarusian enterprises, to drive sales. We want to promote our nation’s reputation as a producer of high quality goods and services, enhancing ‘Made in Belarus brand recognition and demonstrating possibilities for mutually beneficial co-operation. Our humanitarian-scientific goals include promoting Belarusian sci-tech developments on the Turkmen market and demonstrating Belarusian cultural achievements. I’d like to add that life doesn’t stand still. New ideas, products, scientific developments and cultural achievements are emerging constantly in Belarus and Turkmenistan. I’m convinced that other projects will be initiated in future, to enrich our relations, with new examples of fruitful co-operation. Importantly, we enjoy a strong foundation, with time-tested friendly relations between our Belarusian and Turkmen nations. These enable us to look to the future with optimism. By Ivan and Valentina Zhdanovich

PERSPECTIVES

By preserving our common past we construct our joint future The Belarusian Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Oleg Tabanyukhov, tells us about current and future prospects for Belarusian-Turkmen co-operation Mr. Tabanyukhov, Wikipedia calls Belarus one of the major partners of Turkmenistan, alongside such partner states as Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, Turkey and China. Tell us, what predetermines our high partner rating and the special importance of Turkmenistan for Belarus. First of all, I’d like to mention that Turkmenistan is a strategic partner for Belarus in Central Asia. Secondly, psychologically, Belarusians and Turkmens are rather close in mentality, despite being situated in different regions of Eurasia, and not sharing common borders (as Belarus does with Russia, Kazakhstan and Iran). We are close in spirit, sharing the same understanding of processes taking place worldwide; we have the same life values.

The Republic of Belarus is a rather popular destination for Turkmen people. In 2013, the Embassy issued over 7,200 visas, and over 6,500 in 2014. Almost 10,000 Turkmen students study in our country at present, showing Turkmen trust in Belarusian higher education and security. Meanwhile, all countries are experiencing hard times, economically and politically. Oil and gas prices have dropped globally, while regional conflicts, previously unknown diseases, natural cataclysms and technogenic catastrophes are affecting the global situation. Despite this, Belarus and Turkmenistan have remained friendly, enjoying beneficial partnership, without interfering in each other’s internal affairs. We support each other at the international arena and we jointly promote

various international initiatives. We have complete mutual understanding in this respect. The fact that Wikipedia places Belarus together with such world giants as Russia, China, Iran and India is very pleasing. Which major Turkmen projects enjoy participation from our country? Turkmenistan is rich in natural resources, occupying the 4th place worldwide for volumes of gas deposits. It also boasts the largest deposits of potassium salts in the south-east. Belarus is now constructing a plant to manufacture potash fertilizers (with a capacity of 1.4mln tonnes per year) in Lebap Region’s Garlyk. This is a major project, due to be commissioned in March 2017, and is completely Belarusian, being implemented on the Turkmen side by Turkmenkhimia State

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PERSPECTIVES Concern, while Belgorkhimprom is the general contractor for Belarus. As soon as construction is finished, Turkmenistan will become one of the world’s leaders in extraction of potash fertilisers: likely to rival our Belaruskali. This is a central and landmark project for Belarusian-Turkmen relations. Efficient construction is aiding the progress of our bilateral relationship. Which ambitious plans does Turkmenistan have which are of interest to Belarus? Turkmenistan is involved in developing extensive transport infrastructure,

a signal of the need to change Belarusian business strategy in this country? Which new financial, organisational and marketing schemes are our exporters ready to suggest? Yes, we’ve recently seen a drop in sales of our MAZ vehicles, tractors and other machinery to Turkmenistan, for objective reasons. I don’t think this has anything to do with business strategies, although these are important. Undoubtedly, the major factors are quality and price; in this context, the correlation is in favour of Belarus.

Our countries were a part of the huge USSR for 70 years. Before that, we were a part of the Russian Empire. Over this period, we learnt from each other and relied upon each other restoring the part of the Silk Road once passing through this land: creating a trans-national route between three seas, with further entrance to South-East Asia, from the Baltic Sea to the Caspian Sea, via the Black Sea. Certainly, there will be a place for our country in this logistic corridor. Our country is keen to take part in infrastructure projects being realised in Turkmenistan, using our machinery and technology. For example, after the Law ‘On Daihan (Peasant) Farming’ was adopted in Turkmenistan, such farms received necessary development. Our country has great experience in farm construction and boasts production of Belarusian tractors. Meanwhile, construction is developing dynamically in Turkmenistan, with hundreds of thousands of square metres of residential housing and administrative building built annually. Our Amkodor machinery could be of great help. Aren’t falling sales of our traditional MAZ tractors and other machinery

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Asian countries are known as an attractive, though competitive, market for all world manufacturers. What competitive advantages do Belarusian producers offer? Undoubtedly, we are competing against goods and services offered by Turkish, Iranian, Chinese, Ukrainian, Russian, Kazakh, Azerbaijani, American, German, French and Malaysian companies, among others. All are promoting their interests. Belarusian machinery is of high quality, although it can always be improved upon. However, Belarusian goods offer real value for money, which is certainly attractive. Russian and Chinese goods are also competitive in price; so, to occupy a niche in Turkmenistan, we need to be innovative. There are quite a few mutual projects being implemented, including in the sphere of infrastructure, and innovative technologies. For example, a service centre for Belarusian machinery in Ashkhabad is in its final stage

of construction. In future, such centres will open in all regional centres across Turkmenistan. Our academies of sciences are establishing a joint laboratory for low-tonnage chemistry produce and there are interesting plans to create joint projects in the third states, with intensive work already being conducted in this area. Belarus and Turkmenistan are geographically distant but, as former Soviet republics, face similar goals. How can we be useful to each other? Our countries were a part of the huge USSR for 70 years. Before that, we were a part of the Russian Empire. Over this period, we learnt from each other and relied upon each other. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, our two countries declared independence and established diplomatic relations, opening diplomatic representations. We declared sovereignty and, ever since, have independently determined our domestic and foreign policy. Both countries created a new political system, management system, and relations with neighbouring and other states. We both struggled against inflation and other negative economic processes following the USSR’s collapse, and we solved issues of social protection. Many still remember that, back in Soviet times, production co-operation existed, with some regions, including Turkmenistan, boasting huge volumes of mineral resources. Others lacked such resources, so their territory housed a network of industrial and processing enterprises, as in Belarus. After the USSR’s collapse, we found ourselves in a similar dilemma. Belarusian enterprises lacked resources for processing while Turkmenistan’s resources went mostly unused; only Russia consumed Turkmen gas. Under such conditions, Turkmenistan’s domestic policy aimed to diversify its consumers of mineral resources. Turkmenistan is now constructing various enterprises (using the most advanced technologies) to manufacture goods with high value added.

PERSPECTIVES Therefore, we can say that, in these post-Soviet times, our countries have solved various tasks to achieve economic growth and improve the standard of living, while strengthening security. Evidently, we can be useful to each other, having complementarity economies, which don’t directly compete. Belarus has a well-developed sphere of services: education, medicine, tourism and construction. Also, we can offer Turkmenistan domestic machine building. In its turn, Turkmenistan is rich in mineral resources and has well-developed light industry. Turkmenistan is also interesting to Belarusians as a tourist destination. Together, we can create joint products for our partners in other countries and regions. Do we share a similarly planned social state policy of healthcare, sport and education? Of course, the Republic of Belarus is a socially-oriented state. However, it seems to me that, in this respect, Turkmenistan is slightly ahead of us. It spends huge funds on its social policy: about 70 percent of its budget is allocated for construction of schools and kindergartens, polyclinics, medical centres, hospitals and higher educational establishments. Moreover, its social facilities, like all other sites, are being built using the latest technologies: in construction and in equipment of these sites. Basic utilities (such as water, and salt for the road) are provided free of charge by the state, while others are heavily subsidised. Most monthly payments are around US$8. During housing construction, half of the cost is subsidised by the state, with the rest paid by the owner within 30 years, at an interest rate of just 1 percent per annum. From this, you can judge Turkmenistan’s social policy. Understandably, an epoch of might and happiness was proclaimed in this country several years ago. The interests of our countries coincide regarding healthcare, sport and education. We’re now considering liaising on the transplant of organs and tissues,

with Belarusian and Turkmen specialists working together. All that’s needed is to decide on financing. Meanwhile, we also work together on sporting events, with athletes from both states often attending events and training camps in each location. Last year, we held almost 15 joint sports events and, this year, plan the same. Our universities have a range of agreements on co-operation. Last October alone, five such agreements were signed, with implementation gaining speed this year. Regarding education, you mentioned that many Belarusian universities have signed agreements on co-operation with Turkmen partners. Tell us more… Agreements on inter-university cooperation enable us to share experience, while developing educational programmes and strengthening scientific interaction.

Tell us about distinct aspects of rich Turkmen culture and psyche. Undoubtedly, the culture of the Turkmen nation is rich. Moreover, it’s manifested in everyday life, clothes and rituals. Headgear is obligatory for Turkmens. Men and boys wear ‘tahya’, as do girls until they marry. These ‘skullcaps’ have white and red lines forming circles when worn by men, while those designed for girls usually have red and yellow rhombus. From the day of their marriage, they begin wearing a kerchief. The tahya occupies a special place in traditional Turkmen costume, being not only practical in protecting the head from the burning sun but serving as a decoration. In ancient times, they were also thought to act as a talisman, defending the wearer from all trouble, disease and curses. According to custom, it is forbidden

Culture helps in establishing BelarusianTurkmen relations, while promoting deeper understanding of history and traditions. Culture helps bring nations closer, as our governments realize; they have been paying attention to this component of our relationship As I’ve already said, in October 2014, we signed five agreements on inter-university co-operation during a Minsk visit by Turkmenistan’s President. These stipulate that co-operation will develop not only through experience sharing between teachers, but via internships for final-year students, Master’s Degree students and post-graduate students. There will be joint development of electronic textbooks, while professors and teachers will be invited to read lectures, take part in scientific conferences, and implement joint sci-tech projects. Unfortunately, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, many cultural ties were lost, which impoverished nations.

to give your tahya to anyone else, or to throw it away. Mature men also wear fur caps (usually mink) as an indicator of their wealth and status. Of course, it’s customary to wear headgear when entering a mosque but any sad gathering obliges men to wear caps (though not tahya). Rugs feature prominently in the home, and are sat upon for meals, and to sleep. They are national treasures, being hand-woven, and radiating the love and diligence with which each is crafted. It takes many hours of scrupulous work to create a single rug. Many Turkmen carpets are actually named as cultural treas-

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PERSPECTIVES

The machinery of Amkodor brand is valued highly in Turkmenistan

ures and are protected by the state. Their artwork represents historical events, traditions and customs, with each one telling a story of the tribal life of a particular district of Turkmenistan. Beautiful Akhal-Teke horses are also part of Turkmen culture, gracious and elegant, these ‘sky horses’ are bred only in Turkmenistan, and form part of the country’s national heritage. There is so much to describe that a whole magazine would be inadequate. Speaking about Turkmen mentality, I’d like to note a great feeling of patriotism, respect for elders and, of course, tolerance. It seems to me that no other nation can rival the Turkmens in the degree of this feeling. How is our inter-cultural dialogue developing, especially against the background of Europe’s problems in relating to the Muslim world? Of course, culture helps in establishing Belarusian-Turkmen relations, while promoting deeper understanding of history and traditions. Culture helps bring nations closer, as our governments realize; they have been paying attention to this component of

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our relationship. Speaking of cultural liaisons of recent years, our Days of Culture were a landmark event, being official in character. We hold similar events regularly. Days of Turkmenistan were organised in Belarus in 2014, while 2012 saw the Days of the Republic of Belarus (in April) and the Days of Belarusian Cinema (in July) in Turkmenistan. In July 2014, the Days of Turkmenistan Culture were a great success in Minsk and Bobruisk. Recently (from December 7th-10th), Turkmenistan hosted Days of Culture of the Republic of Belarus, hosted by Ashkhabad and Türkmenabat (former Chardzhou). As part of the Days of Culture, we organised Days of Cinema and Days of Poetry, featuring over 60 performers, including Pesnyary, the Khoroshki State Dance Company, popular singers Alexander Tikhanovich, Yadviga Poplavskaya and Alena Lanskaya, and opera singer Nina Sharubina. We also held an exhibition of folk and applied arts. As part of the Days of Culture, poet Ales Badak conducted a presentation of Belarusian prose and poetry, including translations of works by Turkmen poets

and writers into Belarusian. Turkmen audiences were able to see feature and animated films, as well as documentaries produced by Belarusfilm Studio. Other events organised jointly with Turkmen partners have included a tour by the Belarusian State Circus, which saw full houses, as part of a tour by Turkmen Galkynysh dzhigit equestrian performers. Representatives of Belarus also took part in cultural events within the Avaza National Tourist Zone (on the Turkmen shore of the Caspian Sea), dedicated to Children’s Day, and participated in Avaza international music and song children’s festival (June and October 2012). In May 2015, as part of celebrations to mark the 70th anniversary of the Great Victory, Syabry band, headed by Anatoly Yarmolenko, performed in front of a Turkmen audience in Ashkhabad. Moreover, Belarusfilm’s Brest Fortress was screened and an exhibition of war photos organised. While remembering our common past, we look confidently into our shared future. Thank you! by Nina Romanova

MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL PARTNERSHIP

Economy without distance Although thousands of kilometres separate Belarus from Turkmenistan, these two sovereign states have long been efficiently liaising in the economic sphere

hey mutually supplement each other, as has become evident in recent years. Thanks to much work, mutual turnover (in goods and services) has significantly increased since 2006, from $15mln, to $450mln in 2013. The presidents of Belarus and Turkmenistan — Alexander Lukashenko and Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov — initially set a task of steadily developing economic partnerships, meeting regularly in Ashgabat and Minsk. Diverse agreements have been signed, in addition to other documents ensuring a favourable climate for collaboration. As Mr. Berdimuhamedov noted during his recent visit to Minsk, 16 major investment projects (worth over $1.145bln) are being realised in Turkmenistan, jointly with Minsk. Heads of the two states’ governments exchange visits regularly, as do heads of ministries, including economic, agencies and companies.

Turnover between Belarus and Turkmenistan 2010

2011

2012

2013

$90,7 mln.

$237,2 mln.

$237,8 mln.

$450 mln.

Tractors of Minsk Tractor Works

The project by Belarusian specialists to build the ‘ready-to-operate’ Garlyk mining complex is a symbol of friendship and co-operation. Belarus boasts much expertise, thanks to its huge deposits of potassium salts, which are vital for efficient crop growing, and has its own industry to produce corresponding mineral fertilisers. Belarus has powerful mining and potassium ore processing factories, in addition to the Shakhtospetsstroy Construction-Assembly Trust and Design Institute. This potential is being used for a joint project estimated to cost $1bln and producing up to 1.4mln tonnes of concentrated potash fertilisers in Turkmenistan, to be ready in coming years, enabling the country to fully satisfy its needs and enhance agriculture. In fact, only half the volume will be required domestically, allowing the remaining 700,000 tonnes a year to be profitably exported. Belarus — as a major world player at this market — is ready to propose its commod-

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belta

MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL PARTNERSHIP

At the construction of the Garlyk mining complex

ity distribution network to sell this profitable product. Scientists from our two states are looking to the future, proposing a complex nearby to produce the most popular combined NPK-fertilisers. Supplies of machine building produce are also developing efficiently. At present, over 5,000 Belarusian MTW wheeled tractors work in Turkmen fields, while MAZ trucks are transporting cargoes. In recent years, over 10,000 of the latter have been sold to Turkmenistan, thanks to an agreement to supply Belarusian agricultural machinery, cars, tractors and passenger machinery (for 2015-2016, signed during Mr. Berdimuhamedov’s visit to Minsk in October 2014). Shipment of Minsk Automobile Works’ buses to Turkmenistan has begun and, following on site pilot testing, greater volumes are likely to be agreed. Minsk Automobile Plant is a core of co-operation in the machine-building sphere. Within the next few weeks, a MAZ service centre is to open in

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Turkmenistan, able to maintain various models of Belarusian machinery: not only MTW tractors but Amkodor road and construction machinery, Gomselmash combine harvesters and other agricultural machinery and vehicles by other manufacturers. Sales of Belarusian lifts are also growing, with over 40 already installed at new residential houses in Turkmenistan. Belarusian lifts are enjoying recognition in the CIS, thanks to their comfort, safety and affordability. They are likely to be in demand in Turkmenistan, where housing construction is growing. Co-operation in the field of light industry also looks promising, as has many times been mentioned by the Head of the Belarusian Parliament’s Upper Chamber, Mikhail Myasnikovich. Turkmenistan is a major producer of cotton fibre, which is sought after by various large companies in Belarus, for processing into threads, fabrics and ready made products: an industrial legacy from the Soviet

times. Baranovichi Cotton Production Amalgamation is the largest in Europe and, now, Belarus and Turkmenistan are considering a joint venture, with Turkmenistan supplying raw materials, making it mutually profitable. A modern economy is impossible without highly qualified specialists and, with this in mind, Belarus and Turkmenistan are closely co-operating. Agreements have been concluded between major Belarusian and Turkmen universities — such as the Belarusian National Technical University and the Architectural-Construction Institute, the Belarusian Technological University and the International University of Oil and Gas. Over 9,000 Turkmens are currently studying in Belarus, accounting for around half of all foreign students in our country. As time passes, they will become specialists in their spheres: engineers, doctors and scientists. Such development of human skill is sure to create new impetus for Turkmenistan’s future. By Vladimir Bibikov

EDUCATION WITH QUALITY MARK

Knowledge highly valued Over 9,000 Turkmens study in Belarus, with 708 attending the Belarusian State University — the country’s oldest higher educational establishment, which is among top 500 worldwide

Aiza Kulieva

o learn more about Turkmens’ student nel. Five years ago, our geographic and economic departlife at the BSU, we chat with the head ments enjoyed increased interest among Turkmen students, of the Department of Foreign Student due to construction of the Garlyk mining factory (to proWork and International Marketing, duce potash fertilisers). Not long ago, Turkmenistan realZhanna Savelieva, and with ised educational reform, introducing a 12-year syssome of the best students tem of education, and raised salaries for teachers. w ho’ve come f rom AshTurkmen students are now showing more intergabat to study in Minsk. est in our Philology Department. Meanwhile, Ms. Savelieva, why is the BSU attractive to forthe Law Department and the Foreign Relations eigners — including Turkmens? Department have always been popular among Primarily, we offer high-quality education; foreigners, including Turkmens. BSU diplomas are recognised by Turkmenistan’s How do Turkmen students cope with the lanEducation Ministry. Moreover, foreigners are atguage barrier? Savelieva, tracted by the stability and safety of Belarus. Our Zhanna Some study for a year at our preparatory dethe head of the students are housed comfortably, and have good partment, but most already speak Russian, having Department Student prepared well ahead to enter our University. conditions in which to study and relax. During the of Foreign Works holidays, they can travel to Nesvizh, Mir Castle and International What other challenges do Turkmen students Marketing or abroad, as we’re close to Europe. Moreover, the face? BSU enjoys strong bilateral contacts with Turkmenistan. All students face challenges, including Belarusians, We annually attend national exhibition-fairs to demon- although we do have an educational ‘filter’ via our censtrate our educational opportunities. tralised testing. Turkmen students often need extra work Which departments are most popular with Turkmen on school-level sciences, so we offer additional individual students? classes in the first two years, to help with this. In some Interest in certain specialities depends on the political- cases, we also allow mixed physical exercise classes to be economic situation in Turkmenistan. When new projects curtailed, on religious grounds. Moreover, some students emerge, these naturally entail interest in qualified person- become homesick, going home for several weeks at a time,

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EDUCATION WITH QUALITY MARK which doesn’t help their educational progress, and gives them a certain reputation. Do lecturers treat foreigner and Belarusian students equally? Or is there indulgence for some categories of student? All are treated equally. As regards indulgences, the BSU this year introduced a decree on discounted fees for foreign students who achieve good results, or who take part in public activities or conferences. Three Turkmen citizens are already on the list. Do Turkmen students face problems in communicating with Belarusians? Our student organisation — the BSU Council of Communities — is responsible for foreigner students’ adaptation, encouraging them to join in with various events, such as our Days of Friendship. These help Belarusians gain acquaintance with Turkmen culture, while representing their own traditions and customs. Some projects have been launched jointly with diplomatic missions, such as an artistic party devoted to poet Magtymguly Pyragy, with Turkmenistan’s Ambassador in attendance. Every year, we organise a contest among foreign students of all our higher educational establishments: Mister and Miss International. This major event is widely covered by the media and is advertised. Moreover, the BSU hosts the Ball of Alumni for Foreigners; every year, around 430-450 former students attend! Do Turkmen students support your ideas? Turkmens love to take part in our events but prefer to come in groups. They behave well and love to sing, dance and play instruments. Belarusian students are often interested in learning about their culture. Do any conflicts emerge on a religious basis? Never! Belarusians are very tolerant. We always pay attention to our students in terms of hospitality and good behaviour. Nuances emerge only in the social sphere: for example, some foreign students don’t realise that, in sharing a room in a hostel, they should take part in cleaning, viewing themselves as guests. Do many Turkmen alumni stay in Belarus after graduation? Very few; some marry, while others receive a working visa to take up employment here.

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Aiza As soon as we begin chatting, I’m impressed by Aiza’s smile. Her face lights up and her joyful mood contrasts with the rainy autumn landscape. Aiza studies at the International Relations Department and hopes to become a diplomat, staying in Belarus. She isn’t deterred by our cool climate (in comparison to Ashgabat). On the contrary, she’s enjoying her first snow, and is delighted to be in Minsk. Of course, she misses her mother and her national cuisine, but she often calls home and visits other Turkmens who live in the hostel, cooking traditional soups, meat and pilaf together. Not long ago, the BSU hosted the Republican Festival of Foreign Students, with Aiza acting as its host. She smiles on recalling the event. It’s clear that she loves Belarus. In fact, she’s had little spare time to visit places beyond Minsk. She does enjoy the cinema and walking in Chelyuskintsev Park, and has plans to visit Grodno. I would say that Aiza has a bright future: the Turkmen beauty is in her first year of studies. Speaking of her view of Belarusians, and our young men in particular, she notes that she appreciates their helpfulness. Belarusians’ kind hearts and sympathy have helped her to settle into her new city very quickly, and she sees local men as attentive, polite and caring.

Seyid Seyid Yumudov is a fourth-year law student. His choice of university was always clear, as his older brothers graduated from the BSU. Seyid views the legal professions as having an important role to play, and sees a good future for himself in Turkmenistan. Unlike Aiza, it was hard for Seyid to adapt initially, as he didn’t enjoy the wet Belarusian climate. He found our culture and traditions difficult to adjust to, and his studies were also very challenging. However, he never faced any problems with local students. To become better acquainted with Belarus, in 2010, Seyid joined the BSU’s Folk-Choir, Capella, as its only foreign member. Over the past five years, Seyid has visited many countries during the choir’s touring schedule, helping the group win prizes at international contests. Seyid also loves to take part in conferences. In 2014, he prepared as essay entitled Russian Language Helps Give Form to My Thoughts, which earned him the title of laureate at the 2015 Republican Zlatoust Elocution Contest. Seyid is among the lucky few who enjoy discounted fees. In his spare time, he loves to read, draw and play the piano, which stops him from missing his homeland too much. Seyid plans to return to Turkmenistan after graduating. Speaking of Belarusians, he says that they are friendly, helpful, warm and sensitive to others’ problems. By Alisa Krasovskaya

Own path

Land of kind people Turkmen Charyar Kerekuliev wasn’t even 20 years of age when he moved to Minsk from Ashgabat, in 1980, and had no friends or relatives, or any idea of what to do…

e’ve all heard stories — including those depicted on canvas — of rural Belarusian women risking their lives during the Great Patriotic War to save Soviet soldiers of various nationalities, helping them escape capture or imprisonment. Common grief, and tragedy, united people from all corners of the former Soviet Union, on the battlefield and in the rear. During those years of ordeal, we saw the best in people: their true character, as had been developed through the centuries. Dozens of veterans of that war still live in Turkmenistan, retaining their memories of Belarusian battlefields and the Belarusian partisan movement. They struggled bravely. Annaev Street (until 1976 known as Kollektivnaya) is situated in Minsk’s northern-eastern district, commemorating Soviet Union Hero Oraz Annaev, who fought to liberate Belarus from the fascists. He demonstrated heroism in October 1943, during the forcing of the River Dnieper, near Komarin, and was buried near the river. Streets in Svetlogorsk (Gomel Region) and Turkmen’s Serdar (where his bust was erected in Soviet times) are named after Oraz. I recently heard a story from the head of the Turkmen community in Belarus, Charyar Kerekuliev, who also heads Bakhar (Spring) cultural-enlightening organisation. His activity has helped him to settle in Belarus and, over time, he became an entrepreneur and a diaspora leader. Charyar is respected

both in Belarus and Turkmenistan, having been many times invited by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to attend state holidays in Ashgabat as an honorary guest. The name Charyar means ‘the fourth in the family’. Born in 1962, he was one of five brothers and had six sisters: a common family size in Central Asia and Turkmenistan at the time. His native city was the regional centre of Turkmenbashi — known as Krasnovodsk in Soviet times. His father died and was almost immediately followed by his mother, inspiring Charyar to forge his own path in life. He had graduated from Russian school and college — with a diploma in accounting. He worked for some time and then decided to move to Minsk. Charyar recollects, “I arrived at Minsk’s railway station, without luggage — only a shirt, trousers, coat and footwear. A ‘stranger’ helped me, Piotr (I can’t recall his family name), who worked at the Regional Executive Committee’s Agricultural Department. I visited to seek employment and had to admit that I was sleeping at the railway station. Piotr was sympathetic but promised nothing. However, he came to the railway station to find me and took me to the village of Dubravy, 40km from Minsk (towards Molodechno) to his friend, the director of a local collective farm, Andrey Bury. Piotr requested that he employ me, explaining that I needed to live among Belarusians and to become acquainted with them. I was given accommodation at granny Vera’s house: a kind woman. I still remember her.” His story clarifies that Belarusians are cautious of strangers. After all, Charyar visited various places in the capital, seek-

In 2010, Charyar Kerekuliev began heading the Turkmen community in Belarus and Bakhar cultural-enlightening organization

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Own path ing work; no doubt, they could have used an accountant. However, no one took him on. He admits that they may have been put off by his nationality. Charyar found his place at the countryside however, and notes that Vera treated him like a son, despite being initially rather timid. “The villagers looked at me and commented on my dark skin and I know that ‘my poor granny’ didn’t sleep for a week on my first arriving. Later though, she would wake me in the morning by shouting, ‘Genik, wake up! Let’s go ploughing’. In Belarusian ‘arats’ (to plough) is very similar to the verb for crying so I would ask why she wanted us to go into the village to cry. Of course, she told me not to be so silly.” “Having grown up in a city, I really had little idea of what to do, and would often lose my grip on the plough. However, in time, I mastered the skill. Granny Vera also taught me how to mow, and to plant and to harvest potatoes. I helped quite a few of the older women, cleaning out their piggeries, transporting livestock manure and cutting wood: regular jobs in the villages. Vera never forced me to work: I did so at my own initiative. Really, it was unwise to sit idle, as there was no other work. I also worked as a watchman at the farm workshops: on guard against theft.” Charyar had no language barrier with granny Vera or the other villagers, having graduated from a Russian language school. In Belarus, everyone knows and understands Russian — even in the most remote villages. As Charyar jokes, communication became much easier when Vera brought out the samogonka (home-made vodka). Charyar never forgot granny Vera, even after moving to Minsk, going back to visit her regularly. In the capital, he worked at the Gear Plant for six months, as a lathe operator, and then found employment as a watchman at the Ballbearing Plant. He worked shifts of 24 hours, with two days off afterwards. He also worked as a loader (on his second day off) at a shop in Mayakovsky Street. There, he met Raisa Bich, who managed the shop. Learning that he'd received a good education, she offered him a management post and he kept the storehouse keys, which was a great responsibility. Charyar wanted to learn more about the business before becoming a manager, so learnt how to cut meat with the butchers. It wasn’t easy, as they viewed him suspiciously at first, and the work was physically exhausting. Each man

moved at least 3 tonnes of meat every shift. Fortunately, Charyar wasn’t afraid of hard work. Then he found a job at a large department store, called, Riga, where he received a good salary. Charyar married three times: each wedding being to a Belarusian woman. He’s been married for two decades to his third wife, Alla, from Slutsk District, who also works in trade. During his first marriage, his daughter Yuliana was born (recently, she gave birth to a child and Charyar has become a grandfather). His son, Ruslan, was born from his second marriage. Work at the shop was hard but brought good money. In the early 1990s, the first entrepreneurs and co-operatives appeared and Charyar demonstrated initiative. At that time, people used to bring vegetables, fruit and watermelons from Central Asia to Minsk, so Charyar offered himself as an intermediary, liaising with sellers at Komarovsky market, arranging transportation to the shops. Many suppliers of fruit and vegetables knew Charyar well and their co-operation was beneficial to all. Charyar gained plenty of new experience. When a Russian from Ashgabat (whom he knew well) established a trading company in Minsk, Charyar began working for him. He tells us, “In time, I realised that I should set up my own business. I traded a good deal — including in metal. A good man — a former plant director — offered me work with metal constructions, to develop and to produce original tractor cabins. I studied the documents and blueprints, which were great! The tractors would definitely look wonderful. Major companies were already demonstrating interest. All the profiles were metal, supplemented with glass, and the cabin would be universal, boasting good visibility and application, for agrarians and communal workers. It was just the beginning, as other projects were in the pipeline.” In 2010, Charyar Kerekuliev began heading the Turkmen community in Belarus and Bakhar cultural-enlightening organisation. He is also a member of the Consultative Inter-ethnic Council at the Plenipotentiary for Religions and Nationalities. In 2009, around 2,700 Turkmen were living in Belarus (according to the census) and almost 9,000 were studying at Belarusian universities. Charyar has been working with the latter to organise ‘Days of Turkmenistan’ in Belarus next year. By Ivan Zhdanovich Eight pointed stars can often be seen both in Turkmen, and Belarusian embroideries

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INVITING TO THE FESTIVAL

Treat yourself, dear guests! Motol Delicacies Festival held for the seventh time in Ivanovo District

espite the burning sun, Brest Region’s tastiest event gathered thousands of guests to the ancient village of Motol for two days. Each cook was eager to share their best recipes, with every secret finding its way into their bowls and pots of Polesie cuisine. Clearly, they wished not only to impress tourists but each other.

Faced with so many choices, it’s no easy task to select what you should sample first. However, I have to say that Motol chorba is one of my favourites: a hearty soup of boiled heart, kidney, lungs and liver, with sautéed vegetables. The local round loaf comes a close second, followed by doughnuts. Other ‘worthy’ dishes include potbaked buckwheat and couscous, potato ‘babka’ with bacon, tasty draniki with kidney beans, stewed beans with onion and carrot, home-made sausages, smoked pike, cheeses, and meat delicacies. Some are made to kosher requirements, as of old (a traditional Jewish style of preparation). At first sight, all might look ordinary but each dish uses organic ingredients and is served in the wonderful Motol-style. Those coming to the festival can hardly believe their eyes. Russia’s Irina Volkova — who was staying with relatives in Drogichin District — admitted, “It’s incredible that such delicacies are cooked in a village.” Motol attracts businessmen too. The village has only 4,000 residents but several production facilities, in addition to 67 registered entrepreneurs and around 40 private shops. Local people are convinced that this business spirit dates from the days of Bona Sforza, the wife of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania’s Duke, Sigismund I the Old. Motol received the Magdeburg Right in 1555 and the Italian’s residence in the area attracted many skilled craftsmen and merchants. Various family names in Motol — such as Polto — are of Italian origin. Meanwhile, the locally popular name of Kuzer has German roots. Others are Shikolay, Minuyk and Kashtelyan. Motol is now firmly on Belarus’ tourist map, owing to its cuisine, believes the Chair of the Country Escape Agro- and Eco-tourism Public Association, Valeria

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TRADITIONS Klitsounova. She notes, “It’s fashionable to have an interest in food and cooking, and gastro-tourism particularly brings people to food festivals. In particular, people like to watch live demonstrations of food preparation.” Ms. Klitsounova has proposed that agro-mansion hosts share their recipes, creating a Belarusian gastronomic map and encouraging patriotic feelings towards traditional dishes. Neighbours of the Motol villagers have opened a house of bacon at the festival, with hosts from Odrizhin (in Ivanovo District) making sandwiches of seemingly incompatible ingredients, such as bacon, onion and olives. Cheese makers from Priyaseldny agricultural company (located in the village of Psyshchevo) have proven successful with their cheese pies, baskets of ‘cheese-mushrooms’ and clever cheese hedgehogs! They use milled linen seed — known as ‘makukha’ — from Bezdezh (in Drogichin District). The first Motol Delicacies Festival won the Teach Belarus Republican Tourist Contest’s ‘Event’ nomination. This year’s (seventh) festival has officially been named as international and the local wedding round loaf tradition has gained the status of being a Belarusian intangible historical-cultural treasure. In addition to food, those festive days in Motol gather craftsmen from all over the country. Their clay, wood, linen and straw articles always enjoy demand. Moreover, Motol offers several interesting sites for visitors: the local museum of folk crafts (which celebrated its 20th jubilee on August 8th); an archaeological (Our Roots) museum; a museum of folk medicine (a Herbalist’s House); and the museum-house of Chaim Weizmann who founded the state of Israel. The local Motol Neighbours folk group celebrates the round loaf tradition with Jewish dishes, dancing and songs: all in the local dialect. These attractions are deserving of a separate article... By Valentina Kozlovich

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Kvass: one for the road Belarusian drinks of three centuries ago offer surprises

n the days before fashionable mojito cocktails or a bottle of Bailey’s Irish Cream Liqueur, there was kvass, kissel, sbiten, klenovik, krupnik, krambambula, and even coffee! Kvass, honey and beer were once the most popular drinks across Belarusian lands, with Kvass mentioned in the Tale of Bygone Years, written by Nestor in the early 12th century. Usually made from rye bread, rye (sometimes wheat, oat, barley) flour, rye and barley malt, it could be cooked with additions of honey, horseradish, blackcurrant leaves, sugar beet, or maple or birch sap. Honey was the basis of various drinks, including mead: made from water, honey and yeast. Sbiten used not only honey but such spices and herbs as cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, ginger, and bay leaves. Drunk warm, especially on cold days, it was thought to boost the immune system. Krupnik

was made with honey, spices and herbs, with a vodka base. It was served hot and in small cups, directly from the glass or, in some peasant homes, from large wooden spoons. Belarusians also drank birch and maple sap, compotes from berries and, surprisingly, coffee! Special ceremonial drinks often included honey; syta was a staple at funerals; oat kissel was made on Christmas Eve; and kulaga, from berries, rye flour and honey, was made on Kupala night. As B elarusian culture expert Sergey Khorevsky tells us, coffee came to our lands in the late 17th century, brought by those who’d fought in the Battle of Vienna (September, 1683). The armies of the German princes and of the Polish—Lithuanian Commonwealth, under the command of Polish King John III Sobieski, who was also the Grand Duke of Lithuania, defeated the Ottoman Empire army, which was besieging Vienna. This ended the aggressive wars of the Turks in Europe. Those from Belarus who fought on the victorious side received plunder from the retreating Turkish army, including a wagon holding eight tonnes of coffee and various equipment for its preparation. In this way, coffee came to our land; as the Turks called it ‘kahve’, in Belarusian, it was named ‘kava’. By Mila Golub

Traditional Belarusian drink — sbiten

IN VIEW OF JOURNALISM

Deathhail of bullets The Great Patriotic War newspaper Krasnoarmeiskaya Pravda (Red Army Truth) and now known as Belorusskaya Voennaya Gazeta (Belarusian Military Newspaper) was also published in Turkmenistan, called Gyzyl Esger Khakykaty

n the late 1980s, I visited Ashgabat, to meet Annakuli Mamedkuliev, the Deputy Editor-inChief of Gyzyl Esger Khakykaty (as Krasnoarmeiskaya Pravda was called in Turkmenistan). The newspaper was released from November 1942 until July 1945. Annamurad Annanurov published his thoughts in 1972, in Ashgabat, in his Notebook from the Frontline. There, he stated: ‘We were granted the honour of organising and publishing a frontline newspaper. The first issue of Gyzyl Esger Khakykaty came out on January 1st, 1942, with the last issue published on May 25th, 1944. Over that time, around 90 issues were distributed, in addition to 30 leaflets. Until late October 1943, our editorial office included just two people: myself and Senior Lieutenant A. Mamedkuliev. On November 1st, 143, we were joined by Senior Lieutenant A. Annabaev. In March 1944, two more workers arrived: Senior Lieutenant T. Kurbanov and Senior Sergeant S. Dzhumasakhatov. Apart from the latter (who proofread), all had good experience of working for newspapers.’ One issue of Gyzyl Esger Khakykaty (the 3rd Belarusian Front) included notes made by Sergeant A. Lygalin (Radio Officer Zharikov) and correspondence by Kazakh journalist G. Abishev on a Turkmen soldier (Aimamed Yegendzhev). Soldier N. Fedinov wrote an

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IN VIEW OF JOURNALISM article on the heroism of Ukraine’s M. Amechenko, and the issue included a poem by Turkmen poet R. Seidov — A Mother’s Letter. Meanwhile, Captain M. Annanurov wrote an article entitled ‘The Friendship of Nations as a Fundamental of USSR Strength and Might’. The column ‘Letters to Front’ was used to publish materials on personalities across friendly Soviet nations, on the fulfilment of production plans, on the life of collective farms and plants, and on achievements in science and engineering’. In reply to a letter from the Turkmen people to Turkmen soldiers fighting on the Great Patriotic War fronts (published in Pravda on April 16th, 1943), Krasnoarmeiskaya Pravda journalist Annakuli Mamedkuliev composed a poem, which was translated into Russian in 1946 and printed in Letters from the Front, published in Ashgabat. Gyzyl Esger Khakykaty wrote a great deal of the heroism of Turkmen, and published replies by Turkmen soldiers. On July 18th, 1943, it reported that the USSR Hero Aidogdy Takhirov had killed 47 fascists. A young cavalryman from Mary District, Berdymurad Dovletzhanov, was also mentioned. He became a Communist Party member at the Front and, on September 19th, 1943, used camouflage near a village to reach a group of German snipers (who had hampered a detachment from moving forward). He killed 11 enemies and demonstrated bravery by docking a bridgehead on the right bank of the Dnieper. After crossing the river, Red Army soldiers faced a bitter battle, and were unable to progress. Dovletzhanov crawled towards the enemy, this time killing 12 and destroying their trench mortar. Armies, detachments and squads at various sections of the Front read the edition, with Turkmen reporters doing their best to find their countrymen and write about them. Annakuli Mamed-

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kuliev was especially insistent, as were other journalists, enabling the newspaper to collate extensive information. Mr. Annanurov recollects in his memoirs: ‘We planned our newspaper

month by month. I still have a working plan for April 1944, which envisaged the publishing of eight issues, with four major articles. The key themes were also outlined: discipline, order, and or-

ganisation; familiarity with automatic guns; reading and talking as the major form of agitation among non-Russian soldiers; and defeating the enemy in guardsman style. The plan also outlined such themes as ‘helping agitators’, ‘letters on military upbringing’, ‘helping sergeants’, ‘operative materials’, ‘reviews of military action on the Great Patriotic War Fronts’, ‘in Turkmenistan’, ‘abroad’, ‘issues of daily routine’, and ‘Komsomol’. This plan provides a brief yet succinct overview of the problems addressed by newspaper materials’. He continues: ‘From January 31st 1943 to May 20th 1944, 78 issues were released [in fact, Mr. Annanurov mentions 78 and then 90 issues — editor]. In 1943, 57 issues were published and 21 were released in 1944. During this time, 303 articles on fighting were published, including 69 about Turkmen soldiers. 147 official materials were published, in addition to 63 propaganda texts and 30 literary materials, while 52 texts were received from Turkmen soldiers’. During the Great Patriotic War, a journalist at the Front, Annakuli Mamedkuliev, was published within a separate edition devoted to Konstantin Zaslonov, the Belarusian head of an underground organisation. In 1985, the poem was republished as a separate book in Ashgabat, in Turkmen language. I hope Belarusians will recall this work and do everything possible to translate it into Belarusian and Russian — to enable more readers to gain acquaintance with it. Turkmen poets Chary Ashirov and Rukhi Aliev took part in liberating Belarus from Fascist occupants. The former fought as part of the 3rd Belarusian Front, and the topic of Belarus’ liberation was widely covered in both their works. Poems by Aliev and Ashirov on tragic and heroic war times were published in Belarusian in the edition Recollecting Past Crusades (Minsk, 1990). By Ales Karlyukevich

LONG-TIME BEGINNINGS OF COMMUNITY

Fraternal friendship of Watermelons Belarusian and Turkmen nations strengthened during from 1944… the Great Patriotic War

raternal Belarus established close and friendly relations with Turkmenistan in its joint Soviet Union past, when we lived as a single family: Belarusians and Turkmens visited and helped each other, even undertaking military service on the territory of both republics. Their strong ties strengthened further during the Great Patriotic War. At that time, it was not only Russia under fire and suffering grief: Germans occupied Belarus, Ukraine and the Baltic States. It was clear that the enemy was strong, being wellequipped and seemingly heartl e ss . How

would we have eventually claimed victory without standing together? The Motherland called upon all its sons — of all nationalities— to join efforts in helping each other. In those dramatic years, over 300,000 Turkmen soldiers and officers fought against the fascists alongside Belarusians, Russians and other nations. Not long ago, the Memory book was published in Ashgabat, detailing those killed on Belarusian territory. Unsurprisingly, there is a street named after the USSR Hero — Oraz Annaev — in Minsk. Many Turkmens died while liberating Belarus: in fights for Mogilev, Mozyr, Loev, Kalinkovichi and Minsk. The supreme award (of USSR Hero) was presented to Oraz Annaev and Klychniyaz Azalov. After Belarus’ liberation from the fascists, Turkmenistan helped Belarusians restore their life, giving all possible aid. They shared the last loaf of bread — as confirmed by a book entitled Turkmenistan During the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945), published in 1962, using archive materials.

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LONG-TIME BEGINNINGS OF COMMUNITY Its documents include Decree #318 of Turkmenistan’s Central Committee Bureau on the Dispatch of Echelon with Presents for Minsk Workers (of September 5th, 1944). The war was in full swing and Turkmenistan was not in the best condition economically. However, the document reads: 1. To permit Turkmenistan’s Central Committee of Lenin Communist Union of Youth to prepare and send an echelon with presents for Minsk workers. 2. The day of dispatch is set for September 15th, 1944. 3. To appoint a delegation to accompany the echelon — led by Ms. Mukhatova, the Head of the Peasant Youth Department at the Central Committee of Lenin Communist Union of Youth. 4. To order the TSSR’s Soviet of People’s Commissars to allocate to the Central Committee of Lenin Communist Union of Youth (for cash payment): а) consumer goods worth 50,000 Roubles; b) 1 wagon of window glass; c) 1 wagon of ‘Gulyabi’ watermelons; d) 12,200 kg of grain; e) 1,755 of livestock; and f) 4,500 kg of fish. 5. To oblige Ashgabat Railway to render 15 empty wagons and one top class wagon to transport and accompany presents to the destination: Minsk, Belarusian SSR.

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This document confirms that similar echelons were sent not only to Minsk but to other Belarusian cities and villages. In those years, and those in the post-war period, our nation saw the value of true friends. That friendship continues today. Our two states’ presidents, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Alexander Lukashenko, have met in Minsk and Ashgabat many times, signing important co-operative documents. Belarusian tractors today operate on Turkmen fields, being exported in great numbers. Moreover, Turkmens are pleased that thousands of their children are able to study at Belarusian universities, taught by highly qualified lecturers. Among them is Candidate of Economic Sciences Leonid Prishchepa, who comments, “I’m always pleased to work with Turkmen students. Moreover, on visiting Turkmenistan, I realised that our two states have many historical ties. Following the example of our co-operation during the Great Patriotic War, I’m trying to demonstrate our Belarusian-Turkmen friendship, which is vital for the development of relations between our nations. People’s diplomacy has deep roots, as we should always remember.” The Gulyabi watermelons of 1944 — alongside other Turkmen gifts to Belarusians during the Great Patriotic War (and afterwards) — will never be forgotten. By Sergey Shichko

IN THE ARCHIVE OF MEMORY

Carpet for Marshal Decades have passed since the Great Patriotic War and we might believe that there is nothing new to say, but life continues to bring discoveries

nside the Belarusian Great Patriotic War Museum, among the many interesting exhibits, you may notice a handmade Turkmen carpet, bearing the portrait of the Commander of the 1st Belarusian front: Marshal of the Soviet Union Konstantin Rokossovsky. His family donated the carpet to the museum in 1968 and a photo of the rug recently went on show at the Belarusian exhibition in the Turkmen Museum of Fine Arts, in Ashgabat. Woven in 1943, in Turkmenistan, the carpet has its own story. In 1941, a young couple from the village of Aul Soyunaly in Tagtabazar District, Ogulbeke and Agaberdy, married. Ogulbeke was just 20 and working as a teacher in Aul Morchak, studying remotely at the Mari Pedagogical Technical College. Agaberdy and his wife dreamt of studying full time at the Institute but war began and Agaberdy was sent to the Front, just three months after their wedding. Ogulbeke Orazgeldyeva ran to work in the fields after the school day was done, but still found time to write to her husband, creating poetry for him, late in the evenings: verses she called Enemy, You’ll Receive What’s Due to You!, In Search of You, and Come Back. She wrote of the fascists being punished for their evil towards the Soviet people, and

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IN THE ARCHIVE OF MEMORY

My fellow countrymen and I readied ourselves for the trip, The way was to be long We had to bring gifts from the Motherland to soldiers. We go to war with hope of finding you. Though the Front is far, the spirit of war is everywhere, Alarm grows - what will be … further I didn’t know that this path would be so difficult, But we go forward in hope of finding you. Week passed after week, We drove, and walked; my soul flew forward. The Earth is on fire, it means that we see that land. We are at war with hope of finding you. Stale air is saturated with gunpowder; The soul grieves about the wounded and killed. Already, forever and ever, we’ll never forget The roads that we’ve passed to find you. I feel, you are here, you are somewhere nearby — Agaberdy! Meeting is our reward, For this, I’ve passed through all obstacles, With hope in my heart that I’ll find you. But the fight goes on, and you’re on the battlefield! Through the fire, we cannot meet, Your voice has only reached me by portable radio transmitter. I’m happy. You are alive, and I have found you.

of the belief of her fellow villagers that their husbands, sons and fathers would return. Residents of Morchak knew that Ogulbeke liked to write poetry and would ask her to read new works. They would copy out the lines which most touched them, keeping them as talismans, to read in the dark hours. With other women, Ogulbeke collected finances and valuables for the Defence Fund. Residents of Guzyl Goshgun collective farm managed to donate 84kg of silver; a newsreel still exists, showing a beautiful young Turkmen woman in a white scarf, Ogulbeke, handing over the items. At the end of 1943, workers in Mary Region collected a range of gifts for soldiers at the Front. Ogulbeke’s contribution was a rug, woven with a portrait of the Marshal of the Soviet Union, K. Rokossovsky. Together with other Turkmen women, Ogulbeke went to the Front, to present the rug personally to the glorified commander of the 1st Belarusian Front, with whom her own husband was fighting. In return, the commander offered to organise a meeting for the woman with her husband. However, Agaberdy was at the most Front-line sector, making it impossible for her to see him. A phone line was arranged though, allowing them to share words of love.

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Ogulbeke came back from the Front inspired to write new verses. They poured from her generous soul and sincere heart. Here is: In Search of You. Her new poetry was filled with endearment, alarm, pain, and, certainly, love. Ogulbeke took a gramophone back to Aul, given to her by Marshal Rokossovsky; it’s still in the village today. However, within a few months, there was sad news: Agaberdy had been killed. She could remember only the last words he had spoken to her: “Darling, sweetheart! What are you doing in this flaming furnace? A bullet may find you. Leave quickly. The war will end and we’ll meet then! Wait for me! Her heart could not endure without him and, in 1949, the young poetess died. Even today, her memory is kept by the villagers. In 2005, well-known Turkmen poet Agageldy Allanazarov collated her poetry into a book entitled Destiny of a Simple Turkmen Woman. It shows her love for a young man, for her Motherland. She faced her duty and waited for her dear and beloved Agaberdy. By Sergey Shichko

LITERATURE CONNECTIONS

Belarusian Alexander Khodzko acquaints Europe with Magtymguly

et's look back at the mid19th century, when Alexander Khodzko, from Myadel District, was travelling through Turkmenistan, writing the poetic texts of Magtymguly and publishing them in England. It launched European appreciation of this Turkmen literary legend. Russian diplomat Khodzko, who grew up in Myadel Krivichi, also translated into English, and published, legendary Turkmen’s Epic of Koroghlu and Kemine’s verses. It hailed a new page in European appreciation of Turkmen folklore, unveiling unknown writers, and acquainting us with the rich history of these people. Based on Khodzko’s translation, editions of Koroghlu exist in German, Russian and French. George Sand translated it into French, creating a fascinating ‘chain’ from Turkmen Magtymguly to Belarusian Alexander Khodzko to Frenchwoman Sand.

Dozens of Belarusian poets, prose writers and publicists have visited Turkmenistan over the years, some living and working in this sunny country In the 20th century, such wellknown Belarusian writers as National Poet of Belarus Maxim Tank, Ales Zvonak, and Vladimir Korotkevich translated Magtymguly into Belarusian. Magtymguly’s Nightingale Searches for Rose book of poetry was printed in Minsk, while ‘Türkmeniň’ (Destiny of Turkmen), translated by V. Korotkevich into Belarusian, was published in Ashgabat, for an anthology featuring poetry from around the world. In the early 1990s, the author of these lines gave this remarkable small book to the National Scientific-Educational Centre (honouring F. Skorina) and, in 2000, Minsk acquired a new edition in Belarusian, translated by Kazimir Kameisha. Turkmenistan readers gained exposure to Belarusian writers with the publication of a story by Yakub Kolas in Russian, in the Trans-Caspian Region Ashabad newspaper. Meanwhile, books by Kupala and Kolas were first issued in

Turkmen language in 1941, translated by Ata Niyazov. The centenaries of Yakub Kolas and Yanka Kupala were widely celebrated in Turkmenistan in 1982, accompanied by a whole variety of new translations, and articles in such newspapers and magazines as ‘Sovet Edebiyaty’, ‘Sovet Turkmenistany’, and ‘Edebiyat we Sungat’. Famous Turkmen publicist and literary critic Kakaly Berdyev (in the 1980s) headed ‘Edebiyat we Sungat’ (Literature and Art) newspaper, helping to promote Yanka Kupala’s works. One volume of the Belarusian encyclopaedia has an article within its section on ‘Yanka Kupala’ devoted to K. Berdyev. I remember how I saw Kakali Berdyev holding a copy of that thick green encyclopaedic volume, with some reverence and excitement. During the Great Patriotic War, Belarus prose writer and poet Arkady Martinovich served near Ashgabat, writing his novel ‘Do Not Forget Your

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LITERATURE CONNECTIONS Roots’. Years later, his son, poet Pavel Martinovich visited Turkmenistan; later, he wrote a cycle of poems about Turkmenia and included it in the poetic collection ‘Time of Amber’. In the second half of the 1940s, in Ashgabat, the brother of Belarusian opera singer Olga Mikulich-Saburova (who died during the Ashgabat earthquake) was living and working. Boris Mikulich wrote ‘A Tale About Myself ’ (published in the magazine Neman) detailing this Ashgabat period. A recent prisoner of a Stalin camp, he shared his impressions of Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Magtymguly and Shengeli (one of his first translators into Russian). After the war, more translations of Turkmen literature appeared in Belarusian language, while Belarusian literature began to appear more in Turkmenistan. Works by Berdy Kerbabayev, Kayum Tangrykuliev, Agageldy Allanazarov and Kurban Choliev came to light in Belarus. National poets of Turkmenistan include Kerim Kurbannepesov (who translated the poems of Maxim Tank, Pimen Panchenko and Nil Gilevich for his anthology ‘Bouquet of Friendship’) and Kayum Tangrykuliev (who published ‘Poems of Eudokia Los’, ‘Ivan Muraveyko’, ‘Edi Ognetsvet’, and ‘Vasil Vitka’ for his anthology ‘Cheerful Rainbow’). Me anw h i l e , Ka s y m Nurbadov translated many children’s poets of Belarus. The publication of a ‘Belarusian’ issue of children’s magazine ‘Korpe’ (‘Kid’) in 1987, in Belarusian and Russian, was an important event for young readers in Turkmeni- s t a n . T h e publication of an anthology of Belarusian children's literature, entitled

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‘Achyk Asman’ (Bright Sun) in Ashgabat, by Magaryf Publishing House (in 1989) also promoted Belarusian-Turkmen literary brotherhood. Turkmenistan began to see works by Belarusian poets and writers Maxim Tank and Ivan Chigrinov translated into Turkmen language, alongside the lyrical miniatures of Yanka Bryl, stories by Ales Zhuk and Vasil Tkachev, and poetry by Pimen Panchenko, Mikola Chernyavsky, Raisa Borovikova and Artur Volsky. Meanwhile, writers and journalists from Belarus spent much time in Turkmenistan: writer-documentary film maker Nikolay Kalinkovich; poet, and editor-in-chief of the newspaper Tashauzskaya Pravda, Mikhas Karpenko; prose writer Vasil Tkachev; and publicist, and editor-in-chief of Turkmenskaya Iskra, Vasily Slushnik. Nikolay Kalinkovich wrote a book about Hero of the Soviet Union Ivan Vasilievich Bogdanov, from Turkmenistan, who helped liberate Belarus

from fascist aggressors and received his high rank for heroism for his contribution to the Battle of Bobruisk. ‘Returning of Dawn’s Early Hour’ (Ashgabat, 1987) is among a number of other books about Turkmenistan, such as ‘Earthly Connection Unbroken’, and ‘My Name is Freedom’. All were published in Ashgabat. Nikolay Kalinkovich and Mikhail Karpenko were members of the USSR Union of Writers. Sadly, Kalinkovich, a true plenipotentiary of Belarusian culture in Turkmenistan, died young. In our modern times, Belarusian-Turkmen literary relations centre around ‘Litaratura i Mastatstva’, ‘Golas Radzimy’ and ‘Krayaznauchaya Gazeta’ newspapers, and such magazines as ‘Polymya’ and ‘Maladosts’. There have also been translations of Turkmen poetry in ‘Polymya’ magazine. National Poet of Turkmenistan Kayum Tangrykuliev wrote a remarkable poem entitled ‘The Most Well-Known Aul in the World’, devoted to the tragedy of Khatyn, which national poet of Belarus Rygor Borodulin translated into Belarusian. In the 1980s and 1990s, a whole series of literary and art literary miscellanies were issued in Belarus in Belarusian language, including ‘Vetraz’ (Sail), ‘Braterstva’ (Brotherhood), and ‘Dalyaglyady’ (Horizons). Turkmen writers Amandurdy Dzhanmuradov, Allaberdy Khaidov, Kasym Nurbadov, Azat Rakhmanov and others received publication in these editions. Turkmen magazine ‘Sovet Edebiyaty’ published an article on the 'Turkmen pages’ featured in ‘Braterstva’, while Belarusian poet and translator Lyubov Fillimonova worked to promote Turkmen literature in Belarus. We c o u l d continue on and on, as so many more examples exist and, no doubt, new examples will continue to arise. By Ales Karlyukevich

LIFE AND DESTINY

Red colour of love “Tomorrow is a Holiday”

he Great Patriotic War, undoubtedly, left its mark on People’s Artist of the USSR and of Turkmenistan Izzat Klychev. He volunteered for the Front in 1942, joining a signal company and fighting near Voronezh. He followed the roads of Belarus, helping forge a crossing over the rivers Vistula and Oder. Later, he was in Berlin on Victory Day. His award papers read: ‘Corporal Klychev, as Senior Lineman, has more than once shown courage and fearlessness in defending signal lines. While servicing a signal line frequently breached in the district of HotchaDolna-Gnyadkuv, he more than once made repairs while under enemy fire. Klychev especially distinguished himself on the night of October 22nd, 1944. The fixed line through the Vistula came

People’s Artist of Turkmenistan Izzat Klychev followed roads of Belarus

under enemy artillery bombardment, resulting in a wire being damaged by a shell splinter. Klychev and his comrade went to fix the line and, in cold water, under shell bursts, managed to

such Belarusian contemporaries as Mikhail Savitsky (born in 1922), Leonid Shchemelev (born in 1923, and who forced a crossing over the Pripyat, being seriously injured near Mozyr), Victor

Being a soldier of a separate signal company, Izzat Klychev fought near Voronezh. He followed the roads of Belarus, helping forge a crossing near the rivers Vistula and Oder fix the breach by inserting a cable wire. He thus assisted in restoring unbroken communications’. His award for this feat was the 2nd Class Order of the Patriotic War. Other awards given were the Order of the Red Star, and a medal ‘For Courage’. Born in 1923, he remained a soldier throughout his creative life, alongside

Gromyko (born in 1923), and Alexander Soloviev (born in 1926, and who fought in the Baltics, being awarded the Order of the Red Star). Belarusians fought hard militarily, with great results, and on a personal level. Almost everything today reminds us of the sacrifices made and the debt we owe.

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LIFE AND DESTINY

“Young Saryan in Turkmenistan”

In Turkmenistan’s Ashgabat, I had the chance to view many of Izzat Klychev’s works and could see how the land inspired him to use his favourite colour, red. Destiny dealt a hard hand to Izzat from early childhood. His father, Annaklych, was a mullah: a well-educated person. Even before the revolution, as a teacher, he showed children a working model of the Solar system, with the rotation of the Earth around the Sun and the Moon. In 1933, Annaklych was subjected to repression and, together with the family, was sent to cold Northern Kazakhstan, to a camp. Izzat, aged 10, saw his father and mother die there, leaving him alone with his older brother Reshid. In 1938, Izzat began attending a boarding school run by Ashkhabad Art College. There, he met Yulia Daneshvar, a Russian artist who became his first true teacher. After the Great Patriotic War, he studied in Leningrad and, at Boris Ioganson’s studio, created his graduation work: in the Karakum Desert. It was a work inspired by his time with a geodetic expedition, across the Karakum Desert. He spent the whole summer in +50 C° heat, surveying the land

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for a future pipeline, yet still found time to paint and sketch. “I was brought up in Russian culture, and received my education there; in adulthood, I breathed the spiritual atmosphere of Russia. However, I love Turkmenia and the Karakum Desert, which are inseparable for me,” wrote Izzat. The artist became a professional of the highest class, gathering a following from the 1960s. He inspired debate, including on formalism (which was an unsafe topic for the time) and, in 1964, became a People’s Artist of Turkmenistan. In 1973, he was named a People’s Artist of the USSR and, in 1967, received the title of laureate of the USSR State Prize for his ‘My Turkmenia’ cycle. For 15 years, he represented his native republic in the Soviet parliament and, in 1983, became a Hero of Socialist Labour. Today, looking at his Carpet-makers (1975) you can’t help but be struck by his vivid use of colour. The palette is mesmerising, conjuring up Turkmenia’s scorching desert perfectly, in which local residents are oases of kindness and moral force. His Girl

“Before the Start”

with Cherries, Autumn Song, Desert, Legend, Daughter-in-law, Beluji, and Embroiderer are compelling. Among Izzat’s portraits are images of well-known writers Kayum Tangrykuliev and Seyitniyaz Ataev. The latter, a scout who passed the Great Patriotic War on the Frontline, asked me, several decades ago, “What attracts us to such great painters as Izzat Klychev?” He answered by enquiring how a desert smells, and whether I’d seen tulips in the foothills of Kopet Dag? “Have you heard the trembling of leaves in Firyuza? What colours do you imagine when you think about cotton?” he added, saying, “All the answers are revealed in Izzat’s works: his artistic discoveries, and his interpretation of Turkmenia and Turkmen.” I continue to believe in those words, the estimations of Seyitniyaz Ataev, the scout of the 1st Belarusian Front, and Honourable elder of the people of Turkmenistan. Visit museums and galleries, and read albums on the artist; admire Izzat’s works, and you’ll soon see their energy, falling in love with Turkmenistan. By Sergey Zalomay

Ballet

Pervana the butterfly She is yet to dance the rolls of which ballerinas dream, being only 19, and having only graduated this August from the Choreography GymnasiumCollege in Minsk. Pervana Myradova was born in Ashgabat, in Turkmenistan, but now dances for the National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre. Her first main role has been in Swan Lake, within the group of four small swans....

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sked whether she is happy, her face l i g ht s u p w i t h joy and she declares, “Oh, yes!” It seems that no other answer is possible, since she has dreamt of working at such a theatre since college, where she spent eight long years. She has already fallen in love with Minsk, walking around Nemiga and the Troitsky Suburbs by night, when the city is lit so beautifully. Of course, she has dreams. One day, she’d like to play Odette-Odile in Swan Lake, watched by her parents. Naturally, Nurdzhemal Amannazarova and Charyyarhodzha Myradov are proud of her, as is her favourite teacher, Irina Mergenova. The role is the ultimate test for any ballerina. People’s Artiste of Belarus Yuri Troyan, the Art Director for ballet at the Bolshoi Theatre, is pleased with the young ballerina, while noting that she needs to build her strength and remain determined. I can’t help mentioning her eyes, which have such depth. They sparkle with pleasure, as they only can when you are young. What brought you to Minsk? I was 10 years old when I arrived from Turkmenistan in Belarus, and entered choreography college, which I chose having read good reviews online. Well-known ballet dancers Ivan Vasilev, Igor Kolb and others graduated from here. Did you dance from childhood? I didn’t think about ballet, and I didn’t dance in front of the mirror, as other girls tend to do. I studied at an ordinary school and my parents had no links to the arts. My mother is an anaesthesiologist, while my father is a customs officer. A friend of my mother, Irina Abdyevna, showed me films of ballet performances, which ignited my interest. I was nearly 7 years old when she began teaching me. I didn’t have any

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Ballet special potential but I was persistent, so all went well. It helped having such a teacher. Then, I prepared to enter college and Irina Abdyevna accompanied my mother, bringing me to Minsk. When do you realise that wanted to pursue ballet as a professional? It came upon me gradually. At first, I simply worked mechanically: I was very young and didn’t understand the emotional side. It was only when I was older, at college, that I realised how much of myself I needed to reveal through dance, so that audiences would see my soul, rather than the mask of my face. Our teacher, Nina Davydenko [People’s Artiste of Belarus] taught us not only how to move but how to show our feelings. How did it feel to see such public interest? It began in college, when I danced Masha in ‘The Nutcracker’. I understood then that there’s a relationship with my audience. It’s a great feeling: a true exchange of energy. So, you came to the Bolshoi Theatre after college. Who recommended you? One year before graduating from college, Yuri Troyan came to select girls for training. He saw me and invited me to visit the theatre, with others. We watched performances and danced. In March 2015, I and one other ballerina were offered a place, which was wonderful. I agreed, as I like your country, and I like Minsk. I like Belarusians; they are so benevolent, sympathetic and hospitable. Did your parents object? Not at all, they see the theatre as a gift from Fate.

You must miss your home… how often do you fly to Ashgabat? When I was younger, of course, I missed it. Sometimes, my mother came to visit, and sometimes I came home. So, we saw each other twice a year. Now I go home only once a year. I haven’t seen my older brother, Ezber, for a long time, as he’s studying management in London, at university. Do you ever think of returning to Ashgabat? The city is said to be very beautiful… Ashgabat is beautiful, as is Minsk. When I started my studies, it was really hard without my parents. I wanted to return home, although I didn’t let them know. They had faith in me and were relying on me to do well, so I didn’t want to let them down, nor Irina Abdyevna. How did you bridge the language divide? I knew Russian, having studied at Russian school. Probably, my mother had a presentiment that it would be useful to me in the future. Tell us about your first days with the Bolshoi Theatre. At first, I was very scared, as I had to be much more independent, and think for myself. I realised that it’s easier to study than to work. Who else came here from college? How did the theatre receive you? Four of us have entered here from my class, and I’m friendly with them all. I rent a flat with a Japanese and a Korean girl. We’ve been treated kindly, and with patience, while we learn to fit in. The others in the troupe probably remember how they felt at first. The teachers have helped us too; the Bolshoi Theatre has outstanding teachers. It’s been very pleasant to work with ballet masters Aleksandra Tikhomirova and Tatiana Yershova. I’ve quickly begun to feel relaxed and confident, and to enjoy the lovely atmosphere. In your opinion, why is Belarusian ballet so great?

Ballet

“I like your country, and I like Minsk. I like Belarusians; they are so benevolent, sympathetic and hospitable”

It has a rich history and is famous worldwide for its professionalism, often touring. I sometimes hear from experienced ballerinas how they’ve been received abroad, with great appreciation. While at college, I was delighted to see such performances as ‘The Creation of the World’, ‘Carmina Burana’, and ‘Romeo and Juliet’. I admired Lyudmila Khitrova, Yana Shtangei, Aleksandra Chizhik, Irina Yeromkina and many others. Strong and beautiful, they inspired me to become like them. Are you comfortable dancing on the stage of the Bolshoi Theatre? Certainly! Everyone tries to make us feel comfortable, saving us from twisted ankles by applying colophony to make the floor less slippery. Which was your first performance with the Bolshoi Theatre? A one-act ballet called ‘Serenade’, by Balanchine; I danced in the corps de ballet. Yesterday, I appeared on stage within a group of four soloists. Do you view ballet as hard work? Yes. Sometimes, you need to endure pain, without letting it show. I’m patient by nature. Of course, if a show goes well, then you can’t help but feel satisfied. Some view the corps de ballet as the face of a ballet troupe, since soloists

don’t always maintain their level. Do you agree? The corps de ballet is a unified team, supporting the leading soloists. If someone in the corps de ballet falls out of step, everything can go awry, including the soloists. If you watched ‘The Little Prince’ recently, then you’ll have seen how the corps amplifies the soloists — for good or bad. You were a bird among six other birds? Yes. I loved the performance. The staging and costumes were amazing. What’s your favourite move in ballet? And your least favourite? I like poses, such as the arabesque and attitude, and love seeing the men jump, soaring through the air. Sasha Chizhik manages this very well. I’m yet to achieve high jumps, although I’m working on them. I have no right to dislike any ballet move. Do you prefer modern or classical ballet? My soul and body are predisposed to classical rather than modern. I feel that the latter fails to convey the same depth of feeling: love, passion and femininity. Do you need to prove yourself, to become a soloist? I have much work to do and must be determined. Yuri Antonovich has been

giving me some solo roles, so I can show what I’m capable of. Dancing in a group of four is the first step on the way to becoming a lead soloist. Would you like to see a ballet staged especially for you? That’s a transcendental dream! What plans do you have for the future? First, I’d like to become successful in the theatre, and then enter the University of Culture’s pedagogical department, studying remotely, to become a choreographer. Whose idea was it to call you Pervana and what does it mean? My mother gave me this name. In Turkmen it means butterfly or moth. In its short form, Peri, it means angel. Thinking of your flat share, with three nationalities of cuisine, what happens in your kitchen? We have a mutual understanding in the kitchen. Korean Yunzi Lim often prepares gimbap, which is rather like Japanese sushi, while Japanese Urabe Kurimu makes a good soup. I prepare pilau rice. Do you like draniki? I’ve eaten them since childhood. I also like cakes and don’t hold back in eating them! By Valentina Zhdanovich

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