Magazine
“KULTURA, NATSYJA”,
Issue 28, November 2021
Abstracts #28
Piotra Murzionak: Theses Leading to Tactics and Strategy of Nation-Building Given Present Conditions (editorial)
(webzine “Kultura. Natsyja”, issue 28, November 2021, 5–13, www.sakavik.net)
The author presented a short analysis of today’s situation in Belarus, then highlighted various discussed principles for further work by sectors labouring to increase national awareness. He proposed various shorter and longer projects, as he understands them. Many questions that were presented for discussion were expressed in the form of theses that can open the way to include other people for further discussion and coming to concrete decisions. Alena Liavonchanka, President of Belarusian Canadian Alliance, took part in discussions on this topic. A short dialog ensued which also included a period for questions and answers. This article was read during the Second World Congress of Belarusians that took place in virtual format (online) during the session entitled: “Tactics and Strategy of Nation-Building” (with various small addendums), read on October 29, 2021.
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Vital Voranau: Pipers-Bear Trainers from Hlybokaye (аbstract)
(webzine “Kultura. Natsyja”, issue 28, December 2021, 14-25, www.sakavik.net)
Vital Voranau’s article Pipers-Bear Trainers from Hlybokaye reveals the previously unknown history of bear training that took place in Hlybokaye and Hlybotskaye Region. The author shows that historical county jesters with their dancing bears deserve as much attention as has been granted to the “Smarhonski Academics.” Many sources testify to the practice of having bears perform dances as an extremely popular form of entertainment before crowds of onlookers. Such activities were conducted in Hlybokaye Region, also in Smarhon where it was closely tied with the Zyanovich and Radzivil households.
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Vital Voranau: Continuity of Tradition and Uniting Power of Culture Through the Belarusian Duda (Bagpipe) (abstract)
(webzine “Kultura. Natsyja”, issue 28, November 2021, 26-39, www.sakavik.net)
Pointing to various examples, the author shows that the historical tradition of playing the Belarusian bagpipe has not been nullified, as often is assumed. Between 1951 and towards the end of 1970’s the Belarusian bagpipe continued to be seen within Belarusian culture in various forms outside of purely musical performances, such as in dances, literary texts, artistic works and national legends. As testified by a whole array of unfairly forgotten artists, by the end of the 20th century the Belarusian bagpipe was again raised to its high professional level of recognition. We presently are seeing a deepening resurgence of Belarusian tradition, a return to authentic traditional forms of playing musical instruments, techniques in musical forms and other important ethnographic aspects that have been traditionally associated with the Belarusian bag pipe.
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Paterson Franco Costa Belarusian rock in Portuguese: Translating protest and hope in the film “Viva Belarus!”
Paterson Franco Costa – intersemiotic translation researcher, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Brazil
(webzine “Kultura. Natsyja”, issue 28, November 2021, 40-72, www.sakavik.net)
Abstract. Belarus has been the stage of constant protests against Aliaksandr Lukashenka’s authoritarian regime, in control of the country since 1994. In this context, rock has long been one of the main tools to denounce the dictatorship, mainly through its lyrics, in the Belarusian language, which refer to the historical and cultural elements of the people as a form of resistance against Russian-speaking oppression. This article seeks, through translation, to analyze these dynamics of cultural and linguistic resistance in the compositions of Lavon Volski, one of the greatest exponents of contemporary Belarusian rock, within Krzysztof Łukaszewicz’s “Viva Belarus!” (2012), first feature film predominantly in Belarusian translated and subtitled into Portuguese directly from that language. Aiming to reflect on the country’s political scenario in the film, the article brings as theoretical support names like Heloísa Barbosa, in the field of translation procedures, Frantz Fanon and Michel Foucault, on power relations, in addition to intellectuals from the former USSR, such as Nelly Bekus, Aleksandr Shubin and Vital Silitski, to discuss post-Soviet identities. This article is expected to contribute to filling the gap on Belarus within Slavic studies in Brazil and elsewhere. Keywords: Belarus; Audiovisual Translation; Cultural studies; Bilingualism.
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Galina Toumilovitch, PhD: BNR. Role of M. Downar-Zapolski in forming the basis for the creation of Belarusian statehood (abstract)
(webzine “Kultura. Natsyja”, issue 28, November 2021, 73-78, www.sakavik.net)
- Proclamation of 100 years ago – on March 25, 1918 of Belarusian Democratic Republic (BNR in Belarusian) is the most important event of the entire modern history of Belarus.
- This 100th Anniversary of the state connects all Belarusians.
- 3.Within the framework of these measures different meetings, lectures and interviews between the public and the political individuals are being held.
- As a historian, I believe that one of the most important topics to explore is the basis for the creation of Belarusian statehood.These days this topic is simpler to discuss because of access to detailed historical materials and known studies.
- However, 100 years ago the situation was quite different. The first researcher who used his profound knowledge of history to determine Belarusians as having their own unique culture was Downar-Zapolski.
- First, to establish the objective substantiation of Belarusian statehood, we discuss his work, “The Basis of Belarusian Statehood.” Second, his contribution to mapping Belarus was crucial as it outlined Belarus’ southern border with Ukraine.
- His chief accomplishment, however, is his work justifying a basis for Belarusian statehood. It was he who formulated the main points of Belarusian historical ideology for that period, which BNR leaders relied upon to show evidence of the existence of a long tradition of Belarusian self-governance.
- D. Zapolski’s main themes and postulates were the following: a) the Polatsk principality, b) the history of GDL (Grand Duchy of Lithuania or Litva), where he pays special attention to the period before its union with Poland and he emphasizes the rights of both Belarusians and Lithuanians to their GDL heritage. Further analyzing GDL’s development period with Poland, he emphasizes the federal nature of this state. This includes the incorporation of Belarusian land in the composition of Russia, which included Russification of people living there. Thus, he concludes that the GDL is the final government structure that Belarusians could regard as their own.
- In addition to its historical and socio-political significance, D.-Zapolski’s’ publication (which concluded that Belarusian statehood was predetermined) also had a more practical purpose. Namely, it was created in order to be presented at the 1919 Paris Peace Conference.
- The merit of Downar -Zapolski’s publication cannot be overemphasized a) because of its sizeable contribution to the development of Belarusian statehood and b) because of its value to the study of Belarusian history.
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Juraś Šamiečka: Selected Publications by the Membership of Belarusian Institute of Arts and Science (BINIM, Canada) Between 2015-2021 (abstract)
(webzine “Kultura. Natsyja”, issue 28, November 2021, 79-91, www.sakavik.net)
In spite of geographic distance from the country in which they were born, Belarusians in Canada display the greatest of interest in Belarusian issues. Members of Belarusian Institute of Arts and Sciences in Canada (BINIM, Canada) play a significant role in engendering and disseminating materials on Belarusian themes. BINIM, Canada was founded by Belarusian diaspora in 1968 and continues to fulfill an engaging and significant role. Over the past five years members of BINIM, Canada have written and published books under the following categories: books of collective materials (such Zapisy, Dr. Maryia Paulina Survila: With Belarus in Her Heart); academic publications (Dr. Zina Himlievich, Dr. Piotra P. Murzionak), memorial literature (Piotra P. Murzionak, Ivonka Survila), poetry (Siarhei Panizik, Piotra P. Murzionak, Yuras Shamietska). Published books display robust intellectual abilities of their authors who are guided by a deep sense of Belarusian national consciousness, culture, history and tradition. The books’ themes point to a carefully thought out move towards understanding values of western society and a move away from thinking of the Soviet past. At the same time these authors remain strong proponents of traditional values such as of life itself, dignity, love and one’s desire to see justice prevail. These values are also relevant to western civilization. Books published by members of BINIM, Canada also contribute significantly to cultural life within Belarus itself.
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Piotra Murzionak: Does Belarus Belong to Western Civilization?
(webzine “Kultura. Natsyja”, issue 28, November 2021, 92-104, www.sakavik.net)
Earlier the author postulated that Eastern Slavs, beginning with the 9th and going through to the 12th century, formed two distinct civilizations–Belarusian-Ukrainian or Western-Ruthenian, and Eurasian or Russian. Evidence suggests that the demarcation of the Eastern Slavs with the formation of two civilizations, during the time of Kievan Rus and after, has been determined by various factors such as: the distinctive features of Slavic tribes, the natural conditions of the East European Plain and the Eurasian Steppe, assimilation with local tribes, internecine wars between the lands and principalities, the influence of the Mongol Empire and the impact of the Great Lithuanian Principality, which saved a part of the Eastern Slavs, who lived on the territory of modern Belarus and Ukraine, from “Eurasian influence.” The formation of these two civilizations was the result of the interaction and impact of population movements–the Slavs from west to east and the Eurasian peoples from east to west. In addition, based on the evidence presented by the author, he concludes that the Belarusian-Ukrainian civilization differs substantially from Eurasian civilization and might be classified as the Western-Ruthenian sub-civilization of western civilization.
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Alena Ljavonchanka: Belarus and diaspora problems (abstract)
(webzine “Kultura. Natsyja”, issue 28, November 2021, 105-108, www.sakavik.net)
The author shares her impressions of the Conference of Belarusian diasporas held on September 24-25, 2021 in Vilnius. This is a brief overview of the issues discussed there, including the interaction of permanent and new Belarusian organizations abroad, communication between different flows of the Belarusian democratic movement.
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Piotra Murzionak: Today’s Activities of Belarusian Groups in Canada (abstract)
(webzine “Kultura. Natsyja”, issue 28, November 2021, 109-117, www.sakavik.net)
In the report that was read during the World Congress of Researchers of Belarus (held in Kaunas from October 1-3, 2021) the author discusses the activities of Canadian Belarusians made up of persons from the latest flow of immigrants which ensued at the end of the last and beginning of this century. He describes characteristics of various groups that existed earlier and which are now continuing to be active today. He offers examples of the most notable events, meetings that have taken place over the past 20 years. Also included are interactions by Belarusian groups with diaspora of other peoples’ groups such as Hungarians, Latvians, Lithuanians, Poles, Ukrainians, Czechs and Estonians. The author includes declarations that are kept before Belarusian groups in Canada which include unification of existing groups with newer ones that have formed since the Revolution of Hope burst out in Belarus during 2020. He expresses the hope that even this, albeit not an enormous amount of support by Canadian Belarusians, will contribute significantly to the rebuilding of a new Belarus.
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Tatyana Kenko: Three more articles concerning Belarus in 1812: Route Taken by the Second Army – Volkovysk, Minsk, Mir, Bobryusk, Saltanovka; Route Taken by the Third Russian Army: Kobrin; Two Rivers. Berezino. Escape (abstract)
(webzine “Kultura. Natsyia”, issue 28, November 2021, 118–172, www.sakavik.net)
Next year it will have been 220 years since the outbreak of the War of 1812. It was precisely on Belarusian soil that the initial and final actions of this campaign took place. In our former issue (No. 27) three articles were published, each dealing with the events of that time: “Belarus, 1812: People and Events,” “Two Rivers. Nieman. The Beginning,” and “Vilnia. The Summer. Was It a War for the Fatherland or Civil War?” In this issue the author continues to shed light on the subject of the War of 1812 on Belarusian territories in the form of taking an excursion by means of the three articles: “Route Taken by the Second Army – Volkovysk, Minsk, Mir, Bobryusk, Saltanovka”; “Route Taken by the Third Russian Army. Kobrin”; “Two Rivers. Berezino. Escape.”
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Sjargei Paniznik: New poems
(webzine “Kultura. Natsyja”, issue 28, November 2021, 173-183, www.sakavik.net)
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Michas Kenka: Translation of Henyrk Zhavuski’s Novel November
(webzine “ Kultura. Natsyja”, issue 28, November 2021, 184-238, www.sakavik.net)
I hereby present to the readers of Kuktura. Natsyia the translation of Polish writer Henryk Zhavuski’s (1791-1866) novel entitled November. This is a piece of writing dealing with historical themes during the time of the last Polish king, Stanislav Avgust Paniatouski. The book’s subject material relates to the span of years from 1760 to 1780. It is of interest to any Belarusian reader because the narrative takes place on Belarusian soil that include geographical places such as Niasvizh, Slutsk and their surrounding territories. It describes to the reader the lives and times of two nobleman who happen to be brothers, Mikhal and Liudvik. One of them was raised according to ancient Polatsk (sometimes called “Sarmatski”) traditions while the other was raised under the influence of western culture which had entered Poland from France and Germany. Limits of this internet journal do not allow us to introduce to you, the reader, the fullest underlying realities of the action described nor to fully lay out the historical background on which the described events take place. The author did include such details in his descriptive writings but he also assumed that his readers (keeping mind that his work was published from 1845 to 1946) knew full well the history of Poland and thus were well aware of Karal Radzivil, Panie Kakhanka, Stanislav Paniatouski and other historical figures who are presented in his novel as purely literary personalities.
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Sjargei Paniznik: New materials of the famous Belarusian poet include folklore recordings “Zelnik majgo Prydzvinnja\Herbal book of near Dzvina river region” (webzine “ Kultura. Natsyja”, issue 28, November 2021, 239-249, www.sakavik.net)
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Ales Simakou: Belarusian-Indian Ties
(webzine “Kultura. Natsyja”, issue 28, November 2021, 250-260, www.sakavik.net)
This text was presented during the First Zaslauski Readings in 1989. This is a document relating to the late Soviet epoch which, according to the editors of several publications, does not correspond to usual forms but demonstrates relevance to our present time. This is the second work of research relative to Belarusian-First Nations ties following the author’s initial one in 1984; it carries with it a more solid review. The content is made up of an introduction, conclusion and five chapters under given themes: 1) Information (an attempt to bring out the most distinctive publications and other sources containing reports of Belarusian information, including sources written in Belarusian, about First Nations groups – about their poverty throughout the centuries. 2) Specific activities of First Nations groups. 3) Contacts (noted as most important ones among relatively few discovered up to 1989. 4) The influence (notably of First Nations groups on Belarusians’ material culture and worldview). 5) Comparative studies (prerequisites of Belarusian-First Nations cordial relations based on common values). This text differs from the original type-written one only in technical typographic defects and orthography. Several controversial or incorrectly formed places are covered by commentaries in the 2021 version.
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Ales Simakou: Meetings Between Belarusians and Individuals from First Nations Groups According to Unpublished Materials of Correspondence
(webzine “Kultura. Natsyja”, issue 28, November 2021, 261-289, www.sakavik.net)
Correspondence shows itself to be a useful source of factual historical information concerning direct ties between Belarusians and First Nations groups. Thus, on the basis of publications and correspondence in the author’s archives we find the following: 1) Revived research from history of various moments of contacts. 2) Detailing one of the most unique cases of Belarusians’ intention to make known biographical information concerning thousands of individuals tied with the history of Russians in America (which was one result of correspondence by historian A. Gryniov who sought to gather information about contacts between Belarusians and aboriginals in Alaska and California). 3) The author presents examples of traditional and electronic correspondence between individuals living in Belarus, Russia, Poland, USA and Canada. Included in this list is correspondence of the following individuals: L. Arabey, A. Artsiukhovich, P. Baiko, Ya. Bryl, I. Varabei, R. Hauronski, E. Hutkin, K. Vazurek, V. Rais, A. Silvashka, M. Tank, T. Yuzenchyk.
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Christian sermon by Yurka Rapiecki: “If My people… humble themselves”
(webzine “Kultura. Natsyja”, issue 28, November 2021, 290-295, www.sakavik.net)
It was during Solomon’s reign over Israel that God spoke to this king who completed the building of the temple of worship. God stated that if his people (the Israelites of that time) would humble themselves, turn to Him in prayer and seek God’s will, He would hear their cry, forgive their sins and heal their land. God also forewarned them that if they would wander away from him, then they would know nothing but trouble and hard times. Solomon’s reign as king started well but towards the end of it he changed and stopped listening to God. As a result his nation suffered and even the temple was destroyed by a foreign power. This should serve as a worthy lesson to Belarusians, namely, to humble themselves before God, turn from any known sins, pray and ask for God’s intervention into their country’s affairs. When a significant amount within any people group do this, God answers their pleas, blesses them and heals their land. This sermon calls Belarusians to take seriously the words that were spoken to the Israelites of Solomon’s day and follow God’s ways for his blessings to be poured on their country and nation.
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New book advertisement: Iryna Khadarenka published brochure “PARTISAN’S TEXTBOOK” (New York, 2021, 51 p. ISBN 978-163848576-6).
(webzine “Kultura. Natsyja ”, issue 28, November 2021, 296-297, www.sakavik.net)
This brochure was written under the influence of the events of the Revolution of Hope 2020, a direct witness of some of them was Iryna Khadarenka herself. In the brochure the reader can find answers to some questions, ranging from the history of the guerrilla movement in the Belarusian lands to modern methods of fighting for human rights.
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Sjargei Paniznik: To the very important leader of local Belarusian studies (abstract)
(webzine “Kultura. Natsyja”, issue 28, November 2021, 298-303, www.sakavik.net)
Sjargei Paniznik sent his notes, poems, photos concerning the memory of Mr. Uladzimir Puchynski, editor of the newspaper “Krajaznauchaja hazeta”, who died suddenly after coronavirus infection.
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Piotra Murzionаk Information and speech statements about the Black Ribbon Day meeting/82nd anniversary of Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact (Parliament Hill, August 23, 2021, Ottawa, Canada)
(webzine “Kultura. Natsyja”, issue 28, November 2021, 304-307, www.sakavik.net)
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Magazine
“KULTURA, NATSYJA”,
Issue 27, April-May 2021
Abstracts. “Kultura. Natsyja”. Issue 27, April-May 2021.
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Piotra Murzionak: Repentance in the “Union of Darkness” (editorial)
(web-magazine “Kultura. Natsyja”, issue 27, April 2021, p.6-15, www.sakavik.net)
Not in the honor of the 25th anniversary of the Union of Belarus and Russia. The article analyzes the state of society in Belarus and Russia in terms of the presence or absence of a critical perception of past mistakes made at the state level and at the level of a person or group of persons, in particular, the nationally conscious part of Belarusians. The consequences of not admitting such mistakes are considered and possible ways of correcting them are suggested, including repentance / confession of guilt.
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Vital Zajka: Where is Belarusian Historiography Headed, or is Belarusian Teleology Possible? (abstract)
(web-magazine “Kultura. Natsyja”, issue 27, April 2021, 16-26, www.sakavik.net)
The author of the article attempts to review the issue of why within Belarusian historiography, to this point and whether this be perceived conscientiously or not, lurks the old Russian-centered system of coordinates rather than viewing the majority of events and phenomena from a Belarusian-centered point of view. Why are such matters viewed from other analyses that gravitate toward Russia or some other abstract general human positions stressing denationalization rather than from the perspective of interests and desires existing within Belarusian territory itself? This matter is simply related to teleology, i. e. the sum total of purposes which seeks to pursue the creation and development of historiography, in this case – the matter of Belarusian historiography. At the present time the official historiography of Belarus, tied to the country’s state structures, continues to be almost fully subservient to the canons of past Soviet historiography and newly borrowed analyses of Russian historians, most of whom exist and function under the influence of chauvinistic ideology. On the other hand, a string of historians and authors, who write on historical themes, stand outside of today’s official historiography of Belarus and non-critically borrow from the analyses and tendency being demonstrated by leftist liberal sources within today’s Free World. It is becoming abundantly clear that there is an acute need for an independent Belarusian-centered point of view regarding historic events and phenomena developing within Belarus which any independent country and sovereign nation must and can have for itself. The true need to formulate a Belarusian-centered historiology and nation-minded memory has been brought out by the latest events in Belarus when Belarusians en masse have stepped out in protest against their government’s falsified election results. They have chosen and used their own symbols against their governing regime that perpetrated falsified presidential elections and continues to erroneously defile those symbols, casting defamatory charges onto the history of the Belarusian Independent Movement.
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Tatyana Kenko: Belarus, 1812; Two Rivers. Nioman. The Beginning; Vilnja. Summer. Patriotic or Civil War? (abstract)
(web-magazine “Kultura. Natsyja”, issue 27, April 2021, 27-57, www.sakavik.net)
Next year it will have been 220 years since the start of the War of 1812. Most authors who write about this war centre on the battles at Smolensk and Borodino, Napoleon’s presence in Moscow, him being driven out of Russia. In short, they centre on events in Smolensk and Moscow Gubernias (regions). But it was on Belarusian soil that the initial and final actions of this campaign ensued. How did the population of Belarus react to Napoleon? Why was it that the first army division which entered Vilnius was under the command of Domenic Radzivill? Why did Napoleon decide to terminate his 1812 Campaign in the middle of July at Vitsebsk? In the course of three articles (“Belarus, 1812; People and Events,” “Two Rivers. Nioman. The Beginning,” and “Vilnius. Summer. Patriotic or Civil War?”) author Tatyana Kenko bypasses any attempt to retell the course of battles and struggles so as to tire out her readers with a multiplicity of dates and numbers. Rather, she exposes pertinent information in the form of an excursion and one’s viewing of exhibits along the way which serve to reproduce scenes, moments of sculptural and architecture importance, also histories of towns and cities involved.
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Paterson Franco Costa: Can we actually say that the Belarusian national identity is a weak one? (abstract)
(web-magazine “Kultura. Natsyja”, issue 27, April 2021, p.58-78, www.sakavik.net)
Paterson Franco Costa – Inter-semiotic Translation researcher, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Brazil.
This interdisciplinary study aims to analyze aspects behind the view shared by a considerable number of authors that Belarusian national identity is weak or even non-existent. The general aspects discussed are sociological, political and economic. On the sociological level, based on Robin Dunbar’s theory, human pragmatism and sociological limitations are pointed out as a possible cause of ignorance about countries, including Belarus. Concerning political issues, following Kwame Nkrumah’s thoughts, the apparent weakness of the Belarusian national discourse is considered in relation to the current authoritarian regime and its subserviency to the former metropolis. Regarding the economic sphere, based on Iryna Buhrova’s reflections as a starting point, dependency perpetrated by the regime as part of an imperialist-neocolonial agenda is problematized. In this context, with technical input from economics and engineering experts, it is pointed out that Belarus has great economic and energy potential if and when favorable political changes take place. Finally, the study leans towards the argument that identity and cultural issues frequently used to contest the existence and viability of the Belarusian nation come, from economic and political factors. Thus, directions are suggested to change this situation in the context of the 2020-2021 protests. Keywords: Belarus; Cultural Studies; National Identity; Decolonization.
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Maryna Krazhova: Status of the Belarusian Language in the UNESCO’s Atlas of the World’s Languages in Danger (abstract)
(web-magazine “Kultura. Natsyja”, issue 27, April 2021, 79-108, www.sakavik.net)
This paper analyzes the current status of the Belarusian language and describes the necessity of a correct image of the language on a global scale. The research covers legal aspects and the unique features of the Belarusian language that were formed during the Soviet rule and includes recommendations for improving language policies and preventing the arising dangers. To reveal the issue, we got acquainted with scholarly articles, books, and reports, we compared the opinions, and applied the results to the UNESCO’s measurements on the Atlas of the World’s Languages in danger. Our research showed the miscalculations and understatement of the language status as vulnerable. The misleading numbers and incorrect image of the Belarusian language will lead to language extinction, which will negatively affect global cultural diversity. To prevent language extinction, we need to reevaluate the vulnerable status of Belarusian using public opinion and scholarly articles instead of governmental censuses.
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Iryna Khadarenka. Solidarity: running horizontally (аbstract)
(web-magazine “Kultura. Natsyja”, issue 27, April 2021, 109-115, www.sakavik.net)
The author analyzes the phenomenon of increasing solidarity within Belarusian society, which has its roots in an ancient tradition called “talaka.” She expresses the opinion that the transition from a strict vertical management model to the multilateral development of horizontal ties and stimulation of activity within local communities is extremely important now. She emphasizes that, within the scope of modern conditions today, anyone can become a leader, and the models and principles of project management could become very effective in the fight against tyranny.
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Liavon Karpovich: Long Uncompleted Road Home (abstract)
(web-magazine “Kultura. Natsyja”, issue 27, April 2020, 116–122, www.sakavik.net)
Twenty countries within our world and the United Nations organization have put out more than 200 stamps featuring Mark Chagall. Five of them were published by the Postal Service in Belarus. Stressing the importance of philately, the author wishes to acquaint his readers with Chagall’s tie to his homeland and complicated and long return to it, also with Chagall’s dedication to the Bible, love and his belief that “…in art, as in life, anything is possible when at the heart of it all lies love.”
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Leanid Karpovich: Enchanted by the Bible. Mark Chagall’s Song of Songs (аbstract)
(web-magazine “Kultura. Natsyja”, issue 27, April 2021, 123-129, www.sakavik.net)
The author describes Mark Chagall’s interest in the Bible which he displayed in his art creations. In private the artist turned to the Old Testament book of “Song of Songs,” to its poetry that breathes out love. “Without love our world would, step by step, continue to its end.” Chagall’s art pieces breathe out love taken from “Song of Songs.” In his article the author displays stamps that feature Chagall’s art works and describes their content.
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Tatyana Kenko: Mstislavl – Little Vilnius. Piotr Mstislavets (abstract)
(web-magazine “ Kultura. Natsyja”, issue 27, April 2021, 130-165, www.sakavik.net)
Many cities, towns and villages of Belarus express pride in their centuries-old histories. As an example, we have cities such as Mstislavl, which is often referred to as “the Belarusian Suzdal and Little Vilnius.” However, the bulk of Mstislavl’s history is considered anything but little or insignificant. Many roads passed through this city to other cities of the Grand Duchy of Litva. Merchants from Mstislavl conducted business with people in Kiev, Orsha, Novgorod and other such places. In the 14th century cities such as Mogilyov, Krichev, Chausy, Cherikov and others fell within its scope of influence. In the middle of the 16th century one of the first Orthodox Church’s Brotherhoods was established in Belarus which included a free school for children of the city’s residents where students were taught how to read and write in Belarusian. The Brotherhood established and operated a printing press and used it for educational purposes. It is not surprising to see that one native of the city, Piotr Timofeyev Mstislaviets, became one of the first eastern Slavic publishers. Also, in the 17th century the city’s Jesuit Collective became widely known.
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Tatyana Kenko: They have remained only in pictures or how in the 21st century the legacy of Napolean Orda is being used in Belarus (abstract)
(web-magazine “Kultura. Natsyja”, issue 27, April 2021, 152-162, www.sakavik.net)
Among representatives of well-known familial households of Orda in Belarus, particularly Napoleon Orda, who was named in honour of the French emperor, gained world attention. Following the Rebellion of 1830-1831, in which he participated, he was forced to leave Russia. Finding himself abroad, he managed to become well educated in the areas of music and art. His work entitled “Grammar of Music,” published in 1873, was considered over several decades to be one of the better textbooks on the subject. His travels covered half of Europe and as a result of his 30 trips he produced a series of drawings of old castles and city streets. Following Czar Alexander II’s amnesty, he returned to his homeland and for 25 years traveled about Lithuania, Poland, Volyn drawing sketches and trying to include in them every possible important historical and architectural monument. His drawings were passed on to Krakovsky National Museum where they have been kept for almost 100 years. In 1977 some 1000 reproductions of his work were printed. Over 300 of them are scenes taken from Belarus, her cities, cultural treasures which were lost in the horrors of wars and social changes that occurred during the course of our suffering-filled 20th century. This Master, as it were, won back for us lost architectural cathedrals and destroyed places within Belarus.
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Tatyana Kenko: The history of Spiridon Sobol and printing press manufactured by him at Kuteynski Monastery located initially in The Grand Duchy of Litva and later in the 17th century within lands under the rule of the Russian Duchy (abstract)
(web-magazine “Kultura. Natsyja”, issue 27, April 2021, 163–171, www.sakavik.net)
Among attractions of the ancient city of Orsha one will find Kuteynski Monastery, also termed as Kuteynskaya Lavra. One of the most notable initiatives of the monastery’s staff was the production of a printing press and its subsequent printing of Orthodox Church materials. This institution became particularly well-known following its printing of Spiridon Sobol’s “Bukvar” (reading primer), which in world catalogues is noted not only as an educational publication, but also as an innovative methodology in a teaching people to read. The first primer came from the region of Orsha.
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Ihar Prakapovich: Water-driven Mills in Pastauski Region (аbstract)
(web-magazine “Kultura. Natsyja”, issue 27, April 2021, 172-185, www.sakavik.net)
The author studied the existence of water-driven mills in Pastauski Region from the 18th to 20th centuries. Based on descriptions of 20 such mills, the author centres his study on the system used in specific construction methods for the mills, technical processes that were applied, their dumps and gateways. Also, the author deals with the subjects of who ran the mills, at what times and the condition of their ongoing maintenance. Thanks to the materials that were gathered during complex expeditions, a manual and booklet were created featuring two tourist expedition paths. Also, an interactive map was created that can be accessed on the internet.
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New book advertisement: Lyavon Karpovich recently published “Biblical stories of the Old Testament, illustrated with postage stamps. Familiarity with the content of the Bible and its illustration in art” (2021; 342 pages, ISBN: 978-5-0053-2627-0) (abstract)
(web–magazine “Kultura. Natsyja”, issue 27, April 2021, 186-187, www.sakavik.net)
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Piotra Murzionak: Contents of the manuscript of Raisa Zhuk-Grishkevich’s book “Records about the Belarusian society of the second half of the 20th century in Canada” (abstract)
(web–magazine “Kultura. Natsyja”, issue 27, April 2021, 188-192, www.sakavik.net)
The content of the manuscript (280 pp., 55 documents), including titles of the articles, volume, dates of their writing and the place of presentation or publication. Most of the materials in the manuscript are submitted under the auspices of the Belarusian Canadian Coordinating Committee. The content of the materials is presented in the order as it is presented in the manuscript (mostly in chronological order).
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Mikhas Kenka: Poems by Vita Shtivelman translated into Belarusian (abstract)
(web-magazine “Kultura. Natsyja”, issue 27, April 2021, 193–205, www.sakavik.net)
Vita Shtivelman (Toronto, Canada) is a poet, translator, publicist, founder and leader of the EtCetera Physics and Lyrics Club. Vita is the author of two books, numerous publications and poetic productions.
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Piotra Murzionak: Yesterday, when I was young/Hier Encore (Charles Aznavour’ poem translation in Belarusian) (аbstract)
(web-magazine “Kultura. Natsyja”, issue 27, April 2021, 206-208, www.sakavik.net)
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Sergei Paniznik: (abstract) New materials of the famous Belarusian poet include folklore recordings “There the Sun walked on the Earth”, poetic notes “Kalina-malina, my berry …”, and “Tight arc of courage”, as well as bibliographic records with photographs “Who wishes. ..? ”
(web–magazine “ Kultura. Natsyja”, issue 27, April 2021, 209-234, www.sakavik.net)
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Igаr Prаkаpovich: Four stories from the life of Belarusian peasants (abstract)
(web-magazine “Kultura. Natsyja”, issue 27, April 2021, 235–238, www.sakavik.net)
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Materials Dedicated to Freedom Day-2021 in Ottawa (abstract)
(web-magazine “Kultura. Natsyja”, issue 27, April 2021, 239-244, www.sakavik.net)
Web-magazine received information from members of the Ottawa Chapter of Belarusian Canadian Alliance and Belarusian Institute of Arts and Sciences, Canada describing how they celebrated Freedom Day. Three events took place in the course of one week:
March 21, 2021 – livestream and online concert (program attached). The link to video of the event: https://youtu.be/cJ9sgo-aeUQ; March 25, 2021 – Meeting on Freedom Day was conducted in the centre of Ottawa beside the Canadian Tribute to Human Rights Monument. Photographs at: https://photos.app.goo.gl/tofMBvmyztzgJPbd6; video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFqOcNPPfaE&t=4s; March 27, 2021 – Meeting in support of the Belarusian Revolution of Hope in 2020 including speech statements and two poems by P.Murzionak: https://youtu.be/HYqVYJKLci8. Video and photographs by Ales Karalkievich.
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Piotra Murzionka Speech statements and two poems during the meeting in support of the Belarusian Revolution of Hope-2020 (March 27, 2021; Ottawa) (abstract)
(web–magazine “ Kultura. Natsyja ”, issue 27, April 2021, 240-243, www.sakavik.net)
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International Conference in Warsaw regarding the issue of Belarusian identity (abstract)
(web-magazine “Kultura. Natsyja”, issue 27, April 2021, 245-259, www.sakavik.net)
On March 1, 2021 an international online conference ensued hosted by Warsaw University. Theme: “Belarusian Identity: Past Experience and Challenges for the Future Relating to 30th Year of Declaration of Belarus’s Independence.” The conference was organized by the Department of International Studies of Central and Eastern Europe at Warsaw University. Partnering organizers that presented papers were BINIM, New York and BINIM, Canada. The Conference was conducted under the guidance of the University’s Rector and President of BNR Committee, Ivonka Survilla. Thirty researchers read papers on the given subject. The president of BINIM, Canada, Piotra Murzionak, gave the opening speech of welcome and presented his paper under the title: “Belarusian Institute of Arts and Sciences in Canada in Support of Belarusian Identity.”
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Piotra Murzionak The opening speech of welcome at the International Conference in Warsaw University (April 1, 2021) (abstract)
(web-magazine “Kultura. Natsyja”, issue 27, April 2021, 250-251, www.sakavik.net)
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Piotra Murzionak Presentation: “Belarusian Institute of Arts and Sciences in Canada in Support of Belarusian Identity” (International Conference in Warsaw University, April 1, 2021) (abstract)
(web-magazine “Kultura. Natsyja”, issue 27, April 2021, 252-259, www.sakavik.net)
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КУЛЬТУРА, НАЦЫЯ 