HISTORICAL REVIEW Exhibition of unique issues World’s largest collection of alphabet books in Vitebsk
Alexander Ruzhechka
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Historical reenactment of a battle on Brilevskoe field
orders. Accordingly, we today honour the memory of those who fell in those cold November days two centuries ago. Wreaths and flowers were laid at all four of the monuments on Brilevskoe field. The first, from Soviet times, was erected in 1962. Another is dedicated to Russian soldiers, unveiled for the 180th anniversary, paid for by some of their descendants. A third appeared 15 years ago, in memory of French soldiers. The last was unveiled just recently: a simple memorial inscribed Grief and Confession. The Military Attaché of the Russian Embassy, Maxim Kazantsev, was concise but spoke poignantly, saying, “There has been much controversy, with theories and opinions differing. It’s a subjective process. However, standing where so many people fell, all this fades into second billing. This is a place to simply honour the fallen, remembering them and promising ourselves that here, at the crossroads of Europe, where Belarus is located and where many tragic events have been
witnessed, in future, such things will never happen again.” In attendance was Charles Napoleon, a genuine descendant of Bonaparte, who was clearly overwhelmed by emotions, repeating several times to curious journalists, “My feelings are very strong, standing here today; I’m happy to be here to remember these events with you...” A small reconstruction was also presented, featuring Russian hussars and Polish lancers, Belarusian and Swiss regiments and detachments of Cossacks. Three hundred horsemen and infantry forces and, even, vivandieres (the women who accompanied troops during their campaigns) took part. Those from clubs in Belarus, Russia, Poland, France and Switzerland were joined by two Belgians on horseback. Two hundred years ago, Napoleon’s army, retreating from Moscow, tried to cross the Berezina, on a misty day, surrounded by the sharp smell of gunpowder and the thunder of guns. Somewhere out there, Charles’ ancestor galloped on horseback.
unique exhibition entitled The Amazing World of Alphabet Books is being hosted by Vitebsk. Latvian linguist Juris Cibuls acquired over 8,000 alphabet books in 1,039 languages from 216 countries to create the collection, which includes such rare exhibits as an edition by the Indian Akawaio tribe and a Latvian alphabet book from 1796. The exhibition has appeal across all age ranges and has arrived in Vitebsk from Grodno and, previously, Orsha.
Park deserves its award The Palace and Park Estate of Rumyantsev-Paskevich has received the Grand Prix at The Museums of Belarus to the Third Millennium contest
Hosted by Grodno, the event gathered representatives of 150 museums across the country, as well as those from Russia and Lithuania: state, departmental and private. Gomel’s Palace and Park Estate of Rumyantsev-Paskevich was recognised as the best, with admiration shown for its work with visitors and its export of tourist services. It hasn’t yet decided how to spend its prize money but, no doubt, its infrastructure and preservation work will be further extended.
By Alexander Alexeevsky
2012 беларусь.belarus
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