Within the framework of the Memorandum on cultural cooperation between the ministries of culture of Abkhazia and Adygea, the presentation of the cultural and exhibition project “Abkhazia. History, culture, modernity” took place in Maykop.

Said Bargandzhia

As part of the cultural and exhibition project “Abkhazia. History, culture, modernity”, an exhibition entitled “Artists of Abkhazia”, a photo exhibition “Architecture of Old Sukhum” and a round table “Preservation of Cultural Heritage in the Modern World. Challenges, problems, prospects” took place in the capital of Adygea Maykop. The project presentation was held in the North Caucasus branch of the State Oriental Museum on Friday, February 22. 

The delegation from Abkhazia was led by the Minister of Culture and the Preservation of the Historical and Cultural Heritage of the Republic, Elvira Arsalia, who told the WAC web information portal that the project “Abkhazia. History, culture, modernity” was envisaged in the framework of the Memorandum of Cooperation between the Ministries of Culture of Abkhazia and Adygea.

“Within the framework of this project, we are talking not only about the past of Abkhazia, but also about what is relevant for us today - the preservation of historical and cultural heritage, support for creative initiatives. We are peoples (here the Abkhaz and Adyghe - Ed.), who are culturally and spiritually connected, and I am sure that this format will give a new impetus to our relations,” said the Minister of Culture and Preservation of the Historical and Cultural Heritage of Abkhazia.

Elvira Arsalia noted that several important events were held on these days, including the exhibition “Artists of Abkhazia”, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Union of Artists of the Republic. The Minister added that the exposition will stay in Maykop for about a month, then works will be exhibited in St. Petersburg and Moscow.

The exhibition presents works of masters of painting, sculpture, graphics and decorative arts. Abkhaz national costumes, made by the Minister of Culture Elvira Arsalia, a member of the Union of Artists of Abkhazia, the Union of Designers of Russia, the winner of the Gulia State Prize, also decorated the exhibition.

“It is especially important for us that the opening of the exhibition took place in Adygea. A professional and friendly atmosphere reigns in all our joint events,” said Arsalia.

The exhibition “Artists of Abkhazia” was also attended by the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Adygea, Yuri Atulev, who noted the importance of holding such events, which allow to get to know the culture of the brotherly people.

“Our relationship is filled with active cooperation, especially in recent years. This action became possible after the signing of the Cooperation Agreement with the Abkhaz colleagues. It is very important when creative people are friends and communicate. The opportunity to see the works of artists with my own eyes is very valuable. We will definitely continue our fruitful cooperation,” said Atulev.

Also in the framework of the cultural and exhibition project “Abkhazia. History, culture, modernity” a photo exhibition “Architecture of Old Sukhum” was held. According to the press service of the Ministry of Culture and Preservation of Historical and Cultural Heritage, the photo exhibition presents unique photos of the civil architecture of Old Sukhum. Photos of the end of the XIX beginning of the XX century show all the wealth of the architectural heritage of the city. They reflect the different stages of town planning in the capital of Abkhazia, which is 2500 years old.

“The purpose of this photo exhibition is to form the general picture of the architectural appearance of Abkhazia in the viewer’s eyes. Most of the objects captured in the photographs are included in the State List of Historical and Cultural Heritage Sites of the Republic, protected by the Department of Historical and Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Abkhazia,” the Ministry’s press service said.

In the framework of the round table “Preservation of cultural heritage in the modern world. Challenges, problems, prospects” the participants raised a number of issues of mutual cooperation in the context of globalization and outlined an action plan for the future.

Cultural exhibition project “Abkhazia. History, culture, modernity” took place in the framework of the Memorandum on Cultural Cooperation, which was signed between the Ministry of Culture and the Historical and Cultural Heritage of Abkhazia and the Ministry of Culture of Adygea in June 2010.