Chechen architecture

In the framework of the preparations for the Mosbuild-2011 architectural exhibition, Italian specialists have met their Chechen colleagues. Famous Italian artists, sculptors and architects have contributed much to the development of world culture. However, Chechen traditions are also rather rich. VK correspondent Olesya Pelageina asked Apti Akhmatkhanov to say some words about Chechen architecture.

- Apti, what does the word Motherland mean to you? For a lot of people a Motherland is their home, their family. Can you tell us something about Chechen traditions, the way Chechen people live, the way they build their houses?

- Even though I’m not a historian, I can say some words about it. You see, the Chechen people have been living in the mountains for centuries. That is why their villages have no regular plan. Chechen houses mostly have two floors.

- The heart of an Orthodox home is the so-called Red Corner, the place where icons are kept. What’s the heart of a Chechen home?

- The heart of any Chechen home is the fireplace. The fireplace and especially the chain hanging above it were considered to be sacred. Anyone who touched this chain became a relative.

- In Grozny today gold is seen everywhere. Why is it so popular?

- Gold is a symbol of luxury and our people are tired of war and poverty. I think that’s why the Chechen people nowadays like gold so much. The oriental style is very popular in present-day Chechnya.

- Did you adapt European techniques to Muslim traditions?

- Yes, indeed. A lot of things are prohibited in Islam. Still, Muslim people love beauty as much as Europeans. We try to make beautiful interiors without violating the rules of Islam. It’s possible. One just has to have imagination and creativity.

Interview by Olesya Pelageina. Exclusively to VK