By Vestnik Kavkaza
Recently Yunus-Bek Yevkurov awarded Russian artists who are popular in Ingushetia and said that they are “heritage of peoples of the Soviet Union.”
The head of the art-group Choir of Turetski, Mikhail Turetski, was awarded the title of People’s Artist of Ingushetia for outstanding merit in the musical sphere. “The Caucasus is everything for us, our decoration. The situation in the Caucasus, attitudes in the Caucasus influence promotion of Russia as an international brand. The Caucasus is a formula internationalism and inter-ethnic relations existing in our country. An artist can do a lot for melting ice of mistrust and build a bridge of friendship in the multinational Caucasus, where many cultures are mingled. One of the brightest impressions was the concert in Nazran, meeting Yunus-Bek Yevkurov and people,” Turetski said. “We sang a song in Ingush, the Vainakh language for people who were present in the hall could understand us.” “They sang in Ingush better than our Ingush singers. They got A from us for speaking Ingush,” Yevkurov added.
Singer Taisia Povali became a People’s Artist of Ingushetia for merit in the musical sphere and her artistic work. “The visit of Ingushetia was something new and very touching. I will remember this trip for all my life as I have seen people’s sincerity, strong people, a strong republic, and the strong country. I wish our people were always friends. We were born in the Soviet Union. We have similar mentality. We have to be together because the situation in the world is difficult today and we have to be friends. You cannot imagine what excitement I felt when left the stage. I didn’t want to leave because people were so kind, open, and pure… I still remember their eyes and smiles,” Povali said.
Designer Zaira Gatagazheva got the diploma too. “I have more than 20 diplomas from France, Italy, Japan, and other countries, but my favorite prize has always been the grand prize for the ethnic collection Ingush Puzzle when in 2005 the Ingush costume was recognized the best Caucasus ethnic costume,” Gatagazheva stated.
Nadezhda Babkina became a People’s Artist of Ingushetia too. “I am so grateful for this high award. Our country is multination, and each ethnic group has its own traditions. It is our strength that we are different, and each group has genetic memory. Whatever happens, this genetic memory enables us be united in a common fortress called Russia. I was proposed to participate in organization of solemn arrangements devoted to the 20th anniversary of the republic. I was confused. One thing is when I deal with the Russian national culture which I learn in numerous expeditions in various regions of Russia. Another thing is to deal with a unknown culture, I have never lived in the republic. I held my breath and said: “You know, the Almighty is one, whether he is God or Allah. We will support you!” I was born in a multinational village in the south of Russia, the Cossack village where 120 ethnic groups lived. I was taught to respect each other, visit national festivals of each other, and be happy. I respect every ethnic group.”
