Interview by Timur Utsayev, Grozny. Exclusively to Vestnik Kavkaza
In Grozny, the photo-exhibition headlined “Russian People from the Caucasus” by the Chechen photojournalist Yelena Fitkulina is being held. She told Vestnik Kavkaza about the life of the Russians in Chechnya.
- Yelena, how did the idea of holding the exhibition emerge?
- Last year, I gained a grant at the all-Caucasus forum of Mashuk in Pyatigorsk. My project was called “Russian People from the Caucasus.” I was born, raised and now I live in the Chechen Republic. I would like to dispel the myth that the Russians are discriminated in the republic. The mass media writes about it, but people of different nationalities and religions live in Chechnya peacefully. We should tell the truth. People should come and see the real situation. My photos depict life, traditions, and customs of the Russian people of the republic.
- How does the Russian population of Chechnya follow its traditions and culture?
- Nobody prevents us from doing this. The question is that the Russians don’t do it themselves. Living in Grozny, we don’t strive for communication with each other; we live separately instead of supporting our contacts. However, there are a few Russians. For example, in the Naurus region there are more Russians; they celebrate ethic holidays together; traditions and customs are preserved there. There is a wonderful atmosphere – Chechen holidays are marked by the Russians and vice versa. The international republic is great, as every nation can take something useful from the other nation. The Russians who used to live in Chechnya are remarkable – you feel their Caucasus hospitability at once.
- Do Russian-speaking residents have any intention to come back to Chechnya?
- Many of them have, especially the military generation. People are sorry that they had to leave. However, everybody who wants to return needs support. Many people miss their motherland and want to come back, but the problem is about an accommodation and a job. Before the war, the Russians were teachers, doctors, engineers in Chechnya. I have friends who are doctors and would like to live and work in the republic.
- Who are the heroes of your photos?
- My photos depict customs and traditions of the Russians in Chechnya. There are photos of population, those who lived in the republic before the war, also people who came to the republic to work here. I like a photo of the ataman of the Cossacks from the Naurskaya Village, Nikolai Mokrusov, and his little son. The ataman is in a field of wheat. There is a photo of the veteran of the Great Patriotic War Anna Bogatkina. She is 91 and wears a lot of medals. There are photos of celebrating holidays. The project is not completed and it will go on. Everyday I meet new people. I have recently met a girl from the Far East, who came to Chechnya to work as a teacher.
