A bronze bust honoring Rasul Gamzatov, the renowned Dagestani People’s Poet, will be unveiled at Tehran University in Iran. The information, cited from the poet’s daughter Salikhat Gamzatova, marks an important moment in cultural exchange and literary homage. The installation is planned to coincide with Gamzatov’s centennial and is scheduled to be revealed in May as a lasting tribute to his enduring influence.
The unveiling will place the bronze bust at Tehran University, which is named after Allameh Tabatabai, in a collaborative effort with Dagestan State University. This symbiotic project underscores a shared appreciation for Gamzatov’s work and his role in fostering dialogue between Russian and Iranian literary traditions.
Shamil Kanaygadzhiev, the sculptor who conceived the bust, previously contributed to another notable monument to Gamzatov on Yauzsky Boulevard in Moscow. According to Salikhat Gamzatova, the poet visited Iran on numerous occasions, and the country inspired the poetic cycle Persian Verses. The erection of the bust in Tehran serves as a gesture of respect for the Messenger and an acknowledgment of Gamzatov’s artistic legacy, which continues to resonate with readers across borders.
In related cultural news, there have been reports about a separate tribute: a monument to Cheburashka is being planned for Kislovodsk, reflecting a broader interest in commemorating beloved figures from literature and popular culture.