Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke at a gala marking the 100th anniversary of the birth of Rasul Gamzatov, the Avar poet, prose writer, and translator. This summary comes from TASS, the state news agency, which reported on the event.
According to the agency, Putin had a personal connection with Gamzatov, frequently citing the poet’s verses as a vivid example of Dagestan’s enduring contribution to Russian culture.
“This goes far beyond the scope of art,” the president remarked when reflecting on Gamzatov’s body of work, underscoring the broader cultural impact of the poet’s legacy.
Putin also described Gamzatov as a remarkable person and a model for all of Russia, highlighting the poet’s role as a beacon for national identity and cultural pride.
In May, TASS published a retrospective ahead of the 100th anniversary, noting plans for a postage stamp to honor Gamzatov. The stamp was slated for release in Dagestan in 2023, aligning with commemorative activities across the region.
Rasul Gamzatov, born on September 8, 1923, in the Avar village of Tsada in Dagestan’s Hunzakh region, began writing poetry at the age of nine. His first book in the Avar language appeared in 1943. He completed his studies at the Maxim Gorky Literary Institute in Moscow in 1950. In 1959 he was honored with the title People’s Poet of the Dagestan Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic. In 2003 he was designated an Honored Artist of the Republic of Dagestan. Gamzatov passed away in November 2003, leaving a lasting imprint on Russian literature and Dagestani cultural heritage.
Earlier reports suggested that 2023 would be proclaimed the Year of Rasul Gamzatov, recognizing his enduring influence and contributions to literature and national culture.