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“The Stone Guest” hits Africa
Published: 26 November, 2009, 11:13
Edited: 01 December, 2009, 10:42
A monument to the leading light of Russian poetry, Alexander Pushkin, is set to appear in Africa, along with the ongoing controversy about the national poet’s African background.
In fact, the African state of Eritrea on the Red Sea could become a home away from home for the new monument to Pushkin.
The author of “Eugene Onegin” was conscious and proud of his African roots. His origin has been a subject of research for biographers and scientists worldwide.
According to the Itar-Tass news agency, the monument in Eritrea’s Pushkin Square, named after the poet, will be unveiled on November 28 in the capital Asmara.
The author of the monument is acclaimed Russian sculptor Nikolay Kuznetsov-Muromsky, who has tried his hand at creating statues of Pushkin before.
Earlier this year his two other monuments were unveiled in the Balkans – in the Slovenian capital Ljubljana, and Belgrade in Serbia.
A Russian delegation of writers, scientists, diplomats and officials is set to arrive in Asmara to mark the occasion.
A former Italian colony, Eritrea was declared independent only in 1993, gaining international recognition.
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1 comment
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The fact, a man whose maternal ancestry was black is the father of the modern Russian literature is testament to both the richness and diverse heritage of Russian culture and tradition. Since Russian is the language of Pushkin, African students may also want to learn the Russian language! This is a win win situation for Great Africa, Great Pushkin and Great Russian literature and culture.
I have to say, Ethiopians who have maintained a very long and deep relationship with Russia are shocked. The idea that Pushkin is of Eritrean descent is ridiculous at best, at worst, it's a sad error. Its always been a widely accepted fact that Pushkin's grandfather was of Ethiopian origin and this has been the basis for strong mutual ties between the two nations. While Pushkin is undoubtably a great Russian, his Ethiopian heritage has been the cord that tied Africa and Russia together in a deep and meaningful manner. We understand Pushkin's importance to all Africans but to erect a staue of him in Asmara at a time like this is nothing less than insulting.