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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.
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.
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.