среда, 30 июля 2014 г.

Voronezh, the hub of the Russian life.



Stone bridge

 Russia is a vast country covering Asia and Europe.  Due to this fact there are many various cities but Moscow and Saint-Petersburg. Every city is unique with its own history, fate, heroes and unraveled mysteries which are lost in the mist of time.

Voronezh…Not many people have ever heard about it. I want to acquaint you with this city because, firstly, it is a really nice place. Besides, Voronezh has played a great role in history, that is why, it is worth learning about. And, lastly, I want to make you sure that not only Moscow and Saint-Petersburg are the hubs of the Russian life.

Voronezh is situated in the central part of Russia.  The city takes a very comfortable location as it is not far from Moscow (about 515,8 km)  and it is almost a stone’s throw from  the resort near the Black Sea. Just choose the direction you want and hit the road!

The region is steeped in fertile soils that were deposited by glacial melt water over hundreds of years. They have always characterized the area as “the mother of Russia” as wheat and vegetable farms are in full swing here and have always fed the country. The other name of the region is “Chernozemie” which in Russian means “black soils”.

The region is also known for its tremendous stretches of fields and the clean water of the river Don that has always carried a symbolic value for Russia. Just to remember the description of the river in “Quietly Flows the Don” by M.Sholokhov is more than enough to imagine it in detail. The author says when Cossacks left their homestay they felt an irresistible urge to throw something into the river just for a luck. It was a kind of hope to come back to their families, home, motherland and be safe and sound. I think this is the reason why it is fairly typical of Russians to leave some personal effects in the place they want to visit once again.

Voronezh has promoted a positive image of itself throughout its whole life that is not too short. History of the city dates back to 1585 when Voronezh was founded by Feodor I as a 
fort protecting the Russian state from the raids of Crimean and Nogay Tatars. Then the fort was destroyed and the city enlarged beyond its previous confines.
It should be highlighted that the city played a key role in building the Russian fleet. Peter l saw Voronezh as the motherland of the first Russian ship “Goto Predestinatsia”. This page in the city’s history became a major landmark in Russia’s way to superiority and the international arena. 

It must be mentioned that the place where the fort stood is marked now by Voronezh State University which allures many students from various corners of the world. Thanks to that fact that young people of different nationalities are eager to get the education and an experience of living in Russia you can see here the real multiculturalism. People come here in pursuit of a better place to live, work and study. 

A kitten from Lizukov Street
Preet Bhojak, a student from India, who is studying medicine in Voronezh State Medical Academy, says,  “Voronezh is a very beautiful city. I took to it immediately when I first had a look at the surroundings. I think the thing I like the most about the city is people. They are good-natured.  And, certainly, the  girls of Voronezh are very beautiful.  The atmosphere in summer is like heaven on earth. Due to its comfortable climate, the proximity of rivers and lakes it makes up for a great rest in the open air. 

Now it is possible for foreigners to study in English in Russia. That’s why, I chose Voronezh State Medical Academy. I think it is a great choice!”  
Every year Platonov Arts Festival is held here. It is the golden opportunity for local people to see something fresh. This year many artists from France, England, India and other countries came to show their performances many of which were existential and gave food for a thought.


Many flattering words can be said. But it is better to experience the life of the provincial city seeing it from the inside and engulfing its oozing charms.