What connects the great Russian poet from Bosnia and Herzegovina? To this question the correspondent “the Russian newspaper” said the Dean of the philosophical faculty of the University of East Sarajevo, Professor Draga Mastilovic, reminding that it was a Serb, a native of this area, count Savva Lukich Raguzinsky-Vladislavich brought a gift to Peter the Great great grandfather of the great poet Alexander Pushkin.
“Many Serbs are natives of the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in particular Republika Srpska have left a considerable trace in Russian history. First of all, I would remember the count Savva Raguzinsky Lukic-of Vladislavich (16 Jan 1669 – 17 Jun 1738), origin from the village Acenic near the town of Gacko, the diplomat, the closest associate of Peter the Great and Catherine I, a man that contributed to the transformation of Russia into one of the leading powers of the world. The Serb has done much for the development of the Russian economy, the organization of special education of the young nobility, the construction of the Navy, – said the Dean. – He contributed to the strengthening of trade and diplomatic relations of Russia with Europe, in establishing relations with the Slavic peoples of the Balkans. In 1725 he was appointed Plenipotentiary in China to settle trade and border relations, what quite a few have succeeded, and its arrangements is relevant now”.
the Professor emphasized the fact that Ambassador Raguzinsky was brought to Moscow, a young Ethiopian Ibrahim Hannibal, acquired in the slave market in Istanbul. This African was then presented to Peter the great, who became the godfather of the stranger, who showed great ability and rose to the post of chief military engineer of the Russian army, and in 1759 was promoted to General-in-chief. We are talking about the great-grandfather of Alexander Pushkin. The great poet dedicated his unfinished novel “the Negro of Peter the Great.” “Thus, summarizing, we can say that the Serb Savva Vladislavich their actions have made an invaluable contribution to the development of culture and art of Russia, without which it would not have appeared in Russia, the Pushkin is the founder of modern Russian language”, – he stated.
meanwhile, in an interview to “Rossiyskaya Gazeta”, the rector of the University of East Sarajevo, Milan Kulich shared his joy over the fact that the University successfully operates the Center for Russian language and has a unique program “Russian language, literature and international relations”. “We are proud of it, – said the scientist. – I am personally very pleased that the Russian language is back on our open spaces. I belong to a generation when we have taught Russian language in primary and secondary school. Then, unfortunately, for various reasons the situation has changed. In this regard, I support any initiative for the promotion and dissemination of the Republika Srpska ru��tion language. The activities of our Center of Russian language can be an example for others, to promote ties with Russia.
Russian Ambassador to BiH Petr Ivantsov said that Russian language is becoming more popular not only in Republika Srpska but in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“We have witnessed a remarkable growth of interest in Russian language, literature and culture throughout the country, – told in interview “RG” the senior diplomat. Is the University of East Sarajevo, where, incidentally, the teacher is directed along the line of the Russian humanitarian mission. This and Universities in Banja Luka, Sarajevo and Mostar, this private pan-European University “Apeiron” in Banja Luka, and the Fund “Russian world” ibid. Have to mention the expanding network of private courses of the Russian language across the country. They all participate in various training programmes in the Russian language. By the way, the study of the Russian language is spreading in the schools of the Republika Srpska and even in preschool! Improved links with local universities with partners in Russia, expand the geography and the content of these relations. Every year an increasing number of citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, going to study in Russian universities. In this regard, we have done a lot of work that has yielded the most positive results that brings our Nations together, builds mutual trust and understanding. I’m very optimistic about the future of our cultural, humanitarian and educational ties”.
Festive events are held on this day and on the territory of this Balkan state.
“last year, Russian diplomats, employees of the Russian humanitarian Mission (RGM) and local enthusiasts from the number of Russian compatriots, students of Russian language, and all admirers of Russian language and culture in universities of the Republic of Srpska and the Federal part of BiH, as well as in a number of schools across the country held special Round tables, thematic sessions, exhibitions and film screenings dedicated to the important event, – said the representative of RGM in BiH, candidate of Philology, teacher of Russian as a foreign language (RCTS) Ilya Tapkov. – Moreover, in the current situation of the ban of public events, experts from Russia and Russianists of Bosnia and Herzegovina was able to direct interested students a variety of materials about the life and work of Alexander Pushkin based on the context of its impact on the development of the Russian language and literary contribution to world culture”.
