Symbolic Taras Yurt of Invincibility unveiled in Cherkasy region, representing Kazakh support for Ukrainians in war

Today, January 28, the "Taras Yurt of Invincibility" was solemnly opened in Zvenyhorodka in the Cherkasy region, symbolizing the Kazakh people's help to the Ukrainians during the war.

The Ministry of Education and Culture reports this.

What is the problem?

Taras Shevchenko, a renowned figure from the Zvenyhorod area, is recognized worldwide, but in Kazakhstan, he holds a particularly cherished and respected place.

Our Kobzar [in essence, Kobzar means 'a kobza player' in literal terms, but in Ukraine, it is commonly associated with Taras Shevchenko, the renowned poet and artist, as it is the title of his most celebrated work – ed.], known to Kazakhs as "Akin Tarazi," spent ten years in exile and produced a vast collection of poems, novels, and paintings. He developed close relationships with the Kazakh people, capturing their essence through his poetic verses and beautiful artworks, delving into Kazakhstan's rich culture and landscapes.

What is the solution?

The Taras Yurt cultural space was opened in Zvenyhorodka in honor of the 210th anniversary of the birth of Taras Shevchenko.

The event is implemented as part of the international project "Yurt of Invincibility," initiated by the People's Deputy of Ukraine, head of the inter-parliamentary friendship group with Kazakhstan Serhiy Nahorniak together with the Kazakh philanthropist Daulet Nurzhanov and the Kazakh diaspora in Ukraine.

^{Photo: mcip.gov.ua}

"Taras Yurt" in the small homeland of Kobzar symbolizes the centuries-old friendship between Ukrainians and Kazakhs. This is a cultural space where those who wish can:

• get acquainted with the rich culture of Kazakhstan,
• attend master classes and various events,
• if necessary, "Taras Yurt" will work as a "point of invincibility."

^{Photo: mcip.gov.ua}

How does it work?

Serhiy Nahorniak, the head of the Ukraine-Kazakhstan interparliamentary friendship group, spoke at the ceremony.

"Since the beginning of the war, Kazakh friends have repeatedly appealed to me to help Ukraine. Last year, we opened "yurts of invincibility," where you could warm up, recharge your gadgets and drink tea or coffee. The first yurt was opened in the long-suffering Bucha, which caused a sharp reaction from the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Sergey Lavrov, and his spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova. However, the project developed, and later, such yurts appeared in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Odesa, Lviv, and Sloviansk. The current yurt, Taras's one, in Shevchenko's homeland is rather a cultural Kazakh center where you can come, familiarize yourself with the culture of the Kazakh people, draw, relax," Serhiy Nahorniak, head of the Ukraine-Kazakhstan interparliamentary friendship group, said during the opening.

^{Photo: mcip.gov.ua}

^{Photo: mcip.gov.ua}

Acting Minister of Culture and Information Policy Rostyslav Karandeev noted that Taras Shevchenko spent much of his life in Kazakhstan, leaving an imprint on his paintings and literature.

^{Photo: mcip.gov.ua}

"In these works, one can feel boundless love for the people who became close to him and warmed him with their love in difficult times. We state that the attitude of Kazakhs towards Ukrainians has not changed: it has always been friendly and fraternal. The help that the Kazakh people are currently providing us in resistance to a common enemy shows that nations with high human values should support each other and bring victory closer," said the acting minister.

According to the organizers, "Taras's Yurt of Invincibility" in Zvenyhorodka will work daily.

^{Photo: mcip.gov.ua}

For reference:

It should be noted that in 2023, with the support of Kazakh partners, the Yurt of Invincibility was opened in the regional center of Mykolaiv.

Also, the "Yurt of Invincibility" was opened in the capital's Shevchenko Park with the participation of Kazakh representatives.

In addition, the fourth "Yurt of Invincibility" in Ukraine was opened in Lviv near the Powder Tower.