Black Sea- Caspian Sea Fund: Istanbul takes over

No. 6, 2012 the torch

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Orgnyan Minchev: keeping up with Countries of the Black Sea the times and regional consciousness Why do we love Tarkovsky? TURKEY: THROUGH HARDSHIP TO EUROPE Baku: time for hope

Ukrainian Renaissance BSCSIFCHRONICLE Our capital The President of the International Fund for Cooperation and Partnership of the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea (BSCSIF), a well- known Russian lawyer, Viktor KHMARIN, just before transferring his chair to the Turkish party, shares his thoughts about the journey made by the Fund up till now and its future prospects.

o start with, I feel content national platform where representa- have a very good media tool - “Dia- at the thought that we tives of its civil society can state their logue of the Seas” magazine - in mod- have been working in the ideas soundly. And we, as their Fund ern printing, where a variety of points Fund, arm to arm, for colleagues, can apprise, express criti- of view of different people, of different already four years and cisms, and rather agree with those political spectra, are presented. More- the work that we do is so essential. ideas. In any case, diplomacy is the art over, with no bias... TWe dedicate our personal time to it, of the possible, but what we have is - Another important aspect: we sometimes even health, and, being people’s diplomacy. Our statutory ob- have proper relations with the Euro- a civil society organization we make jective is to promote dialogue, peace pean Union, the issue of our observer independent decisions based on how and harmony, build bridges between status in the Organization of Black we understand these problems. And nations and specific people from the Sea Economic Cooperation is under all those involved in the Fund’s activi- Black Sea - Caspian Sea region. We negotiation, and representatives of ties know that issues are solved, in are trying to achieve, step by step, many public organizations communi- practice, by consensus. We have no positive results. And in this sense, I cate gladly with us. I want to mention, disagreements on strategic issues, and give great credit to the Fund for the with no false modesty, that I, as a rep- small details are clarified trustworthy acceptation of Iran into our ranks. Re- resentative of the Black Sea-Caspian and with mutual respect, to finally cently, to Moscow arrived the Iranian Sea Fund, was elected to the board of obtain the formula that suits every- delegation, and from the talks that we the prestigious European Sports As- one. And even when it came to ac- had – the viewpoints were similar on sociation “Strength & Honour Cham- cepting an Iranian representative into most issues. It is possible that we will pionship” (Mixed Martial Arts). And our Fund, there were some problems, accept Iran’s invitation and will hold in March of the current year, the S&H maybe some misunderstandings, our Fund’s plenary session in Tehran Championship was successfully held

BSCSIF CHRONICLE BSCSIF perhaps clichéd approach to Iran as or in another suggested city. in Geneva with the support of our a state. But, finally, we took a posi- Fund (see p.38-39). tion relying on the fact that we are Fund’s brand value I believe that gaining brand value an independent, non-governmental Another achievement of the Fund is one of our main concerns; we need fund, which can and must have its lies in the considerable number of to work for the brand, so that we are own, well-reasoned standpoint. We countries that we got involved into its trusted and understood. In this case shouldn’t follow in the wake of any- activities. Recently, Bosnia and Her- we can really contribute to the estab- body, and, in general, give in to any zegovina, Montenegro, Belarus and lishment of a healthy microclimate in pressure from outside. Only argu- Switzerland joined it. It comprises of the states that are part of our Fund. ments, only facts can really convince 16 states now. In this way, we became us. We accepted Iran, given that this is able to spread our point of view and Fostering a cooperation an Old Persian state, which stretches put forward far and wide our ideas, climate on a considerable area of the Caspian projects concerning economy, envi- In any case, we need to influence in Sea, and therefore it falls, as the saying ronment, culture, as part of our char- the right direction. We must, on top of goes, under our jurisdiction. Secondly, ter activities and our recently adopted all, contribute to the development of we have provided Iran with an inter- Strategy for the period up to 2020. We economic relations between countries.

2 3 contents BSCSIFCHRONICLE

BSCSIFchronicle This is extremely useful and essential, Our capital / 3 as, once the information database is assembled and complete, we will have eventsand people the product that helps industrial enti- We are building the civil society / ties find each other. In other words, 6 No. 6, 2012 it will be possible to concatenate Baku: time for hope / 7 ______processing and industrial chains. And newsfrom the region Editorial Board it will yield a livelier, weightier trade Mahir N.Quarayev, Azerbaijan flow between the two countries. Nabucco steps / 9 Murat Auezov, Kazakhstan Mainly for this purpose, an Bayan Sarigulov, Kyrgyzstan thecountries of the region economic structure was established Ion Hadârcă, Republic of Moldova within the Fund. But here we must Moscow. The cooperation agreement signed by BSCSIF, the National Union In this section we will present to our readers another Mikhail Sinelnikov, Russia proceed from the fact that the Fund is of Energy Suply Organizations (Russia) and the All-Russian Advanced Planning Fund (on p.32) country, member of the Black Sea - Caspian Sea Corneliu Vlad, Deputy Editor, Romania not a commercial organization, it only International Fund Çağrı Erhan, Prof. Dr., Turkey creates a climate in which this com- tor. Therefore, our Commission on zations, enterprises and professionals merce will legally develop, with big- Innovations and Investments can, that deal with the innovation man- Bosnia and herzegovina Editor-in-Chief: Vyacheslav Samoshkin ger tempo than now. Since there is a besides offering a wide range of pro- agement and innovation processes. Symbiosis of tradition and modernity / 10 English version: Olga Condratiuc considerable trade imbalance between jects available on the Russian market, All these activities will contribute to Art Director: Dan Mihalache some member-countries, it can be lev- also “prepare” them to a level that the improvement of the investment SOUTHERNCORRIDOR ______eled, but only if knowing the market is understood by the foreign inves- climate in Russia. In this sense, our Turkey and EU need each other / 14 The Magazine is being published in each country. tor. Moreover, it can now provide Commission is becoming one of the by the International Fund For Cooperation For example, the matter that we so-called investment support, as, in most influential structures from the cultureand us and Partnership of the Black Sea work upon now is the logistics center Moscow BSCSIF branch, there has Russian Federation dealing with in- How do we preserve cultural heritage? / 16 and the Caspian Sea in Sheremetyevo (Moscow region). been recently established an Expert novations. Together with its chairman, Montenegro, Bulgaria This will be the largest logistics center Council on Finance and Law (ECFL), Mikhail Zernov, the commission puts President: Viktor Khmarin in Russia and will contribute to the which aims to provide legal advice on great, daily efforts in this sense. interview Secretary General and Vice-President: establishment of a favorable trade the most complex issues that arise in Eldar Hasanov balance with Turkey, as Turkey is a the normal course of BSCSIF’s activi- Passing the baton Ognyan Minchev: we haven’t realized yet Executive Coordinator of Central Office potentially lucrative economic part- ties and to protect investors from vari- I am sincerely glad to know that the the advantages of interdependence / 22 Adviser for Economic and Financial ner to Russia. The problem is that the ous risks. To the ECFL were appointed presidency of our Fund will be passed Cooperation: Marcela Curmei Turkish manufacturer could not enter, experienced attorneys, lawyers, audi- over to Dr. Akkan Suver, a highly re- ATthe crossroads of cultures Project Coordinator, Adviser to so far, the Russian market directly – it tors and experts in management and spected man, representative of Turkey. Stairway to Heaven Secretary General: Yulia Akhunova was unprofitable because of a huge financial consulting. The Chairman I dare say he will have to deal with or why do we love Tarkovsky? / 27 Deputy Director of the Center number of intermediaries. Once the of this structure is V. Digin, a lawyer, many issues that we have not solved for Strategic Research of the Black logistic center is set, there will be no who is also Vice-Chairman of the yet. For example, to commission the EXlibris Sea-Caspian Sea region: Valentina Albu intermediaries – there will be only Council on Legal Affairs of the Inter- recently created Center for Strategic Titulescu Saga Project Manager: Luiza Popa representatives sitting at their desks national Parliament of Environmental Research of the Fund, or, Turkmeni- / 30 ______and having samples of the goods with Awareness, with official consultative stan’s accession to our Fund. This is the projects,projects ISSN 2069 – 766X; ISSN-L = 2069 – 766X their price tags, including wholesale status at the Council of Europe. ECFL only country in the Black Sea-Caspian In pursuit of new technologies / Printed at Tipografia Everest, Bucharest prices, in glass showcases. Addition- currently works to create and put in Sea region, which is not a part of BSC- 32 ally, there will be transport, banking function a permanent Court of Ar- SIF yet. I think that we won’t stop on

gallery CHRONICLE BSCSIF and audit services. Ultimately, this bitration within BSCSIF, designed to Turkmenistan – anyone who shares Ukrainian Renaissance / will reduce the prices of goods. The resolve, on a legal basis, disputes that our goals, objectives and charter, will 34 ______logistics center will be able to host arise between members and partners be happily accepted into our Fund. The opinions expressed by the authors 4.200 Turkish wholesalers. of BSCSIF with their counterparts. Because experience has shown that Oh,sport, you are peace! ... do not necessarily reflect the views of the This means that all the partners of the the more people participate in talks, Hercules fights in Geneva / «Dialogue of the Seas» editors. 36 In the forefront Fund, including the foreign ones, will the more proposals, positions you get, When using the material, the reference of innovations be under the protection of the Expert and the result is more comprehensive, BSCSIFchronicle to the magazine is obligatory. ______and investments We study conflicts Council on Finance and Law and the and accounts for all points of view. All / 38 Editorial address: Russia is perhaps one of the most Arbitration Court of the Moscow proposals must be listened, analyzed, SouthCoridor - Economy Bucharest, 13-19 Alecu Russo street, sector 2. exciting financial markets for direct BSCSIF branch. evaluated and, thankfully, there are Tel: +40 21 211 1151, +40 21 211 1152; investments. Why? Because it is huge, Now, the Commission has started enough experts at the Fund, including Alliance of the Seas: synergy effect / 40 fax: +40 21 211 4094; its industrial capacity is not fully the cooperation through the Alliance young and schooled ones, who know The”New Silk Road” poetic anthology http://www.bscsif.ro activated and it is still developing. of the Seas with the Russian Asso- international requirements regarding e-mail: [email protected] It needs investment with a vector: ciation for Innovative Development the analysis of various issues. They The Universe in a haircloth / 41 [email protected] into precise products, “prepared” on (RAID) – in a non-profit partnership, Yunus EMRE poetry / 42 criteria that are familiar to any inves- nationwide, bringing together organi- See more on page 8

4 5 EVENTSAND PEOPLE EVENTSAND PEOPLE photo: Аrchives TEXT: ORHAN MAMMADOV photo: Аrchives We are building Baku: time for hope The Embassy of Azerbaijan to Romania invited BSCSIF to take part in a research the civil society project on the topic of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict of Nagorno-Karabakh, within the program of the International Development Agency under the Ministry The International Fund for of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan and in collaboration with the Cooperation and Partnership Center for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. of the Black Sea - Caspian Sea (BSCSIF) was granted observer status by the Civil Society Forum, n behalf of BSCSIF, point of view of international law, the Deputy Director of the Minsk Group complied with all proce- held within the EU Programme - Center for Strategic dures and fulfilled, at large, its mission, Research of the Black but hasn’t brought it to an end yet. “Eastern Partnership” (EaP CSF). Sea-Caspian Sea region, And here I came upon a specific And it happened at the 4th session Valentina ALBU, visited Baku. She tells perception of many Azerbaijani in- Oour correspondent about her research terlocutors regarding the appliance of of the Forum, held in November project, where the conflict is regarded international law mechanisms: they 2012, in Stockholm. from the perspective of international believe that these mechanisms “do law and human rights. not work” or function “not enough”, because they do not yield the desired The forum was opened by Štefan Füle, Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy During my stay in Baku, I interviewed result, do not lead to the return of the 25 experts - analysts, academics, lost territories, which, from the legal The Swedish capital EaP CSF was created in 2009 at the Eastern Partnership countries. representatives of international and point of view, belong to Azerbaijan. greeted us with a the constitutive summit of Eastern Our Fund was a member of the national NGOs, government officials And here I would like to add that, genuine winter. Despite Partnership in Prague. It works to working group on culture, education working in international relations, naturally, there is always scope for the freezing cold from provide support to the further devel- and youth, as these disciplines are at human rights and international law, as further improvement of the existing outside, inside the opment of civil society organizations, this moment most urgent and repre- well as displaced persons and citizens international institutions and mecha- meeting hall was very warm and cozy to encourage a better communication sent a priority for our organization, at - which allowed getting, in terms of nisms for the application of interna- Tand the organizers and participants between them, and to strengthen their this point. international law and human rights tional law. were friendly and open. The Forum, dialogue with the public authorities. During the two-day meeting, mechanisms, a broader picture of the Another finding refers to the organized by the Swedish Ministry The communication of the civil BSCSIF managed to connect with the Karabakh conflict. composition of the participants in the of Foreign Affairs, brought together society representatives is mediated by members and co-chairs of the EaP negotiation process. Unfortunately, as show the interviews conducted by representatives of more than the Forum and its national platforms CSF steering committee, as well as Tell me more about your work and there is yet no prospect of participa- me, one of the conclusions refers to two hundred non-governmental in each Eastern Partnership country. with representatives of NGOs from your findings… tion of the Nagorno-Karabakh Ar- the need of exercising political will on organizations from Ukraine, Moldova, Since the establishment of the Eastern the countries of the Eastern Partner- One of my main concerns was to assess menians at the table of negotiations: both sides, because the danger that Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia and Partnership, the EU’s support to civil ship and the EU countries that arrived the efficiency of international law and supposedly, they are represented by the conflict would escalate is ever- Belarus, as well as from EU member- society organizations has more than to Stockholm, which will expand human rights mechanisms in the set- Armenia, which participates at nego- present, as well as the danger of its countries. doubled. Now it amounts to €57.5 our database of NGOs in the Black tlement of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict tiations within the Minsk Group, as protraction for a very long time. The speakers from the opening million for all six participating coun- Sea-Caspian Sea region. In addition, and, on the other hand, to define that OSCE member. And then, a question As for what hinders the settle- ceremony were Mr. Stefan Fűle, Euro- tries for the period of 2011-2013. opportunities on cooperation were fine line, the difference between the arises: who does the Armenian party ment, then here intervenes another pean Commissioner for Enlargement Four working groups were op- discussed with experts from Moldova, efficiency of these mechanisms and represent at the negotiations? There is important factor, which came at the and Neighborhood Policy, Mr. Chris- erating at the Stockholm forum: on Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan their effectiveness. For, sometimes, a hypothesis, at least at the academic surface during the talks with the refu- tian Strohal, Vice-chair UN Council democracy, human rights, good gov- on the project “Economic, social and these two concepts are being confused. level, about the pursuit of creation of gees. There is this syndrome, called on Human Rights, Mrs. Birgitta Ohls- ernance and stability; on economic political consequences of protracted And the conclusion reached is that a “Greater Armenia”. In this case, an- the victim-perpetrator syndrome and, son, Swedish Minister for EU Affairs, integration and convergence with EU conflicts in the Black Sea-Caspian Sea international legal systems and the other question arises: what is the main moreover, it comes from both sides. as well as Mrs. Natalia Gherman, legislation; on environment, climate region and the prospects for conflict corresponding mechanisms that trans- interest of Armenians at the negotia- Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians fear Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs change and security; on networking settlement”, on which our Fund is cur- late them into practice, including the tion table: to create “Greater Armenia” that along with the return of territo- and European Integration of Republic (youth, culture, education). There rently working. mediation of OSCE Minsk Group, are or to resolve the issue of Nagorno- ries and repatriation of Azerbaijani of Moldova, as in 2013, the Civil So- has been also created the 5th work- Julia AKHUNOVA, very efficient. The share of their appli- Karabakh’s legal status, as a legal entity? refugees to Nagorno-Karabakh, the ciety Forum will be for the first time ing group - on social dialogue – that Adviser to BSCSIF Secretary General, ance to this latent and yet unresolved Currently, there are several pro- Armenians will become the “vic- hosted by Moldova. brought at one table trade unions from Project Coordinator conflict, is rather fair. But from the posals to resolve the conflict. And, tims of the victims”. To overcome

6 7 EVENTSAND PEOPLE / BSCSIFCHRONICLE NEWSFROM the region

these fears, authorities on both sides we want to return where the graves sanction of the Security Council, for, - Nagorno-Karabakh and Baku - of our ancestors are, where our native those who attack without this sanc- Nabucco steps should, in my view, develop measures land and nature is. After 20 years tion, will be considered aggressors. fter a long period of stagnation, first steps have been to reconcile socially the two ethnic in exile, their hope to return is still Hence, the recommendation is: do not defined on the implementation of the international groups. Azerbaijanis have a plan to strong; they believe that the nation’s attack, wait for a peaceful resolution. Nabucco project, a key component of the Southern rehabilitate the corresponding ter- leadership will successfully resolve In any case, the Azerbaijanis, in their Corridor, designed to diversify the sources and ritories only from an economic point this crisis situation. vast majority, are set to a peaceful Aroutes of transportation of gas to customers in Central and of view, but there is no social program Is there a danger of conflict solution of the conflict, because the Western Europe. On January 18 of this year, in Vienna, an for reintegration and reconciliation or escalation until the resumption of psychological effects of the war on agreement on cooperation has been signed between the two its enunciation is deficient. And non- hostilities? At the political level, people were very big, people just be- consortia: Nabucco Gas Pipeline International (NGPI) and governmental organizations, includ- the rhetoric on the subject exists, gun recovering from it, and one more Azerbaijan’s Shah Deniz. According to it, Shah Deniz, in which ing international ones, draw attention but it is rather a political rhetoric armed conflict would be devastating the main shareholders are BP, SOCAR, Total and TPAO, will be to this essential aspect. than a real possibility. At the same for them. able to receive 50% of Nabucco West shares. The rest remains The Italian company “Saipem” will be the main designer of Nabucco West. And it’s very important time, Azerbaijan is determined One of the obstacles to conflict to the founding partners of the project. In this year’s June a final A snapshot since this year’s March, when the contract has been signed mentioning that, though the vast not to give up on its claim for the resolution is represented by a sort of decision is expected on the choice of route and timing of work with this company majority of Azerbaijani refugees, return of Nagorno-Karabakh into its psychological warfare that is felt on schedules of the two parties. identify themselves as victims jurisdiction and is willing to grant it both sides. Conflicting parties create The next step of NGPI was to sign a memorandum of un- The project also involves Balkan affiliation, but here it is and Armenians – as aggressors, if the broadest form of autonomy. or support either own false image (for derstanding and cooperation on development of the Southern possible to meet competition from Greece, Albania and Italy, reconciliation takes place, they are example, the possibility of a military re gi on Corridor with the Azerbaijani-Turkish company - Transanato- who implement their own project - TAP. willing to cohabit together, the same What suggestions and recommenda- solution), or their counterpart’s false lian Gas (TANAP). The exchange of technical and other strate- According to Christian Dolezal’s assessment, the person way they did earlier, when they were tions do you make in your research? image, attributing to it, in past or pre- gic information is foreseen. In fact, Nabucco West entails pump- assigned for the public relations of Nabucco consortium, first neighbors and friends, even if those First, it is necessary to develop a pro- sent, something that didn’t take place. ing Azerbaijani gas (using Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum pipeline) from cubic meters of Caspian gas may come to Bulgaria in 2018 or friends, in their words “plunged the gram of social inclusion of Azerbaija- But false realities and illusions won’t the Turkish-Bulgarian border through Bulgaria, Romania and early 2019. knife into their back” when they nis, with the prospect of their future last forever: sooner or later they burst Hungary to the gas distribution center in Baumgarten, Austria. Nabucco West’s capacity is 16 billion cubic meters per year attacked them and banished them return to the native land. They should like a soap bubble. And this is an im- In March, the NGPI consortium made its third step - signed (i.e., two times less than Nabucco’s original version), out of from their home. They even speak of be informed of their rights, in terms portant aspect that cannot be ignored a contract with the Italian company “Saipem” on engineering which, six will remain in Turkey, two will go to Bulgaria and the “forgiveness” and of the fulfillment of international law. For example, for the sake of the resolution of the and designing of Nabucco West pipeline. other eight will go further. of only one of their legal rights - to some experts believe that Azerbaijanis Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. return “home”. When asked: “But, have the legal right to attack under These are, briefly, the conclusions look, aren’t these good conditions UN’s protection, because they are the that I came to, while discussing with Briefly eLearning in schools of Kazakhstan that have been created at your new victim and Armenians - the aggres- my very friendly and hospitable • According to the decision of Davos Forum, he Romanian company SIVECO, a leader in information technology and member place, aren’t considerable funds sors. But Article 51 of the UN Charter interlocutors in Baku and while this spring, in Baku will be held the World of the Black Sea - Caspian Sea Fund (BSCSIF), participates in a wide program on allocated for you? - No, they answer, specifies that it is necessary for the working on his project. Economic Forum, designed to contribute Tmodernization of Kazakhstan’s education system. In the first phase, during 2012, to the development of cooperation SIVECO provided to its Kazakh partners 4200 interactive lectures and lessons, in Russian and integration of South Caucasus and and Kazakh languages, on physics, mathematics, algebra, geometry, as well as on Central Asia. disciplines that develop creativity. The technology of transposing the educational material and process into a digital system, like eLearning, offered by Romanian experts, has been Our capital not revealed their potential yet, and composed of the previous, the current introduced in 530 schools in Kazakhstan, and by 2015 it will cover half of the secondary • By 2050, Turkey will become one of the Continued from page 5 schools of the country. The first results of this successful collaboration were announced amidst the heavyweight “rinky-dinks” and next president of the Fund. An im- strongest European economies, said the during a recent visit to Romania of the Kazakh delegation from the National Center for on the board, who speak often and portant liaison is the Secretary General, country’s President, Abdullah Gul. According Information, SIVECO’s main partner. speak foreign languages – I’m endlessly plenty, they sometimes aren’t able to who is always on duty and who oversees to such indicators, as, economic growth, happy for them and I’m glad that we say a word. I think they need to be the work of the Central Office, of the unemployment and budget deficit, Turkey can benefit of expert evaluation from given more specific personal tasks, so communication, etc. I think it’s a well- exceeds the EU countries. In a recently Bulgaria is against precisely young, creative and boldly- they can show their professional and thought, democratic scheme. published report, “The World in 2050”, where 17 largest economies in the world have been ulgaria’s Parliament, in the wake of the government of the country, called for the annulment of the ambitioned people. Training courses human abilities: to be responsible for May our Fund develop and have agreement with Russia and Greece on the construction and use of 282-km Burgas-Alexandroupolis for national staff for the implementa- something, to speak, to report. a successful activity, and Dr.Akkan analyzed, it is argued that by that date, Turkey can surpass Italy, while Nigeria, B pipeline – for the transportation of Russian oil from the Bulgarian Black Sea port of Burgas to the tion of European and international Suver – a prosperous presidency, so Vietnam and South Africa will join the group city of Alexandroupolis from the Aegean Sea. MPs have motivated this decision with financial and environ- projects will be held in order to train Our capital that we, under his command, are able of 20 most powerful economies. mental considerations. Previously, three Bulgarian municipalities - Burgas, Pomorie and Sozopol - voted the new young experts - the decision Thus, at the plenary meeting of the to solve as much possible problems, on local referendums against the construction of this oil pipeline. to create these courses was taken at the Board of Directors in Istanbul, after while maintaining the current friend- last session of the Board of Directors. the finished two-year cycle, according ly, considerate and sincere climate, Nevertheless, there is a problem to the statutory principle of rotation, a along with the independent spirit of “South Stream” – on schedule within the Fund: some of the country- ceremony of handing over the symbolic our members of the Board of Direc- he construction of South Stream scheduled for December 2015. At full km. From the Bulgarian coast, the gas members are more active, the other key of presidency to the representative tors and representatives of different gas pipeline has begun in late capacity, the gas supply to Europe will go to Serbia, Hungary, Slovenia, ones - less. But this is rather a staff of Turkey, will take place. How does countries. This is the capital that we T 2012. It will be composed of will begin in 2018. The cost of South Italy, Croatia, and to Bosnia and problem, an issue of individual rep- the succession of power work in our managed to create till now. If it is four lines with the capacity of 15,75 Stream is estimated to 16 billion euros. Herzegovina. The designed capacity of billion cubic meters of gas, each. Russia will host 230 km of South Stream the pipeline is 63 billion cubic meters of resentatives. My point is: we have Fund? There is a “working troyka” that preserved, we will be able to find solu- The commissioning of the first line is pipeline, Bulgaria - 230 km, Turkey - 470 gas per year. to work with them. Some just have deals online with the Fund’s affairs: it is tions for many problems. NEWS FROM th e NEWS FROM

8 9 COUNTRIESOF THE REGION: bOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA photo: Аrchives

architecture and weak public institutions. Although Bosnia and Herzegovina was one of the most developed republics of the former Yugoslavia, with Symbiosis of tradition its huge industrial and manufacturing base, and valuable natural resources, the postwar economic growth has been rather slow and nurtured by domestic demand. and modernity This growth was stimulated by direct foreign investment, availability of raw materials and relatively cheap labor force. During 1997 – 2007, a high-level industrial Dzenita OZGUNER, Member of BSCSIF Board of Directors restructuring was achieved, in particular due to metal and wood processing, textile and automotive industries. However, as a consequence of the war, R&Ds ceased If we are to look at Bosnia and to exist in the country, thing that hinders the further bosnia and herzegovina Herzegovina from above, for development of economy and the innovation process. The it happens to be in the middle displaced population and “ethnically cleansed” regions of the European continent, it are a heavy burden to the state budget. With the support resembles a shape of the heart. of the international community and friendly countries, From the historical point of view, it Bosnia and Herzegovina is currently conducting various Iis rather a bridge between the Islam programs for refugees and displaced persons, this being world and the West and for most of its a key to the future peace and stability in the country, and history it has been an example of its the promptest resolution of the issues mentioned above dwellers’ mutual religious and cultural will give the green light to long-term economic planning, tolerance. In its north, west and south- necessary to achieve political stability in Bosnia and west, Bosnia and Herzegovina borders Herzegovina. europe with Croatia, in the east - with Serbia, Like other states of the former Yugoslavia, Bosnia in the south-east - with Montenegro and Herzegovina faces many challenges in the transition and it represents a home for about Dzenita OZGUNER, from socialism to market economy, but despite its Presidential Palace in Sarajevo Member of BSCSIF Board of Directors 4 million people, called “constituent undeniable progress, Bosnia and Herzegovina is yet peoples” – all having equal rights. Of these, 48% are much more to achieve for the recognition and adoption Bosniaks, 37% - Serbs, 14% - Croats and 0.6% - others. of European standards, fulfilling, thus, its European The name of the country - “Bosnia” - was mentioned vocation. Bosnia and Herzegovina, a potential candidate for the first time in the Charter of Ban Kulin, in 1189. for EU membership, has already signed the Stabilization Throughout over a thousand years of its cultural and and Association Agreement with the EU (SAA). It is political history, Bosnia and Herzegovina belonged to also a NATO candidate, and its subsequent strategies are the Ottoman Empire (1463-1878) and to the Austro- aimed at getting the membership to these international Hungarian Empire (1878-1918). After World War II, along organizations. with the Republic of Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia, Macedonia, Independence Day: March 1, 1992 (Official holiday) Montenegro and two autonomous provinces of Kosovo Cultural diversity National Day: November 25 (1943) and Vojvodina, Bosnia and Herzegovina became a part as a key advantage Capital: Sarajevo, with a population of about of one state - the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia Bosnia and Herzegovina has long been at the crossroads 800 thousand people (1945-1992). In October 1991, the people of the Republic of many civilizations and cultures, and these millennia Population (2011estimates): 3,839,737 people of Bosnia and Herzegovina (64% of the population) voted of cultural diversity melded in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sebilj Fountain, a symbol of Sarajevo Official languages: Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian for a sovereign and independent Republic of Bosnia and Government: Federal Democratic Republic Herzegovina, and on May 22, 1992, the state has become a High Representative: Valentin Inzko full-right UN member. Presidency members: Nebojsa Radmanovic (Serb) Unfortunately, immediately after this referendum, Bakir Izetbegovic (Bosniak), aggressions stroke Bosnia and Herzegovina causing Željko Komšić (Croat) dramatic human and enormous material damage to the Legislature: Parliamentary Assembly country - the consequences of it are easy to notice even Prime Minister: Vjekoslav Bevanda today. The Dayton Peace Agreement signed in Paris on Area: 51,197 sq. km (128th in the world) December 14, 1995, was originally conceived as a short- GDP per capita: $ 7,064 Currency: Convertible mark (BAM) term pacifying measure, but later it served as the basis for Internet TLD: .ba the country’s constitution. Though the beginning was not Calling code: +387 easy, striving to get a foothold, the state managed to make Time zone: +1 notable progress. Meanwhile, the political situation in the country remains quite difficult and uncertain because of the fragmentation of the state, complex institutional Banja Luka, in the foreground of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior Old Bridge in Mostar on the River Neretva (built in the XVIth c.)

10 11 Mountain skiing - one of the most appreciated in COUNTRIESOF THE REGION: bOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA ИНА В ЕГО Ц ГЕР И theЯ countryНИ С О Б региона: ны а Стр

“Zlatna quince”, “Zlatna Vilyamovka” - represent, along with many other brands, organic fruit brandy yielding into one of the most fascinating countries in Herzegovina differs from the rest of the country. It is the South-Eastern Europe. Archaeological excavations renowned for orchards and vegetable farming, for the rich indicate on first dwellings of tribes on this territory variety of plants and flowers. Herzegovina is reputed for dating back to 12,000 years ago. Most of Bosnia and its wines and honey. Herzegovina’s population is of Slavic origin, as the Slavic tribes, who arrived here in the VIth century had their Ancient Bosnian crafts settlements throughout the entire Balkan region. This The country is rich in mines, which offer local cultural diversity is most striking in the cities of Bosnia artisans easy access to supplies, necessary to excel in and Herzegovina, where on the same street, one can see metalworking. Local Ottoman art style flourished during an Islamic mosque, a Jewish synagogue, a Catholic and an XVII-XIXth centuries, when in Bosnia was located one Orthodox churches. of the three schools of crafts that existed at that time, and Bosnia and Herzegovina is probably one of the most today, in Sarajevo, there still are streets named after local Jahorina – a wide variety of choice for a interesting countries in the world because its natural crafts, such as, for example, Coppersmiths Street. Antique romantic getaway in the mountains beauty can be seen in its land, the same as in its people. shops with metal handiwork can be found in Bascarsija In this country, one’s wealth is measured by the number (“Central Market” in Turkish), built back in the XVth of his friends. Although one cannot expect too much century when Isa-Beg (Bey) Isakovic founded this city. from such a small country, Bosnia and Herzegovina is becoming one of the newest and most exciting tourist Towards a better future destinations in the South-Eastern Europe. The global economic crisis that gripped the world Bosnia and Herzegovina has a unique geographical since 2008, has a significant impact on the economy of location, a warm Mediterranean climate in the south and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and, added to the long-term cooler continental temperatures on the Alpine continental structural problems and the low competitiveness of the north, providing to every nature enthusiast a wide range local economy; it caused the decline of the country’s key of landscapes, flora and fauna and exciting outdoor economic indicators. Though, Bosnia and Herzegovina Rafting on the Bosnian coffee – guards river Una the local tradition activities. Its upland is ideal for eco-tourism, offering such has an agreement with the IMF on the adoption of kinds of leisure activities like trekking, biking, fishing, measures against the economic crisis and on maintaining The Swede Zlatan Ibrahimovic canoeing, rafting, bird watching and collecting herbs. financial stability, there are no concerted efforts to from PSG club in Bosnia and Due to its historical, natural and climatic features, create a favorable climate for business development and The local mountain Herzegovina is considered a trails attract visitors fellow contryman, because his from many countries parents are Bosnians Sarajevo. Academy of Fine Arts (the former building of an Evangelical Church) there is very little support on international markets for strategically important sectors of Bosnia and Herzegovina and for Bosnia’s industry. The integration into the EU is one of the main driving forces for the development of the agricultural sector, for, the industries able to generate Bosnia and Herzegovina’s economic growth are agriculture, tourism, brewery, construction, mining and processing of metals, wood industry. With the signing of A monument to the the Stabilization and Association Agreement with the EU Serbian poet and diplomat in 2008, Bosnia and Herzegovina has created, for the first Jovan Ducic in Trebinje The wounds inflicted by the recent time, formal contractual relationship with the EU; EFTA war haven’t healed yet in the and CEFTA agreements were also signed and negotiations people’s souls... with WTO continue. As one of the main electricity exporters to the Balkans, Bosnia and Herzegovina needs a more reasonable and transparent energy policy and new investments National Theatre in Sarajevo in renewable energy resources to turn its natural resources into an instrument of the country’s economic transformation. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s membership at various internationally recognized organizations has always played a positive role for its further development, It is possible that many thousands of years ago, the mysterious Artisans in and we firmly believe that due to our participation in the activity of the International Fund of the Black Sea Visocica Mountain has been the central a pyramid, says writer and metropolitan -Caspian Sea (BSCSIF), new prospects for cooperation, archaeologist Semir Osmanagic, market Baščaršija based on common interests, will open up. researching this issue

12 13 SOUTHCORRIDOR SOUTHCORRIDOR photo: archive

approached with caution. For it is not Turkey, who becomes Turkey and EU more detached from EU, but EU, who acts against its own values, especially since two years now. Let us remember Kofi Annan’s plan in 2004 (to unite Cy- need each other prus in a confederate state - ed. comm.) and what was afterwards: the will that the Turkish party of Cyprus showed on “Turkey will celebrate the Republic Day in 2023 as an EU member-state” referendum and, at the same time, the uncompromising, implacable attitude of the Greek Cypriots, which fell under conversation with Dr. will bring some new blood into its life; sis, this rate is obviously an important one-sided assessment by EU leaders, Akkan SUVER, Presi- • In Turkey, with its Muslim popula- achievement. leading to the following statement from dent of Marmara Group tion, women have gained all social Europe – Turkey’s main trade Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan: Strategic and Social Re- and political rights earlier than it hap- partner – is going through economic Dr. Akkan Suver (on the right), Minister for EU Affairs, Egemen Bagis (on the left) “The Greeks, who said “no” to the solu- search Foundation and pened in many European countries; and financial difficulties. The fact that and Dr. Fatih Recep Saraçoglu, Secretary General of Marmara Group Foundation tion, were literally rewarded”. Moreover, a prominent member of Turkish civil • In the dialogue between the West and Turkey was not affected by these dif- during the presidency of Cyprus to the Asociety on the international arena the Islamic world, Turkey can play the ficulties is explained, in my opinion, by tization of public life, as much as they policy maneuvers and intelligence EU, these relations have almost hit a role of a mediator; the unprecedented, ongoing economic were due to the in-state stability and arrangements. dead end, and some countries not will- Please, tell us a few words about • When referring to negotiations be- growth. trust. Multiculturalism and tolerance for ing to see Turkey in the EU, were unjust your organization... tween Turkey and EU, a crucial role in All of this growth was due to the multiculturalism is one of the most towards Turkey. Accordingly, such an Marmara Group Foundation is a sort of the adoption of a “political decision” daily, increasing efforts of Turkey and How big is Turkey’s need of obtain- important issues of our time. It is filled approach raised Turkey’s suspicions think-tank created in 1985. Since then, plays religion, and it shall be a test of all its institutions. And collective intel- ing the European Union member- with dangers and threats. That is why about EU’s sincerity. If foreign policy is it has successfully implemented a series sincerity for EU regarding its attitude ligence and implementation of well- ship? the world order, once forged with the the area that evolves on how someone of projects in and outside the country, towards Islam; to clarify this issue, through policies served as a basis for The European mindset has preserved philosophy of democracy, equality and “perceives” the other one, we can say as well as EU projects. there is an urgent need for dialogue... such a success. and consolidated multiculturalism and independence, is today at its most frag- that today, EU makes a mistake by sug- Marmara Group Foundation is a Due to its export-oriented strategy, ensured European integration after ile and delicate phase of development. gesting the idea that Turkey is allegedly, union of prestige. A peace project. Be- In 2000, Marmara Group Foundation Turkey is today a country that supplies World War II. This reasoning was born In a speech after his victory in the a kind of “alien”. I believe that Turkey ing a civil initiative for a peaceful tran- received the status of Adviser to the goods and services to all the countries under unique conditions of that time presidential elections, the USA President has every right to put straight forward sition from the multicultural richness UN Economic and Social Council. in the world. And this is another indi- and led to the formation of today’s inte- Barack Obama said that the most valu- questions on whether EU’s values and​​ of humanity to its tomorrow, for the What are the advantages of this cator of Turkey’s growth and its asser- grated Europe. And mainly for this, the able asset of the United States is its mul- ideals have changed, to the EU officials, past 28 years, Marmara Group Founda- status? tion as a brand of economic superpow- project of peace and prosperity, which ticultural structure. This is the supreme who at every opportunity emphasize tion carries out annually the Eurasian The Foundation represents our country er. The main driving force to ensure European Union is, received the 2012 value index for today. Therefore, I believe that one’s “alienation” is not included Economic Summits and international in the Economic and Social Council this success lies in the importance that Nobel Peace Prize. that the future of the European Union is into their value system. meetings on intercultural dialogue. of the United Nations as a civil society Turkey attaches to the development of Marmara Group Foundation con- essential for the peaceful survival of mul- In addition, our organization par- organization. We participated actively high technology, innovation, research siders that the European Union is the ticulturalism and, in this sense Turkey What is Turkey’s current progress on ticipates at “Yes to Europe” project and in UN’s various activities. UN officials and development, and particularly to project of the century. Accordingly, needs EU no less than EU needs Turkey. receiving the EU membership? puts a lot of effort into Turkey’s acces- also attended a series of conferences banking sector. Turkey’s rapprochement with the EU is, Once Turkey enters EU, Europe’s I would like to highlight a very impor- sion to the EU. and meetings organized by our Foun- I would like to add that, as repre- for us, a fundamentally necessary step values and​​ Asia’s wealth will merge and tant thing: Turkey is perseverant in dation. I would like to bring out our sentatives of civil society we are con- to make. So far, the European Union form a West-East synthesis. This new turning the continental peace project, What kind of philosophy adopted work on the promotion of Turkey’s vinced that we should focus, in matter represented the idea of a continental mindset will naturally generate a dia- implemented by EU, into a global one, Marmara Group Foundation, in this image in the world. I even lost count of exports, on low-weight high-value integration, but once accepting Turkey lectical result, which will accelerate the with the help of its unique strategic po- sense? of the UN-related ballots published by consumer goods. into its ranks, it will be the embodiment integration process. sition and the active regional and global Marmara Group Foundation plays the us, thing that helps us contribute to the Despite the fact that during 2009, of a global concept. foreign policy. By having Turkey in its role of a civil initiative aimed at shaping adequate representation of the Turkish when the global economic crisis was Assuming that Turkey will not be How do you assess Turkey’s political ranks, the European Union will become a modern and rich Turkey, as a future reality worldwide. deepening and almost every economic together with Europe, I daresay that demarches and fiscal policies within a prototype, a complete organization in full-right member of the European Un- rate registered decline, in 2012 we have tomorrow it may stand up to it and the negotiations with the EU? the context of world peace. ion. On international forums, held by How do you assess the recent eco- surpassed the pre-crisis condition. In unwanted economic and even cultural Political and financial activities under- On behalf of Marmara Group the Fund, including the ones in Brus- nomic developments and changes the field of exports, economic growth, conflicts can emerge between the ideal- taken by Turkey in the process of nego- Foundation we have stated on all in- sels, it promotes the following ideas: in Turkey? tourism income, direct investment, ist Europe and the following-its-own- tiations with the European Union are ternational forums and platforms that • Turkey can become a model for the On the eve of 2013, the graphs of many budget balance, interest on the loan, destiny Turkey. realistic. Unfortunately, the European protracted negotiations caused by politi- Islamic world; economic sectors in Turkey showed Turkey managed to achieve a very high We can clearly see that the danger Union applies double standards on Tur- cal factors and considerations are of no • Turkey, with its current regime, cul- steady growth. On average, over the efficiency. awaiting us today is much greater key. Consequently, Turkey-EU relations benefit and our membership is advanta- tural diversity, economic potential and last 10 years, the annual growth of our It is true that economic results than even the danger of an “armed are today in decline. But our country geous for both parties. a young, dynamic population will be economy amounted to 5.3%, and taking were, on the whole, due to the active, conflict”. And obviously, we can’t pre- is not the one responsible. And, in very useful for the European Union, into account the global economic cri- peaceful foreign policy and democra- vent this danger using popular foreign general, the matter of decline should be See more on page 26

14 15 CultureAnd us CultureAnd us Photo: Аrchives Kotor. Romanesque church Children in Montenegrin (XIII c.) national costumes heritage: for the first time the non- regarding the sanitization and protec- heritage conservation, which would material heritage was leveled with tion of severely affected or endangering not allow the permanently scattered the immovable and movable cultural monuments, to take care of their per- mosaic floors of the ancient Roman property, and the cultural landscape manent conservation and inspection. Doclea, as well as the important Ro- was also recognized as heritage; ad- It turned out that, before making it man center Municipium S, located ministrative and technical measures happen, there is a shortage of quali- near the town of Pljevlja, to remain this were scheduled, mandatory supervi- fied staff and it’s necessary to elaborate unknown and unexplored. The prestige sion and inspection were introduced. a better policy for human resource of the experts would have been acceler- There is a clear distinction between management – to bring experts, to ated already the adoption of measures, the administrative functions and the improve personnel’s professional skills, so that the medieval frescoes would no work of conservation experts, which to intensify the international exchange longer fade and disappear, and impor- led to the reorganization of existing of ideas and specialists. And to do it tant architectural works of the XXth institutions: instead of the two insti- so, the experts, architects, art histo- century (often, a whole group of build- tutions for the protection of cultural rians, ethnologists, anthropologists, ings) would have been put under the heritage and the Center for Archaeo- archaeologists, engaging the branches adequate protection and freed from the logical Research mentioned above, of science from antiquity to the present danger of the real estate development there was established the Council for day, would take part in the creation of expansion in the modern city. the Protection of Cultural Heritage the most objective and accurate repre- Given the poor state of many ob- and the Center for Conservation and sentation of one of the most interesting jects of cultural heritage, the deficient Archaeology of Montenegro. and multi-layered cultural heritage, like research, identification and protection How do we preserve The restorers use modern legal the Montenegrin one is. It includes the of them, a turning point became the framework for their activities. They are prehistoric layer, the ancient Greco- Program of Protection and Preserva- to make serious and comprehensive Roman and Illyrian traditions, the tion of Cultural Heritage, adopted by work on the assessment and reassess- Christian and Islamic cultures, modern the Ministry of Culture in 2012. This cultural heritage? ment of many cultural monuments, achievements. This is the right path to program is designed for many years their registration, analytic and planned the future of a strong, independent and to come and foresees allocations of Representatives of Montenegro and Bulgaria will obliged to report on the state of cultural monuments processing. They need to take measures well-organized profession of cultural substantial financial resources for the carry on with the topic started in the previous issue. on territories occupied by it and to provide the At the same time, we can not fail to mention that opportunity of a technical mission to visit these at the seventh session of UNESCO’s Committee territories. The secretariat of the organization will Natural and cultural-historic district of Kotor is listed Ostrog Monastery, carved in UNESCO’s World Heritage in rock at a height of 900 m for the Protection of Cultural Property in the prepare a report on the state of cultural property (XVII c.) Event of Armed Conflict, held on December 20, on the occupied territories and submit it to 2012, in Paris, Azerbaijan was elected as one of UNESCO’s Committee. Steps to be undertaken by the Committee’s vice-presidents. There has been the Committee, will bear a particular significance adopted, at Azerbaijan’s initiative, a document on the for Azerbaijan, on whose occupied territories many protection of monuments on occupied territories. cultural monuments were destroyed and remaining RAccording to the document, the occupant country is ones are endangered by the same fate. To create a fair representation of the Montenegrin heritage

he modern system of protec- Podgorica (1994), outgrown later into tion of cultural monuments the Archaeological Research Center. Moraca Monastery. in Montenegro dates back to In accordance with the interna- Medieval church T1948, when in Cetinje was established tional standards and policies of cul- the Institute for Protection of Cul- tural heritage conservation, an exten- tural Monuments. Subsequently, were sive reformation process in this field formed: the Regional Institute for has recently begun. First, in 2008, the Protection of Cultural Historic Monu- Law on Culture was adopted, and in ments of Kotor (1992) - to protect the two years - other laws on protection of monuments from Kotor Bay’s terri- cultural heritage and the activities of Sladjana ZUNICH, art historian and restorer tory, where they are mostly clustered, museums, archives and libraries. New and the Archaeological Collection in laws set also new types of cultural

16 17 CultureAnd us CultureAnd us Give people access to heritage

ulgaria’s cultural heritage The law was ratified by the Na- covers, time-wise, even the tional Assembly much later than earliest manifestations of art in other former socialist countries: Bin Europe. Immediately after the there were certain attempts of im- Liberation from Turkish slavery, posing the lawmakers a series of the state has taken the primary private interests. Immediately after responsibility to protect the coun- the law was enacted, professionals try’s cultural heritage, creating pointed out its shortcomings. In the The icon of Moraca Monastery (post- Byzantine period) museums and appropriate legisla- chapter about movable monuments, tive framework. The first national Blagovesta IVANOVA, the law relies mainly on archaeo- museum institution that begins to PhD in Art History, A.P. at the Higher School of logical heritage. Unfortunately, it is Medieval stecci tombstones collect purposefully, since 1892, Civil Engineering named after Lyuben Karavelov (XII-XVI cs.) - Candidates for still not particularly functional for cultural values, is the National Mu- in Sofia and museum curator at the National modern movable monuments of UNESCO’s World Heritage List Gallery of Art. Works with Bulgarian Renaissance seum in Sofia. Since the XXth cen- Arts; received her degree at the Central European fine art, reason why it is currently tury, Bulgarian monuments, such University, on the problematic of art during the undergoing several changes. as, Boyana Church, Madara Rider, transition from the Middle Ages to modern times At large, the law focuses on the rock monasteries in Ivanovo, in Central and Eastern Europe. harmonization with the legislation, Kazanlak Tomb, Rila Monastery, regulations and directives of Euro- the old town of Nessebar and the local museums. Depending on the pean Union, without the account Tomb of Sveshtari are under UN- form of property, the ownership is of national specifics. As for the ESCO’s protection. governmental, municipal, private, virtues it has, we should give credit Today, in accordance with the or mixed. The latter form allows us- to - the protection of Bulgarian law on cultural heritage adopted in ing various types of funding, under cultural heritage, regardless of its 2009, the country has an extensive the methodological guidance of the location. This refers to, first of all, network of national, regional and Ministry of Culture. architectural monuments, located

The ruins of the ancient Roman urban center in Dukla (latin - Diokletia), Book illustration of the works of Plafond Baroque fresco Eastern Rhodopes. Perperikon - huge megalithic homeland of Emperor Diocletian South Slavic masters-pioneers sanctuary of Dionysus, the most ancient archaeological in printing site on Bulgaria’s territory

implementation of 75 projects - both tions - European Heritage Days, Long on the theme of cultural heritage pres- on national and local levels. This Night of Museums, publications and ervation and natural environment. means researches of the prehistoric and exhibitions. A great importance is at- For, cultural and natural heritage are ancient settlements, medieval fortress- tached to the buyback of the objects of two parts of a whole. Their unity is es of the VI-XVth centuries, protection culture to replenish the museum col- highlighted by the principle of con- of XXth century architecture, keeping lections, along with the book libraries servation and protection of the im- an inventory for the intangible herit- and film libraries; substantial funds are mediate environment of the cultural age, projects for the integral protection allocated for the technical moderniza- heritage. This applies to the cultural of monuments of the municipality of tion of the cultural institutions. landscapes, too. Kotor, of the Old Town of Bar, cem- Here, we must point out the great It would be both interesting and eteries with unique gravestones - stećci, importance of education and devel- significant to open within the Faculty nominated for the UNESCO World opment of consciousness of citizens of Fine Arts a department, where the Heritage list, as well as projects for towards the cultural heritage. The law painters would receive theoretical conservation of the endangered monu- imposes this task not only to the cul- knowledge and practical skills neces- ments. Funds for training and refresher tural authorities, but also to the edu- sary for the restoration and protection courses for personnel are foreseen, cation system. A good example in this of the ancient works of art - frescoes, including trainings for archaeological direction is the gymnasium program icons, paintings, manuscripts, books, underwater research, organization of teaching fine art, as well as the school textiles, and items manufactured of Boyana Church in Sofia (XIII c.), included into national and international demonstra- workshops and exhibitions of works metal, glass, ceramics... UNESCO’s World Heritage List

18 19 CultureAnd us CultureAnd us

Bas-relief of the Thracian tomb in Sveshtari (III c. BC), in UNESCO’s list

Town of Nessebar; UNESCO listed is its oldest part (VI c. BC – XIX c. AC) Ancient sanctuary near the village of Tatul (Kardzhali Province) called “Tomb of Orpheus”, the legendary poet

“Valley of the Thracian Kings” in Kazanlak. Murals of the royal family tomb (IV-III cs BC), Rila Monastery discovered by archaeologists in 1944 (founded in late Xth c.). Its architecture of XIV and XIX cs. is also protected by UNESCO

Rock carvings – “Madara Horseman” in Shumen region The Roman Stadium in Plovdiv (II-IV c.) is included (750-801), in into the preliminary list of UNESCO UNESCO’s list

currently on the territory of other age is passed over to future genera- Bulgaria relate to the development ley of the Thracian Kings, attract regarding Sofia’s leading museums. and study the cultural heritage Balkan states. tions, and therefore, we believe that of tourism. The governmental cul- increasingly more tourists with its Along with the strategic plan for first-handedly, but who face chal- The law operates with such new the concept of “value”, which bears tural policy aims to synchronize uniqueness. One of the most popu- tourism development, it stresses on lenges specific to their profession terms as “cultural value” and “cultur- a temporality component, does not tourism with the rich cultural lar and beloved tourist destinations the relation between archaeologi- - low wages, deficient space for al heritage” to comply, in this sense, fully meet society’s purposes. Under heritage and, for this purpose, became the archaeological complex cal sites and museums, and defines depositaries and lack of software to with European legislation. However, the circumstances of today’s glo- European funds are used. Lately, composed of a megalithic sanctu- the role of cultural tourism routes, create databases. A huge problem in my opinion, the use of the term balized world and, at the same time, particularly interesting to the ary, the sacred city-fortress of Per- aimed to facilitate access of tourists with depositories is due to the fact “value” is likely to have a temporal of the urge to preserve the national public became archaeological sites perikon in the Eastern Rhodopes, to cultural heritage and to make it that, according to the old European content, because, as cultural history identity, the best would be to use and exhibitions of constructions which was blooming during XVIII more popular. One of the new mu- tradition, museums are established shows, each society develops its own clear terms, established for ages in since Antiquity and the Middle - XIV centuries BC or, during the seums in Sofia is the Museum of so- inside historic buildings, which are, perceptions and criteria of their national tradition. Bulgarian muse- Ages in the center of Sofia and Cretan-Mycenaean culture, and cialist art. The historical distance of mostly, not spacious and do not value system. For example, going um history and the history of culture Plovdiv. Not long ago, during the lasted until the XIV century AC. the last fifty years gave birth to the allow reconstruction that would ac- through certain changes, the society operate with such concepts as “mon- construction of subways in our EU is also funding the archaeo- objective precondition for registra- count for the functions of modern can change its value system, and ument” and “antiquity”, emerged capital, there were found main logical excavations in the town of tion of certain collections available museums. then, from the value list can be re- during the Bulgarian Revival Period arteries dating back to the Roman Sozopol, where archaeologists un- in the country, in a general exhibi- The above aspects are far from moved objects, which at other times and at the beginning of the XXth Ages and medieval churches. The cover complexes of Antiquity and tion, thing that caused, however, covering the whole problematic of were there. It is known that one of century. They describe more vividly exhibition of the ancient stadium the Middle Ages. The city is soon controversy in the community. the preservation of Bulgaria’s cultur- the principles our modern society the content and relevancy of the pro- in Plovdiv ended its activity, re- to become a new major touristic The rich cultural heritage re- al heritage. They only highlight the is based on states that preservation tected objects. cently. The Thracian complex near center. quires responsibility from both key points in this extensive activity should be applied to all the objects Let us see how activities on the town of Kazanlak, which has In early 2010, the Ministry of museums and museum clerks, exercised amidst historical knowl- of cultural heritage so that this herit- preservation of cultural heritage in lately become known as the Val- Culture embraced a new approach specialists, restorers who preserve edge, economy and politics.

20 21 INTERVIEW INTERVIEW TEXT: VYACHESLAV SAMOSHKIN PHOTO: ARCHIVEs

name it as you wish. But it is also true that cultural close- ness is not always sufficient for an active and close coopera- tion in other spheres - political, economic, etc. Take Ar- Ognyan Minchev: gentina and Chile - the cultures seem to be similar, but for decades, the two countries are in a tense relationship. We can give European examples for this. Of course, Russia, Bul- garia and the Black Sea countries, except Turkey - represent we haven’t realized yet the relationship between the former empire, the currently big, powerful strategic force, Russia, and the countries of inherently small and medium size and capacity. So, when we speak about the potential of mutual relations, it is also the advantages necessary to consider the stated above. Secondly, coopera- tion among the Black Sea countries is partially impeded by the fact that many of them have just emerged. Because 20 years of existence for a nation-state is merely a moment, of interdependence very little time for its formation and development. During the creation of BSEC initiative, this whole process of coop- The prominent Bulgarian political scientist and Director of Institute for eration development has clearly shown that the potential of the new countries that surround the Black Sea, in terms of Regional and International Studies, Associate Professor at the University institutions, in terms of the formation of interest and abil- ity to cooperate dynamically with other countries, is not of Sofia, Ognyan MINCHEV answers “DM”s questions. particularly great. They need to develop their own identity, institution efficiency, efficiency of protection of interests in order to gain a potential for further cooperation and to ex- ell us a little about your institute and its on the other - the Ottoman Empire and its successors, like pand their presence in the region. main scope of activity... Republican Turkey. In addition, the emergence of new states, while maintain- Our institute was founded in 1997, during the The situation in the region began to change very swiftly ing the classic, so to say, views of Russia and Turkey about post-Yugoslav wars, when the world was fo- after 1991, when, at first, ceased to exist both the system themselves, along with their self-awareness about being cused on Balkans. Then, after 2000, this world’s and the bipolar Cold War division of Europe and the Black great powers in the region, is not very conducive to the attention began to loosen up. We switched to the research of Sea, and later, a lot of new nation states, former Soviet re- development of equal and mutually beneficial relations in Tthe Black Sea region. We also deal with European security publics, emerged. It is peculiar for a nation-state, which is ist in the Black Sea region. On one hand, we are a member the region. Because, if we take some positive examples of issues. Currently, we’ve turned our attention to Bulgaria’s new and has an unshaped nation, to have interests, perspec- of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC), member cooperation from, say, the European Union, then, those Middle East neighbors, and, even though we are not experts tives, strategic perceptions of who to become friends with, of the European Union, which is, supposedly, increasingly countries have such an ideology, a consciousness, an out- on Islam or on Middle East, strictly speaking, for the last who to compete with, which regional and supra-regional more interested in the Black Sea, because, due to Bulgaria look on the interdependence, that whenever there is a mu- two or three years, we have been monitoring the overall political and economic organizations to be part of, what is and Romania’s membership, EU gained the Black Sea status, tual dependence between two states, they are interested to events from there, as it has a lot of significance to all of us the role of these memberships, etc. That’s why the strategic, too. Despite that, Bulgaria is still particularly inert: it didn’t collaborate more dynamically and efficiently, for the benefit and, to our country, in particular. geopolitical situation in the Black Sea region have changed yet concretize its interests regarding the Black Sea. Bul- of both. during the last 20 years, a new, extensive range of interests garia’s “defensive” position regarding various interests and I think that, at this point, the Black Sea states haven’t What are, in your opinion, the specifics and geostra- regarding cooperation and competition emerged around influences and balances of the Black Sea region is in con- reached yet, as required, this level of understanding of re- tegic importance of the Black Sea-Caspian Sea region, the shores of the Black Sea. This is point one. trast with Romania’s position, which has always been hyper- gional identity and of interdependence benefits. into which sometimes the Mediterranean Sea is also The second point is about the new geopolitical situation, active, even more active than it could take and than other Turkey is today in its zenith of national, nationalist, “West- included? How does Bulgaria, a member of the Europe- which after the Cold War was also due to the fact that West- big countries of the region, like Russia, Turkey could put phalian”, if you will, phase of development. Russia is also an Union, NATO, and also of the BSEC, and a traditional ern countries, and not only them, became more and more up with. Therefore, Romania’s hyperactivity and Bulgaria’s seeking for self-assertion as a great country, a great state in partner of Russia and other former Soviet republics, interested in oil and gas resources of the Caspian Sea and inertia and passivity represent a kind of paradox, from the the new world. It is looking for its identity - is Russia go- sees its role in the region? Central Asia. This drove them to the sharp desire of turn- point of view of the presence of both European countries on ing to be an Empire, a Democratic Federation or a national As it seems, there even wasn’t such a region till the 90’s. Dur- ing the Black Sea into a strategic corridor between Europe the shores of the Black Sea. I hope that Bulgaria will start to state? Of course, we all know this is a difficult choice. But ing last couple of centuries, the Black Sea was controlled by and Asia. Thus, the idea to revive the historic Silk Road was put more effort, will show more active interest related to the the small, medium-sized countries in the region are also two great powers - Russian and Ottoman empires. First, after born – for international trade, for the strategic access of possibilities of cooperation and regional development of the busy establishing their national identity. And because we the Ottoman invasion, it was mainly a Turkish sea, but once European and Western powers, as a mainpoint and for the Black Sea. are going through this process, it is difficult to focus on with the establishment and development of the Russian Em- establishment of new balances, new guarantees for trade, common interests. But we must focus, because the world pire during Peter the Great, Catherine the Great, etc. the sea security, etc. Thus, the Black Sea became an object of inter- The states and peoples of this region have much in com- is moving in this direction - commonness of the interests. was, so to speak, divided between the two empires, and that est and structurization, under circumstances of the eco- mon in terms of their historical fate, culture and spiritual- We must go through this phase of formation of our national geopolitical status lasted until the end of the Cold War. And nomic and strategic realities of the post-Cold War. ity. What hinders them from working even more closely? identity and move on. even if from time to time on Black Sea shores were emerging As for Bulgaria’s position, I have a very critical attitude How to overcome these obstacles? new states like Bulgaria, Romania, the Black Sea remained towards the official position of the Bulgarian state and the - There are various obstacles... I must say that, particularly If talking about energy, there are already some joint under control of the two regional powers: the Russian Em- Bulgarian governments for the last 15-20 years, who haven’t between Bulgaria and Russia, there are deep historical ties regional projects and mechanisms of regional coopera- pire, which became later the Soviet Union, on one hand, and, been paying enough attention to the opportunities that ex- of cultural cooperation, friendly relations and closeness, tion - BSEC, EU initiatives (the Eastern Partnership, the

22 23 INTERVIEW INTERVIEW

Danube Cooperation), CIS - that include many of these membership to the European Community since 1962. But, The Black Sea-Caspian Sea region had and still has exter- sign responsibility to society and to individual groups in so- countries. Maybe, in order to establish firmer bridges in recent years, it became more obvious that Turkish mem- nal players, which, strictly speaking, do not have a direct ciety - territorial, regional, classes, etc., to create more bal- between peoples and nations it is necessary for other bership is very problematic. And it is not because Turkey connection to it. Do you think that the intervention of anced models of economic and political development. Then mechanisms and instruments? is a very large Muslim country. Its membership also means such players is useful for the region or it only makes the we will have this specific product of civil self-government, Of course, we try to analyze these issues, keeping in mind a that a new, huge country, if compared to European scale, resolution of problems more difficult? which will help us guarantee human rights, civil rights, and series of trends. And the energy industry is a very interest- will undoubtedly affect the German-French hegemony in There is no vacuum in mutual strategic relations and stra- activate the ability of a person and a citizen to choose the ing topic in the context of regional cooperation and regional European Union’s institutions. So, in short, it will be very tegic balance. If, in a certain region there is no vacuum, but form of government, to participate more or less freely in competition. And when I said that now dominate the trends difficult for Turkey to become an EU member, and it will be there is a balance of mutual benefit, economic balance, bal- the political and economic life, not necessarily going into of nationalization, identity, self-interest, I meant for energy, hard for Turkey to digest this membership because, like I ance of interests, then it will be difficult for an outside fac- an impassable conflict with other people from other regions too. It seems that small and smaller countries in our region said, it is at the zenith of its national “Westphalian” type of tor to get inside. Alien factors find their ways into the area and organizations. It is a historical process, and we must go play rather a zero-sum game than a mutual-benefit game. Of development. It will be very difficult and painful for Turkey of ​​vacuum, where there are holes, spaces of uncoordinated through it. And we must train our consciousness, so it real- course, if talking about the regional leaders like Russia and to give up a part of its sovereignty to Brussels administra- interests, conflict spaces, spaces, which the outside factors izes that this is to our advantage. Turkey, they have their own eloquent strategies to use energy tion. So, for Turkey, the ambition to become a part of Eu- can penetrate and determine here their own balance, their That is why I started with the Western tradition of civil to accomplish national interests. For Russia, the monopoliza- rope, if the ambition lasts, will not be realized very soon. In own interests. It so happened that after the end of the Cold society. Today, in different countries of our region, those tion of oil and gas exports to Europe represents a major eco- this case, the Eurasian alternative is one of the most weighty War, such a space with large elements of vacuum, became in power have the habit of explaining their problems by nomic and geopolitical strategy of winning back its influence, alternatives to the modern Turkish government, which the Black Sea area, and, the post-Soviet space, in whole. the fact that the West interferes in internal affairs, the West if not in the whole Europe, then, at least, in Central and East- is known for giving up a part of the Kemalist, republican Therefore, the powers like Europe and USA, and now even is paying the dissidents to destroy the state and so on. I ern Europe. Turkey is also trying to stand firmly in the center dogmas of the past and for looking into the future not only China and Iran, and other powers believe that they can en- consider such kind of explanation strictly superficial. We of energy flows. It does not have considerable resources of through the prism of Turkey’s European development, but able themselves and participate at the vacuum filling, and of cannot explain our own social trends by the intervention of its own, but it has a certain geographical position that allows also in the light of an independent position of this country, course, extract benefits for themselves. the West, even if the West seeks to influence them. We must it having the cranes at disposal and controlling these flows. situated at the borderlines of Europe, Middle East, Black That’s why I said: we undergo a transition period - not only recognize our own trends; we must cultivate and integrate On one hand, Turkey is Russia’s rival regarding the nature of Sea and Caucasus. a political one, but economic, too. We are going through a them into the new type of society, which will be more bal- projects, their timeframe and the way they are implemented. That’s why the Turkish-Eurasian way of thinking and strate- transitional period of formation of our political conscious- anced, more decentralized and, from this point of view, On the other hand, Russia and Turkey are, of course, partners gic action has been updated. As we know, the Turkish Eura- ness, our consciousness in the assessment of our national more efficient. and allies to prevent alien, western, foreign interests from us- sian project - is neither more nor less a project of unification and regional interests. There still exists the inertia of the ing these strategic corridors of energy resources. So, energy- of Turkic-speaking peoples. During the presidency of Turgut old times, the inertia of the illusion that you can restore You are also the head of a non-governmental organiza- wise, we are witnessing clearly displayed strategies of the big Ozal, it was called – Pan-Turkism, but Pan-Turkism lost its the imperial structures. The inertia of past conflicts. The tion, which fights corruption - “Transparency without states. But, at the same time, small states are also developing relevance in the 90’s. Today, people speak of neo-Ottoman- inertia of the illusions of the past, that cultural affinity alone borders”. What are the prospects and opportunities to their own little interests and strategies, to be less dependent ism, the new position of Turkey, which is still pointed at its can bring to the resolution of all the other issues. All of it reduce this undesirable phenomenon in the region we on large countries, to become more sovereign, more bal- leadership role in the community of Turkic states and Sunni is legacy, and it is natural, but something must be changed, talk about? anced in terms of energy dependence, under which they fall. Muslims in the East. That’s why it will be very interesting to reassessed, and we must create structures of mutual ben- Corruption is a concept that more often turns the blind eye Therefore, energy is the key element to the development of follow the development of the Eurasian way of the Turkish efits. When we will create these structures, we will fill the to the phenomenon, than opens it. In the West, corruption strategic and economic relations of the Black Sea - Caspian strategic thinking and the governmental behavior. vacuum, to which any interests from outside have access means a deviation from norms. A deviation from norms Sea region. As for Russia, it is even more interesting. Eurasianism, within when we allow it. can be traced, the deviant can be punished. For our institu- the current Russian thinking and political action, can be tional systems, which are in transition, for our inefficient, Eurasian idea takes shape in the former Soviet space - a perceived on several levels. But on the political level it would In your activities, including the journalistic one, you pay fragile institutions, corruption is, most likely, not a devia- Customs Union has been created, arrangements for a be very important if Russia will catalyze the political and eco- special attention to the problems of civil society. What tion from the norm, but rather mainstream – practically, a closer political union (the Eurasian Union), like EU, are nomic integration into the Eurasian area. Because both re- are, from your regard, the opportunities and prospects norm. From this point of view, it is necessary to assess the being made. How does the Eurasian idea refract, if applied gionally and in terms of the formation of a multipolar world, for the development of civil society in the region, from situation in our institutional systems. So, we don’t just have on the Black Sea-Caspian Sea basin? For example, Turkey it will be very interesting and very important if the Eurasian Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan to Bulgaria, Turkey, Romania corruption, we have inefficient establishment of modern conducts annually the Eurasian Economic Summit in Is- idea at political and economic level will be successful. But and Serbia? institutions. We don’t simply go through the inertia of the tanbul. They even speak there of for this project’s successful implementation it is crucial to The issues of civil society are, of course, controversial, as, we past, but the inertia of the effect of illegitimate public struc- a “Turkish Eurasianism”. balance the interests between Russia and other countries, cannot identify civil society only from the point of view of tures - all sorts of criminal circles, the mafia, illegitimate - The problem of Eurasianism is members of the initiative. We have to see to what extent this Western-centric political and social theory. We have to de- entities, economic, oligarchic ones. With such structures of one of the most interesting prob- union will be institutionalized in the future. Of course, it fine civil society as a product of certain cultural traditions. wealth and power, we shall not be able to make transpar- lems, and not only because of the will be difficult to implement this project, if, say, to look at The formation of the individual citizen is a phenomenon ent institutions that are designed to work for the benefit of Black Sea region, but in general, the contradictions between Russia and Ukraine, regarding of Western bourgeois revolutions. We, of course, are inter- society. We need to change this structure. So, when we talk because of Russia’s future, the fu- the current problems on the Customs Union, gas transit, etc. ested in developing such a historical figure of our own. But about corruption, it is not literally about corruption only, ture of the post-Soviet space, and, And if to look at the relationship between Russia and other we do not have to be idealists thinking that we can do it in about how to reduce the deviation from the norm within of course, the future of Turkey. If Eurasian countries, the contradictions are not so noticeable, the same way as it was done at by the Western countries at the institution. When we talk of corruption, it should pri- we start with Turkey, it is known but still, it won’t be easy to establish a harmonious concert of their time. We must go through the process of balancing of marily be about what kind of society we have become as a that during the XXth century, national interests within this union. A regional hegemony, the basic mechanisms of reproduction of the society. The result of changes occurred after the crash of the Soviet-type after the Turkish Revolution and even if Russia will undertake it, in my opinion, would be dif- East is dominated by super heavy statism: we all look at and socialist society – both in the Soviet Union and the East- until the end of the century, it fo- ficult to establish in a world where the post-Soviet countries wait from the state. And the state, on the basis of the same ern Europe, as a whole. Things that we have inherited and cused on becoming a part of Eu- have their own alternatives, and it will be difficult to get them culture, is an exaggerated form of a high concentration things that we turned into structures of political, economic rope: during the Cold War, it was to become members of such a community if they are not in- of power, concentration of bureaucracy, concentration of and social life are not tools, but obstacles to progress and part of NATO, and candidate for terested to be part of it. economy, etc. So we need to decentralize ourselves and as- modernization. In our countries, still lasts the old infra-

24 25 INTERVIEW AtTHE CROSSROAD OF CULTURES photo: dragos boldeA

structure of the traditional, ultra-centralized power. If we effective in terms of electricity cost, then why was such a want to modernize and make institutional structures more project launched on even a contractual level? Of course, it is efficient, we need to think how we can evolve outside this perfectly understandable that the Russian party, Rosatom, overly static institutional model and this overconcentration wants to sell its products. But, in fact, the Bulgarian energy of bureaucracy. lobby has also an overly corrupted component coming from the correspondent organization, and certain people done And finally, the question on the construction of a new horrible things by closing this agreement on Belene: they nuclear plant in Bulgaria: Belene. The latest referendum spent one billion euros without any investment plan, with- hasn’t solved the issue because of the deficient voter out any idea where this energy will be directed to, to which turnout. What are the arguments of the proponents and markets, at what prices. This corruption element of Belene opponents of a nuclear power plant in Belene? project represents the main argument of its opponents in Because of the poor voting, the issue is back on parliament Bulgaria. First, we do not need this project, and secondly, its desks, and there will be further discussions on it. But this is the supporters burden the national economy with ten billions formal aspect. Here’s what we can say about the project itself. of euros, which all of us will be obliged to pay for decades to First, the fact is that Bulgaria does not need any new nucle- come, and the profit, if any, will be for the benefit of a hand- ar power stations, because it produces twice the energy that ful of oligarchs, which have already corrupted the whole produces its neighbor Romania, its neighbor Turkey, tak- project. There was also a “green” alternative, which uses no ing into account that for the last ten years Turkey has been nuclear power at all. There was also another position: we developing very dynamically its energy sector. Per capita, have, already one nuclear power plant at Kozloduy, and, if we produce electricity twice as much as the other countries. necessary, the sixth or the seventh block can be built on this We have electricity more than we need and will need for station. There were also arguments stating that the Bulgar- the foreseeable 20 years and more than we can export to the ian side contracted old reactors, while Russia has new ones. Balkan region. All the same, during the talks about Belene, the first two Second, if we do not need this station and for us it won’t be problems I have mentioned were the main... Stairway to Heaven

Turkey and EU need each other And here I must particularly empha- be carried by our young people - mo- Continued from page 15 size that in the process of negotiations tivated, well trained, experienced, or why do we love with the EU a huge responsibility rests strong and well-mannered. So, we Taking this opportunity, I would with NGOs. As a representative of civil must consolidate the educational like to point out the work done by His society, it is my duty to say that we system in order to meet the 100th Tarkovsky? Excellency Egemen Bagis (Minister must prepare for the crucial moment anniversary of our Republic with for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator of 2023 through exhibiting broadband decency. Our Foundation has contrib- of Turkey in the negotiations with the thinking, through setting major goals, uted to the spread of environmental On the 80th anniversary since the birth of the EU accession - ed. comm.). Mr Bagis as of this moment. consciousness, to the strengthening of great director Andrei Tarkovsky, Bucharest works tirelessly and removes carefully We share common values. These the anti-corruption and anti-poverty the barriers standing on Turkey’s way. shared values have​​ been proclaimed measures, to the hosting of events hosted the Festival “Tarkovsky – 2012”. The chapters of negotiation that on the roadmap drawn by Ataturk. on family planning, to the preven- remain unopened, due to the applica- The contents of this roadmap became tion of migration and unemployment About it talks Elena DULGHERU - Romanian tion of double standards and unbeliev- non-reversible because of the current through encouraging production. film expert and critic, inspirer and organizer able impositions on Greek Southern level of civilization, consolidation of Turkey will achieve its objectives, if it Cyprus, will be remembered in the the republic, its secular nature, the rule maintains its political and economic of the festival history of EU as deceptive paradoxes. of law, and were crowned with de- stability, which has been reigning in The efforts that Mr. Egemen Bağış puts mocracy, human rights, our territorial the country for the last 10 years. hy do you think “Cinemateca”*. They were watched with pain. After 1990, when his western mov- to undermine the games and combina- integrity, our flag, our language and While drawing the roadmap of is it important to great interest, certain type of audience ies started to come to us (unofficially, tions of those trying to block Turkey’s our religion. 2023, it is necessary to educate the hold such a festival, has been formed, people began to under- on video tapes) the figure of Andrei accession, despite all its financial re- When our membership is ma- youth in the most committed way, as what does Andrei stand that it’s about something different, Tarkovsky was suddenly covered with sources, economic growth and consist- terialized, Europe, which will begin they are the key to our future, to take Tarkovsky mean to something special, about the access to mystical aura. And this cultural, spiritual ent state structure, are above all praise to breathe together with us, will go care of those who after serving our you, what does he mean to Romani- the world of spirituality. Back then, dur- and somewhat clandestine connection and admiration. And I point it out, as a through its new socio-cultural revival. country have retired, and also of the Wans and, in general, to all of us? ing Romania’s harsh 80’s, it seemed to between Romania and Russia defeated sign of gratitude. Numerous ideals and values, along citizens in need of medical care. We Andrei Tarkovsky has been well-known be a miracle: how could something like political barriers, pitched, at that time, with democracy, human rights, plural- should strive to share the wealth and and appreciated in Romania since the that appear in a socialist country? It was between the two countries. Where do you see Turkey in 2023? ism, secularism and liberal economy prosperity. For, in view of the upcom- communist times. His films – “Andrei a miracle that such movies were permit- Under circumstances of spiritual I believe that Turkey will be celebrating will peacefully spread, similarly to the ing 100th anniversary of the Republic, Rublev”, “Solaris”, “Stalker” – were ted here. and, thus, political crisis, such barriers Republic’s 100th anniversary in 2023 as light, from Middle to Far East. our goal must be a more innovative, watched in a rather intimate circle in In 1986, the news of the filmmaker’s can be broken only by a great culture, a full member of the European Union. This light and enlightenment will more civilized future. the halls of Bucharest theater, called unexpected death hit us, bringing great by a genius – such figures like Nikita * Two cinema halls at the National Film Archives of Romania

26 27 AtTHE CROSSROAD OF CULTURES AtTHE CROSSROAD OF CULTURES

Alexander-Garrett, a translator of Tarko- joy, I acknowledged that those cinematic vsky’s, during the filming of “Sacrifice”, creations, where the image of paradise unveiled her book-photo-album in Rus- is firmly fixed at both philosophical and sian and English, “Tarkovsky, Collector artistic levels, are created somewhere in of Dreams” (Glagoslav P.H., UK). More the east, in the former communist bloc, and more bookshelves become filled where you can still feel the Byzantine air with the literature on Tarkovsky; there - in Russia, Romania, Serbia, in the re- are experts on Tarkovsky, as there are ex- gion of the Black and Caspian seas. And perts on Shakespeare, Pushkin, Tolstoy, here we come again to Tarkovsky, to Kus- Dostoevsky... In Romania, this literature Guest of the festival, the famous film critic, Prof. Dmitry Salynsky turica and Parajanov, to whom my new is viewed with great interest, because the book is dedicated. I mean Byzantium as spectator wants to know and understand the first Christian globalizing ecumene, Tarkovsky better. clustered around God’s incarnation in And to please as much public as the world, and as the primary source of possible with the presence of our guests, the art and culture of high spirituality. we have organized a symposium called In this book I rediscover, in a certain “Tarkovsky Today”, continued with a way, Parajanov, who is almost unknown round table on the same subject. A few in Romania, as well as in Europe: he Lots of emotions at the opening ceremony words about our wonderful guests: the was forgotten before he was even un- filmmaker’s sister, writer-memoirist, Alexander Gordon, director and Tarkovsky’s derstood! It’s sad, and I want, to do all Mikhalkov, Konchalovsky, Tarkovsky, death, I initiated the first event in Ro- Tarkovsky Marina, a director and a former classmate at the Institute in my power and in proportion with the Sokurov, Kalatozov, and other heights of mania, dedicated to his memory. It was former classmate of Tarkovsky - Alex- of Cinematography interest of the spectators and readers, to Russian cinematic art. Such a figure was successfully held in Bucharest and Tim- ander Gordon, already mentioned Layla restore historical justice, even though the and will be Andrei Tarkovsky. His work isoara, with the participation of the great Alexander-Garrett and renowned film current situation is perfectly explainable: overcomes even religious barriers: he is master’s sister, Marina Tarkovsky, and critic - Prof. Dmitry Salynsky. Romania during the 70’s, the audience was not understood and equally loved by the Or- the filmmaker, Alexander Gordon. was represented on this event by the ready to apprehend that rich symbolic thodox, Catholics, Protestants, Muslims, In 2012, declared as the Interna- academicians Razvan Teodorescu and language used by this Caucasian film- agnostics, Buddhists ... Because his work tional Year of Tarkovsky, after attending Mihail Sora, by representatives of Dos- maker, and was even not accustomed yet, riches the depths of the human soul, the the Moscow conference, dedicated to the toevsky Foundation - the Slavicists Elena especially in the socialist countries, to same way the Word of God does... great director, I was very enthusiastic to Sister of the great director, Loginovskaya and Albert Kovacs, film the aesthetics of the postmodern. Now, the writer-memoirist Marina Tarkovskaya I discovered Tarkovsky in a two-step invite to Romania at least a part of the experts Ioana Cristea Micescu and Ma- Layla Alexander-Garrett opens her photo for the last 20 years, after religion was process: first - in the late 80’s, when we fascinating people I met there. Due to rina Roman, and other people of arts and exhibition, which represents a chronicle of restored in its rights in the former com- were standing in line overnight to get the support of the Ministry of Culture culture... The symposium was, perhaps, Tarkovsky’s last work, the film “Sacrifice”, munist countries, some of the audience tickets to “Cinemateca”. These were dif- of Romania and the Russian Embassy in gei Karpukhin’s. They prove the unfading the most inspiring, the most interactive where she worked as a translator reached maturity. This is the one to have ficult, depressing years when everything Bucharest, I was able to implement it. interest for Tarkovsky. New approaches moment of the festival. It was important a conversation with. was forbidden to us and very few people are constantly emerging, for, a genius, a that the audience dialogued lively and public was willingly taking pictures on But if Tarkovsky is more oriented to believed in the future... But Tarkovsky What were the memorable moments brilliant work always offers new perspec- sincerely with the guests. And the key the background of the lunar landscape present, to reflection of the one detached and a few other names that were allowed of this festival? tives. The audience felt it, and the halls word they used was love - true love and of the Swedish island of Gotland, green from God and trying to approach Him, by the censorship, bit by bit, were for us I wanted to show that Tarkovsky is not a of “Cinemateca” and the Museum of the gratitude for Tarkovsky. And one more meadows, clear sea and white horse then Parajanov’s heaven comes down to like a breath of fresh air. museum piece: around his name some- Romanian Peasant, where the festival thing: sparkles of hope were given to the (“too beautiful”, as Tarkovsky was saying earth, like in fairy tales. To Parajanov, the Later, after the Revolution of 1989, at thing is always going on, something is took place, were overfilled, people would hearts of “eccentrics”, sometimes lonely himself, and which he didn’t, yet, include son of Caucasus, with its rich and vibrant the end of my cinema studies, I chose a being born: new movies, new books, even sit on the floor, the press would stay fans of Tarkovsky. But, perhaps, they into the film). Thank you, Layla, for these culture, composed of many traditions, topic for my thesis: “Andrei Tarkovsky’s new theories, new disciplines, new ex- in line for interviews... are not so alone - it is a whole nation of unique shots! is peculiar the concept of plurality of sacred poetry”. Soon, my dissertation hibitions, original events. I brought two The book presentation was another “Don Quixotes”, united not only by the worlds, the linguistic, political, and even turned into a book, “Tarkovsky. Film as newly released films, broadcasted in pre- component of the festival. There have love for Tarkovsky, but also, by a certain What are your future plans religious ecumenism, which is so char- a Prayer”, with a great success, awarded miere in Russia - uncensored, restored been presented my books, published type of art, by a particular worldview, but in research? acteristic for the Eurasian spirit. And, in by the Romania Filmmakers Union and versions of “Andrei Rublev” (“The Pas- at the Romanian publishing house also by the belief that divine grace can It goes without saying that the study of general, Caucasian culture, which mag- reprinted several times. It opened the ec- sion for Andrei”) and “Solaris”. People “Arca Învierii”: “Tarkovsky. Film as a still enlighten our world and our culture, sacred poetry took me to a new theme, nificently saturates Parajanov’s work, has clesiastic film to religious public on one were very eager to see what “uncensored Prayer” (reprint), “Heaven’s stairway in even in the postmodern era. a new book – “Heaven’s stairway in something to say to the modern Europe. hand, and fans of modern or postmod- Tarkovsky” means. It generated some cinematography: Kusturica, Tarkovsky, I wanted the “atmosphere of Tarko- cinematography: Kusturica, Tarkovsky, ern, on the other hand, and, in this way, very stimulating discussions. Parajanov” and the book-interview “In vsky” to be visually present at our event: Parajanov”. Eventhough modern cinema It appears that your next festival will brought together two categories of theo- Another component of the Bucha- a Conversation with Marina Tarkovsky” this is where Layla Alexander-Garrett is not very rich in motifs that reflect di- be dedicated to Parajanov? retically incompatible audiences, and rest event was the documentation on (2004), as well as the newly published helped me, agreeing to make in Bu- rectly the sacred, they can still be found. I Yes, maybe, but I just don’t know where created a kind of platform for dialogue, Tarkovsky. Many documentaries have translation of Prof. Dmitry Salynsky charest an exhibition of photographs, think, in this world, so full of apocalyptic could the funds come from. For whom joint display and polemical debates. become classics to everybody, long time - “Tarkovsky’s Canon” - a fragment of called “Tarkovsky. The Last Movie”. spasm, negative spiritual currents, there could Parajanov be a priority? Maybe for In 2006, on the occasion of the 20th ago. But I brought three new films: two his massive and remarkable work as These pictures were taken during the is no survival without cultivating the the International Fund of the Black and anniversary since Andrei Tarkovsky’s of Eugene Borzov’s films and one of Ser- “Tarkovsky’s Film Hermeneutic”. Layla filming of “The Sacrifice”. The Bucharest image of paradise. To my surprise and Caspian seas?

28 29 EXLIBRIS EXLIBRIS text: Corneliu VLAD photo: archives

were raising: the crisis, revanchism, fascism. From the rostrum of the League of Nations, Titulescu warned Titulescu Saga about these dangers, and advocated in favor of the creation of a peaceful The three volumes, entitled “The Pros and Cons for and stable Europe, where peace Titulescu”*, by George G. Potra, represent the sincerest and prosperity would have been provided by the system of collective material, practically ever written about the famous security and by security alliances to Romanian diplomat. guarantee all states on the continent a normal development and protection from any misfortunes or almost 2,000 pages, and troubles. hundreds of his The second front, to which contemporaries - political Titulescu dedicated its talent and and diplomatic figures energy, referred to the efforts to of the interwar era - normalize the relations with the testify “pro” and “contra” Titulescu. young Soviet state, to withdraw it June 9, 1934 Geneva. Nicolae Titulescu and Maxim Litvinov on the day when diplomatic relations FBetter than anyone else, locally or from the forced isolation and to were established between Romania and the USSR (with the autograph of the Soviet diplomat) internationally, George G. Porta call upon concerted efforts on the masters the information and sheds construction of collective security automatically to German-Soviet Romania-USSR Treaty of Mutual light on the life and work of this system. “The course of political rapprochement. Assistance – analogical to the earlier fascinating and thrilling luminary events on the European scene, new The diplomat Nicolae Titulescu, signed, Soviet-French Treaty. To of the European public arena. trends emerging at the level of emphasizes the historian George do this, the Romanian Minister And to mark the trajectory and relations between the great powers, G. Potra, saw very distinctively was authorized by Carol II and the pin the milestones of this broad the urgency to create a collective the negative consequences of the Prime-Minister Tatarescu. The text and seemingly yet contradictory security system, perdurance of perpetuation of these abnormal of the treaty was even initialed. political and diplomatic demarche, increasingly dangerous threats at the bilateral Romanian-Soviet relations, However, on August 29, 1936 during those very volatile and borders of the country - writes the as well as Soviet Union’s non- followed Titulescu’s resignation. turbulent times that balanced historian George G. Potra - forced involvement into the efforts to build His such an unexpected and on a sharp edge between war the Foreign Minister Titulescu, as a system of collective security. unlawful removal from the position and peace - in which Titulescu spokesman of the Romanian ruling Such considerations led him of the head of Romanian diplomacy lived - the historian George G. elite, ignoring all sorts of ideological to agree in 1929 to the early entry has abruptly cut short the extensive Potra presents to this, sort of, considerations, to focus primarily into force, according to the Moscow and tireless efforts, undertaken by publishing judicial instance, on the issue of normalization of Protocol, of Kellogg-Briand Pact N.Titulescu and his Soviet colleague most unbelievable testimonies. relations with the Soviet Union”. (agreement on not to use war as an M.Litvinov, in the name of full In this way, we will find out how The Romanian historian notes instrument of national policy - ed. normalization of Romanian-Soviet Titulescu was perceived by King that several circumstances have comm.), so that to resume in 1932 relations... Carol II, as well as by the emperor dictated Titulescu the consideration negotiations on non-aggression pact Today, inside the mansion, of Abyssinia; by Hitler, but also by of Soviet factor: with the Soviet Union and between located on the highway named after Churchill and Litvinov, Einstein, openness, Titulescu’s image and cooperation between nations. That’s - Soviet Union’s geographic, 3-5 of June, 1933, to sign in London the Russian general Kiseleff, who but also by Enescu or Petru Groza... personality become more human, why George G. Potra’s book could demographic, economic, and military the Convention for the definition made in XIX century a beneficial Personally, I consider this book more fascinating, more nuanced be entitled “Almost everything situation, which made it, by already of aggression, and then, on June 9, contribution into the modernization sincere, because I consider sincere than due to the exegesis, established about Titulescu” or, perhaps even the 30’s, a factor of power; 1934, by an exchange of letters with of the Romanian society, operates and correct even the acrid remarks earlier. As far as I know, none of the more accurately, “Almost everybody - Soviet Union had a common Maxim Litvinov, Soviet Commissar the Titulescu European Foundation, of some Romanian writers of those other great Romanian leaders had about Titulescu”. border with Romania, to which it was for Foreign Affairs, to move to the executive director of which, is times, such as Mateiu Caragiale, so far, in the reconstruction of their Nicolae Titulescu’s activity, on putting forward territorial claims; a resumption of the Romanian- the well-known historian - George Arghezi or Pandrea and the biographies, such a multicolored its European and international scale, - After the Hitler regime was Soviet diplomatic relations and on G. Potra. And just as a symbol, disapproving statements of other variety of form and content excelled on two main fronts, where established in 1933, the Soviet Union September 18, 1934, to sign, together this building that gathers together intellectuals of that era, such as regarding his contemporaries’ the Minister of Foreign Affairs seemed to be moving away from the with the representatives of many weekly Romanian diplomats of all Nicolae Iorga, Blaga, Goga. With representations of him. And of Romania considered himself a spirit of Rapallo (Soviet-German other countries, an invitation for the generations and guests, is located no hesitation, the author of the Nicolae Titulescu’s existence, as “soldier of peace”. The first front – cooperation), and turning to the Soviet Union to join the League of between the Triumphal Arch and the book includes into it the harshest it arises in this genuine editorial Europe, the continent with bleeding cooperation with the countries Nations. Embassy of the Russian Federation, judgments and positions (I don’t saga, was filled with excitement, wounds and smoldering ruins, concerned in the preservation of the The efforts of Titulescu-Litvinov merely sustaining, just like the arch know whether he has “censored” drama and a burning desire to left after World War I, a continent territorial status quo; tandem to create a system of thrown over time, the generous something or not), however, due give his country and Europe a that had a vital need for peace and - the failure of reaching Franco- collective security were supposed tradition of Nicolae Titulescu’s to such a generous anthological state of peace, mutual trust and quiet, at a time when new threats Soviet rapprochement would lead to culminate with the signing of diplomacy. * “Titulescu European Foundation” Publishing House, Bucharest, 2012.

30 31 projects,projects projects,projects text: mikhail Zernov photo: archives

Ozone plus ultraviolet At the molecular level The advanced treatment of tap water from plants implies chlorination. group of Russian companies, headed However, organic compounds dissolved in source water, react with A by A.Borisov, Director General of 5 chlorine and form toxic and carcinogenic substances. And it is quite In pursuit of new “StroyProekt”, member of the Commission difficult to get rid of organochlorine compounds. And here comes 2 on Innovations and Investments of BSCSIF, to the rescue the offered water ozonation technology with the has created a brand new cavitation- subsequent ultraviolet radiation, which results in instantaneous induction unit (CIU) that changes oxidation of organochlorine compounds and formation of kitchen the structure of processed materials at the salt. This technology is effective and safe, requires no consumables technologies molecular level, and the final products and reagents. The installation is utterly compact and can be easily acquire qualitatively new properties. By mounted under the sink or on the entire cold water riser. The method means of this eco-friendly nanotechnology, is also applicable to the treatment of artesian water, wastewater the unit cleanses the drinking water and disinfection, to the autonomous and recycling car wash water system new page in the more valuable that the founders of desalinates marine water, completely production is hundreds of times higher and to swimming pool cleaning. activities of the this non-profit organization are the neutralizes and recycles industrial, compared to conventional technologies. Moscow branch of Chamber of Commerce and Industry household and agricultural waste and water Mass production through this unit can be waste, destroys toxic chemicals, processes set up at any time in any of the BSCSIF New generation concrete the International of Russia, the International Congress oil and oil products. CIU is not spacious, participating countries and outside The technology for manufacturing Fund of the Black and of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, has low material-energy consumption and the region. ultradurable concrete compounds Caspian Seas (BSCSIF) has been committees on technology and 6 of new generation entails a set of Aturned through its cooperation with universities. RAID and BSCSIF devices that produce suspensions of active nanoparticles. These particles the National Interbranch Union of Commission are currently working accelerate the hydration process of Energy Supply and Eenergy Efficiency on the idea of creating international cement in the first hours after curing. Organizations (Russia) and with the innovative technological clusters of Competitive advantages of the ultrafirm All-Russian Advanced Planning Fund. last generation. 3 dry powder concrete mixes are that cement consumption is reduced by 1,5-2 The agreement was signed in February The Commission on Innovations times, the rate of maturing increases 2013 in Moscow. The parties will work and Investments of the International by 5 times, and the volume of concrete together to promote new technologies, Fund of the Black and Caspian seas required for building is reduced by 3 including renewable energy, to attract continues to work on the selection times, respectively, the transport costs investments for the implementation of of prospective projects, details of are lower and there is no need for concrete auto-mixers. No less important is the reduction of pressure joint projects in all BSCSIF member- which can be found on www.bscsif. on foundation and of the total weight of structures, as well as the countries. ru. Introducing some of them, the minimization of cross-sectional area of the bearing construction by at As regards the newly established President of the Committee and least 3 times. It is most practical to apply the new miracle compound “Alliance of the Seas” in Moscow, Director of the Moscow BSCSIF In the wake of Captain Nemo in power-based production of ferroconcrete items, as well as in civil the BSCSIF Commission on engineering, where high maturity can significantly speed up the branch, Mikhail ZERNOV, invites ur partners put at disposal a private underwater station called “Sub MANSION” with process of work, as well as in industrial construction, where the Innovations and Investments potential investors and partners from Ounlimited time for diving, under full security. The station, with the total area of 1140 pressure on floors and ceilings is particularly high. consolidates the cooperation with the the countries of the Black Sea-Caspian Mikhail ZERNOV, square meters, offers the same utilities as the mega-yachts, with a slight difference: in the Russian Association of Innovative Sea region to take part in their President of BSCSIF Commission case of bad weather or storm, the sail can be easily continued under the water, and once on Innovations and Investments sunk to the bottom the ship can charge its batteries from underwater currents by means 7 In space and on earth Development (RAID). This is the implementation. of propeller generators. On the upper deck, there is a helipad, jacuzzi with fresh water, bar, The essence of the innovative technology for production of boat and air radar, periscope, satellite system for HDTV, speakerphone, computer and the unique activated carbon (AC) is to use a fundamentally new Internet. At the mezzanine deck - a place for walks, engines for surface sail, security systems, 7 material - lignin (waste from hydrolysis production) and furfural storage for boats, jet skis, two gyrocopters. The ship has its own organic garden, cabins with (target product of hydrolysis production). In such manner, the all facilities, a living room with a pool table, and systems for the recirculation of air, water, production cycle is prolonged on hydrolysis plants and by further Live science garbage, a laundry room, sluices for diving, and a low-pressure chamber. conversion of its product - lignin and furfural - the degree of ur Commission on Innovations and Investments utilization of the original stem wood is brought up to 100%. proposes to establish in the large cities of the BSCSIF At the same time, modified semi-coke is produced, which is 1 countries scientific-educational interactive museums particularly necessary in smelting high-quality alloy steel. O Furfural activated carbon is unique because it combines (SEIM) in line with the latest standards. Our experts work with leading European manufacturers and designers of extremely large amount of sorbent pores, the highest interactive exhibits. Similar science museums are already Defeating friction mechanical abrasive-resistance, the highest compressive created in Amsterdam, London, Paris and other European he partners of our Commission on strength comparable to raw iron, granules close to spherical cities, in USA and Japan. TInnovations and Investments have shape. That is why this AC is used in SEIM are aimed to teach about the laws of science and patented a unique method for the space technology, medicine, phenomena, holding on to a very popular approach in 4 recovery of friction nodes of mechanisms precious metals mining. these days - edutainment (education + entertainment). by means of geomodifiers - specialized The project can be implemented using The purpose of interactive museums is to make visitors and, nanodispersion compounds that create on idle capacity of one of the hydrolysis especially, pupils “fully adsorbed” by natural sciences and the friction surface a firm layer of metal. plants in Russia or another country. their laws, presenting to them synthesis out of educational, This technology is also used to process Marketing research on the project entertaining and experiential components. The museum cars, trucks, locomotives, compressors, are already carried out, the includes an exhibit of more than 100 interactive exhibits, engineering tools, lift-and-carry and other for example, for an internal combustion business plan is set. All the laboratory and lecture classrooms. Science museums draw technical equipment on many industrial engine and for a transmission - at 2-3 necessary technology is refined thousands of visitors per month and become the favorite entities in Russia, Germany, Italy, China and times. Furthermore, the consumption of and tested, new technologies place of recreation for children and adults. USA. The use of anti-friction compounds fuel or electricity is reduced by 10-20% and are patented. increases the time between overhauls, like, the efficiency of mechanisms is increased.

32 33 gallery Галерея TEXT: OLGA CONDRATIUC photo: archives

Oleg Zhyvotkov. Girl and pigeons. 2012 Ukrainian Renaissance n the years of perestroika and after Ukraine gained in- decorative expressionism, or “neo-baroque”, where the main dependence, its artists had discovered new freedoms of motive is Ukrainian Uzoroche (pattern ornament), or in the expression. And each of them responded differently to form of metaphors, in the spirit of S.Parajanov’s collages. As new opportunities. Manifold styles, themes and tech- for abstractionism, then, here we can identify two trends: niques flourished in lush color. Hence, the abundance color field painting and the painting of a picturesque gesture. of specific terminology used to interpret it. “Through the destruction of reality - pure form is obtained” IOne of the major trends is the search for national iden- by A.Zhivotkov. In his quest, he is joined by T.Silvashi, tity, the appeal to popular tradition, folklore. However, the M.Krivenko, A.Krivolap, M.Geyko. idea of national revival, as opposed to “socialist realism”, oc- All the currents of contemporary Ukrainian art are cupied the minds of painters and sculptors of the Ukrainian characterized by the appeal to the tragic and romantic, to

underground since the early 60s, as it happens, for example, the “true” history of Ukraine, which left, apparently, no Yury Lutskevich. Winter Kiev. 1999 in the work of Tatiana Yablonskaya. But this road was not more room to anyone willing to stir it up with false theses safe: party ideologists could easily label one as a “nationalist”. and accretions, today (Y.Lutskovich, K.Reunov, G. Neledva, The current called “neofolk wave” is defined by the search F.Gumenyuk, A.Boroday). of moral guidance, by the understanding of art as a religion In the same spirit of renewal and retrieval continue to (quoting A.Sukholit), biblical and Christian symbolics are live the traditional realism and even the socialist realism, intensively developed. The great spiritual significance of which, oddly enough, probably because of the inertia of “moral Renaissance” is typical for the large group of young public taste, have the greatest success on the market - both artists, called “New Wave”, which had regularly met in “Sed- at home and abroad. nev” House of Art, near Chernigov. Here was also developing Yet, there is a considerable amount of those who failed naïve art and Maria Primachenko excelled in it. to pass the test of freedom. According to the evaluation of Another major trend – Neomodernism – resurrects Ukrainian art critics, on the background of artistic weakness, traditions of Ukrainian avangarde of the 20’s and 30’s, and young authors of “projects”, installations and “happenings” even for abstractionists the appeal to folk sources was not go to “extremes”, to the ugly, to “chaosmos”, to breaking tradi- something unfamiliar. A new mythology is born, original tions. But it is not them who determine the image of contem- interpretation to Christian and pagan legends is given. Thus porary art in Ukraine. Its many talented artists are gaining emerges the avangarde traditionalism as a refraction of post- more and more public recognition at national and interna- Alexander Sukholit. Naked. 2003 modernism, and in its various forms: whether in the form of tional exhibitions. Ilya Isupov. People are carrying eggs. 2008

Maria Primachenko. Wedding. 1972 Viktor Zaretsky. Soldier’s wife. 1988

Tibery Silvashi. Untitled. 2007

Tatiana Yablonskaya. Youth. 1965 Theodosy Humeniuk. Feast of the Holy Trinity. 1976 Alexander Babak. Forest. 2008

34 35 OH,SPORT, YOU ARE PEACE!... OH,SPORT, YOU ARE PEACE!... TEXT AND PHOTOS: ELENA GAUTIER

Jeff Monson, nicknamed as “The Snowman” celebrates his 49th victory; on the right - Rovshan Pashayev, promoter and co-owner of the SHC Club, Honour Member of the International Black Sea-Caspian Sea Fund

In a fascinating fight with the Croat Drazen Forgac, the current champion, the American Jeff Monson (at the left) defended his title in the One thousand and half spectators gathered in Leman Theater welcome the competition heavyweight organizers and co-owners of the SHC Club. From left to right: Raed Salakh, Rovshan category Pashayev, Aleksey Kuzmichev and Marvan Hurstel. Hercules fights in Geneva orn in America just over Al-Khalifa, football player Didier under the UFC formula (Ultimate rules for this kind of fights do exist. 10 years ago, Mixed Drogba, the billionaire Aleksey Fighting Championship), won by him Specialists believe that its origins are Martial Arts (MMA) Kuzmichev and other celebrities are in 2011. This is the Monson’s 49th vic- to be found in antiquity. The Greeks became very popular and included into the Board of this club- tory and now he is preparing for the introduced the discipline called already make their way association, and SHC’s promoter and three-stage Grand Prix for M-1Global “pankration” in the Olympic Games to Europe. One of the tournaments co-owner Rovshan Pashayev (he flew heavyweights, where he will meet with in 648 BC. Fights with a similar style Bof this almost extreme sport, called from Moscow to Geneva precisely the Russian rising “star”, Magomed were also held at Colisseum and the SHC – “Strength and Honour for that) is a Honour Member of this Malikov. the statues of outstanding fighters Championship”, was hosted in Geneva International Fund. In another important battle on adorned Rome and other Italian for already the seventh time. The The central event of the tourna- Geneva’s ring or, the octagon, and, it cities. Perhaps, that is why the sports International Fund for Cooperation ment (and it was held on March 9, at has been nine of them, the French, arena of Geneva’s Leman Theatre is and Partnership of the Black Sea and the Leman Theatre, Kempinski Hotel) Nicholas Johannes defeated the also soaked with the Olympic spirit. the Caspian Sea is directly involved became a heavyweight bout between Dutch, Hyram Rodriguez and also This is a sure sign that the MMA will

into its organization: BSCSIF’s the American, Jeff Monson, and the defended his featherweight title. win the hearts of more and more The next step in the fight for this championship belt will President, Viktor Khmarin, together Croat, Drazen Forgac, in which the The MMA is popularly called – fans on the old continent. be M-1 Heavyweight Grand Prix - it starts in April and will with Bahraini princess Sheikha Deya first defended his championship belt “the ultimate fighting”. But, in fact, Geneva take place in three stages

36 37 BSCSIFCHRONICLE BSCSIFCHRONICLE text: liliana coman photo: archives

BSCSIF’s status from its partner, BSEC “Cyber security The Organization of the Black Sea organization and was also put on of Istanbul branch Ismail Safi Economic Cooperation (BSEC) is the agenda of the next meeting and the Executive Coordinator today and tomorrow” currently addressing the issue of of the BSEC’s Committee of Senior of the central office, Marcela granting the International Fund for Officials, as Committee’s Secretary Curmei. During the meeting, n this year’s March, Cooperation and Partnership of the General, Viktor Tvirkun informed there have been discussed issues Black and Caspian seas (BSCSIF) the BSCSIF Board. On December of cooperation between the two BSCSIF started in the status of regional partner on 17, at BSEC’s headquarters, in organizations, mutual priority areas Bucharest a new program sectoral dialogue. The application Istanbul, he received the BSCSIF of work, and estimative timeframes called “Cyber security for this status, filed by the Fund in delegation, comprised of Secretary to receive from its partner, BSEC, today and tomorrow”. The last year’s November, was sent to General Eldar Hasanov, Vice- the status of regional partner for main purpose of this initiative is the 12 member-countries of the President Akkan Suver, Director sectoral dialogue. Ito create a platform for dialogue between governmental agencies, businesses and civil society in order to identify the risks and Risks for the Black Sea region ways to prevent and combat arch 21, the Howard Johnson Hotel Bucharest cyber criminality, as well as hosted a round table discussion on the topic: to develop human resources M“New Security Dynamics in the Black Sea Region”, and technology necessary organized by BSCSIF. The changing dynamics of the Black to ensure cybersecurity. On Sea, the complex processes taking place here, the interests March 26, at Howard Johnson of external actors in the region and region’s relations with Hotel Bucharest, the first the rest of the world - these problems are largely discussed and represent a particular interest on the international discussion on “Cyber security in political arena. The round table was dedicated to how to Romania: today and tomorrow” use and understand the security environment and the main was held. Representatives security threats in the Black Sea region. It was headed by from state agencies and Sergey Konoplyov, director of two programs at Harvard companies working in this University - on Black Sea Security Program and US-Russia area of expertise, specialists in transport, medical care and presented by Director of Special Security Program. Former Soviet Army officer who took part in military missions in Africa, Latin America and Central Asia, cybersecurity, service providers banking attended this event. Telecommunications Service, he was in 1994-1996 Interim Director of Eurasia Foundation, in internet infrastructure, Keynote report “Strategy General Marcel Opris (on the on Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova. Since 1998 he has been service providers in energy, and its implementation” was picture - in the middle). working at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London, and since 2000 he has been the assistant to the head of the National Security Committee under the Parliament of Ukraine. We study conflicts With the or already several months BSCSIF works on a project dedicated to protracted conflicts in the Black Sea-Caspian participation FSea region (Abkhazia, South Ossetia, Nagorno-Karabakh and We protect Transnistria). Experts have focused on these conflicts’ impact on the region and the daily lives of their people. The main research of the Fund our investor- topics are: political context and evolution of each conflict, international legal aspects of the current situation in separatist • In November 2012, Moscow hosted the International Forum for partners regions, economic consequences of the confrontations. This innovative development - “Innovation Discovery”. It was attended project is unique because it strives to bring to an agreement the by the Deputy Director of the BSCSIF’s Russian branch, Olga At the Moscow BSCSIF branch there has been Chepeleva and Vice-President of the Commission of Innovations created an Expert Council on Finance and Law interests of the conflicting parties by identifying the economic and (ECFL), which will provide legal assistance on social losses in crisis areas, and by clarifying the political, social and and Investments, Vyacheslav Bychkov, who spoke at the plenary the most complex issues that arise in the normal economic prospects of conflict settlement.T hree groups working session about the Fund and its Commission. course of BSCSIF’s activity and will protect the on the project, plan to collect material on the ground, by initiating Fund’s investor-partners from various risks. To contact with governments, local authorities and communities, • In this year’s March, in Bucharest, Romania presented an the ECFL were appointed experienced attorneys, as well as with the refugees and displaced persons. The final innovative program to promote green industry, where BSCSIF lawyers, auditors and experts in management and report with the results of research will be presented in this fall, at was represented by the Project Manager, Liliana Coman. The financial consulting. the conference in Bucharest, with the attendance of diplomats, program foresees in particular, the consolidation of Romania’s On the photo: the first Board Meeting has been cooperation in this sense with Norway. recently held. politicians, opinion leaders, social partners, as well as all those interested in the progress of the peaceful conflict resolution.

38 39 SOUTHCORRIDOR - ECONOMY The”New Silk Road” poetic anthology text: MiKhail Sinelnikov photo: archives Alliance of the Seas: The Universe in a haircloth The poetry synergy effect the flame, the poet meant himself, of Yunus EMRE seeking for the divine truth. Hungry The investment consortium - Alliance of the Seas - was created in the summer of 2012 in for a love date, that is, for a coveted he great Turkish poetry is mystical union with the Absolute. In Moscow under the auspices of the International Fund for Cooperation and Partnership scarcely known in Russia these verses, there are often references of the Black and Caspian seas (BSCSIF). Together with the Moscow BSCSIF branch it and other former social- to uncontrolled and heavy drink- ist countries. And people ing, but in reality it means the finally was joined by Russian Association of Innovative Development (RAID), the All-Russian think of it as of thunder- reached ecstasy of the religious en- Advanced Planning Fund (APF), Centre for Innovation in Business “Knowledge ous, written in Mayakovsky’s steplad- lightenment and epiphany. However, Tder texts and of the incredibly charm- all of this, put together and crypted management” and a series of management companies. ing personality of the unforgettable artfully, hasn’t canceled, every now Nazim Hikmet, to whom countless and then, the direct sense. A fascinat- oday, the Alliance of the The status of international invest- regions of Russia, with leading interna- poems and memoirs are dedicated; ing duality. Seas offers effective mecha- ment provider, established within BSC- tional centers of innovation. after him was even named a large The worldview of Yunus Emre nisms for the implemen- SIF, determines the specific responsibility A significant factor that provides Soviet motor-ship that not once was a pantheist one; he believed that tation of innovative and that the Alliance and its members bear successful operation to the Alliance rep- docked the Istanbul harbors, to the the universe is an emanation of di- investment projects (IIP): for the quality and effectiveness of the resents the markets of those 16 countries, amazement of the Turkish longshore- vinity, and the human soul is divine. • Direct and venture investments into projects presented to investors. members of the Fund of the Seas. We men and customs officials. Well, yes, He found God in the human being TIIP, starting with 10 million euros for a The Alliance of the Seas set rigor- know how to use professionally our main Hikmet was an outstanding poet and and sometimes, in a strike of sudden period of 3 to 5 years, on agreed terms ous standards for IIP selection, modern resource - the authority, political and eco- has left an indelible mark in his native Mikhail Sinelnikov, spiritual enlightenment, he identi- (with high financial performance, the technologies of project development, nomic weight, formal and informal influ- literature, above all. Yet, the history of poet, academician at the Russian Academy of fied himself with God. Such extreme Natural Sciences and at Petrovsk Academy investment can start from 3 million); preparation, and “packing” are applied. ence of the members of specific countries this centuries-old literature cannot be views are very common with the • Access to the markets of 16 countries, Highly qualified professionals that work in the Black Sea-Caspian Sea Fund. Each fairly reduced to a biography of only views of another great poet of the members of BSCSIF, as well as, plat- in the Alliance are well aware of require- of them is interested in the economic de- one poet-communist. One must pref- At that time, in the capital of the East, the sectarian-Hurrufit Nasimi. forms for distribution of projects to in- ments coming from investors and are able velopment of the country, aims to make a erably know the entire spectrum. The Seljuk Sultanate of Konya, in Asia This Azeri, boisterous preacher and novation centers of the EU, Israel, and to create flexible, efficient and successful contribution to its prosperity. Our projects left and the right ones, the democrats Minor, still lived the genius Persian songwriter, was executed for such South-East Asia; business-models for projects. In these provide a wide opportunity to do so. and aristocrats, the freethinking and poet Jalaleddin Rumi (1207 - 1279), a heresy in the cruelest way: he was • Help “packing” the projects for their circumstances, there is a clear division of The establishment of the Alliance devout authors... But, incidentally, the founder of the so-called Order of flayed alive. The earthly life of Yunus presentation to investors; roles and tasks between the members of caused the effect of synergy for its every so often, it happens that in a the “whirling dervishes”. In between Emre, who preached reaching bliss • Help creating an effective project team, the Alliance. That is why so much atten- members and has become a guarantee great poet, this and that blend ex- dances, people would improvise vers- through suffering, ended, obviously, able to earn on investments and not to tion, competence, time (about 6 months for their performance and sustainable traordinarily: the Olympic loftiness of es in Persian and local, Turkish. Deny- happier. Yet, in his life, not once he absorb them. per project) and resources are necessary economic growth. aspirations and a sharpened sense of ing the tremendous impact of the Ira- became a victim of persecution. A The participants of the Alliance of the for the selection, preparation, and “pack- The head of the Alliance of the Seas - social justice, the power of corrosive nian classics on poetry of neighboring prominent Muslim cleric that de- Seas are thoroughly experienced in the suc- ing” of the projects. The Alliance guaran- the President of the BSCSIF Commission doubts and the genuine devoutness. Persian nations would be nonsensi- cided to destroy the manuscripts of cessful implementation of more than 200 tees and ensures 100 percent result - each on Innovations and Investments, Director The greatest Turkish poet is recog- cal. The Persian Sufi poetry created, the poet, put some of them on fire, projects, both in Russia and abroad, over project packed, goes to investors in turn. of the Moscow BSCSIF branch, President nized to be Yunus Emre (approximate mostly, all the tools and the graphic and another part of them - threw 3 billion euros of attracted investments. The flow of project acquisition is set. of the APF, Mikhail Zernov. years of life: 1250 - 1320), being in structure of the whole Sufi poetry of into the river (it is still a mystery Alliance of the Seas cooperates actively The participants of the Alliance are pop- Head of the Investment Group of fact, the genius that put the founda- the Islamic East. That much great was which one of the works were worth with more than 700 investors from Europe, ular and authoritative structures, which the Alliance - First Deputy Chairman of tion to the original national poetry. also the influence of the Arab mystics burning, and which ones - of sink- USA, Middle East, South-East Asia. receive a lot of projects from: Chamber of the BSCSIF Commission on Innovations Yunus was born in the village of Saryi, that merged with the Neoplatonism ing). But the goal was not achieved: In its activity, the Alliance gives prior- Commerce and Industry (CCI) of Russia and Investments, President of APF, head near Eskisehir and for many years and the Gnostics’ teachings. And, of not at that time or in the next cen- ity to the projects that have the potential and regional CCI, business associations, of the Centre for business innovation, was a pupil of the well-known, at course, a priceless and unexpendable tury. It turned out that the poetry of to enter international markets, creating from NGOs, from regions. The process of “Knowledge management”, candidate of that time, Sufi sheikh - Taptuk Emre. heritage turned out to be the treasures Yunus Emre doesn’t burn and doesn’t alliances with partners from the European selection, analysis of projects from con- technical science, Vyacheslav Bychkov. Subsequently, till the rest of his life of the native folklore... The poetry of sink, but spreads on countless tran- and Eurasian economic space. Creating tests, forums and internet is very intense. The innovation bureau of the Alli- he has been wandering and acquiring Yunus Emre became an amazing alloy. scripts. Truth is: these records were platforms for projects in Russia, in the The Russian Association for Innovative ance is administered by Director General disciples-Murids. He walked the dusty This poetry gives a comprehensive ruled autocratically by generations member countries of the Fund, in other Development (RAID) is the organizer of of the Russian Association of Innovative roads of Turkey in tatters and a hai- perspective upon the Sufi imagery, of copyists who left their own marks countries, creating international inno- All-Russia forums and competitions on Development, Marina Shichkina. cloth. Let us not forget that the term with its system of symbols and allego- on them. But all the adaptations of vation centers in regions, the Alliance innovative topics and broadcasts a series The headquarters of the Alliance of the of “Sufism” has its origin in the Ara- ries. Indeed, under the Beloved or the Emre’s poems that cohabit on equal distributes country risks, ensures full legal of programs on television and radio. Seas is located at the following address: Rus- bic word of “suf” – wool; hence, the Friend, the readers would speculate terms, turned into popular songs. protection of interests and rights of the There has been set a strong interaction sian Federation, Moscow, Warsaw Highway, rough woolen clothing - the haircloth the God himself, the Creator of the And even today people sing them project teams, investors, state agencies. with innovative communities in the 2. Phone +7 (499) 4090288. of the Sufi dervishes. universe. Under the moth, flying into in Turkey.

40 41 The”New Silk Road” poetic anthology

What is the purpose of reading those books? Unless you witness all of creation in a single glance, And we sailed over the Ocean of Power, So that Man can know the All-Powerful. you're in sin even with all your religion. glory be to God. If you have read, but failed to understand, Then your efforts are just a barren toil. The explanation of the Law is this: Beyond those hills and oak woods, The Law is a ship. Truth is her ocean. beyond those vineyards and gardens, Don't boast of reading, mastering science we passed in health and joy, Or of all your prayers and obeisance. No matter how strong the wood, glory be to God. If you don't identify Man as God, the sea can smash the ship. All your learning is of no use at all. We were dry, but we moistened. The secret is this: We grew wings and became birds, The true meaning of the four holy books A "saint" of religion may in reality be an unbeliever. we married one another and flew, glory be to God. Is found in the alphabet's first letter. You talk about that first letter, preacher; We will master this science and read this book of love. To whatever lands we came, What is the meaning of that-could you tell? God instructs. Love is His school. in whatever hearts, in all humanity, we planted the meanings Taptuk taught us, Yunus Emre says to you, Pharisee, Since the glance of the saints fell on poor Yunus glory be to God. Make the holy pilgrimage if need be nothing has been a misfortune. A hundred times -- but if you ask me, * * * Come here, let's make peace, Yunus EMRE A visit to the heart is best of all. let's not be strangers to one another. The mature ones are a sea. We have saddled the horse (1250–1320) A lover is needed to take the plunge, and trained it, glory be to God. * * * * * * a diver to bring up a pearl. Your love has wrested me away from me, Love permeates my heart and my eyes We became a trickle that grew into a river. When you have brought You're the one I need, you're the one I crave My tongue speaks of this love, We took flight and drove into the sea, the pearl to the surface, Day and night I burn, gripped by agony, My face enveloped within and then we overflowed, glory be to God. a jeweler is needed to know its worth. You're the one I need, you're the one I crave. The tears of this love. We became servants at Taptuk's door. Stay on the road until you arrive. I find no great joy being alive, My body is burning and Poor Yunus, raw and tasteless, Be speechless. Don't become a salesman. If I cease to exist, I would not grieve, Smoking like aloe wood. finally got cooked, glory be to God. Find an 'Ali to follow. The only solace I have is your love, Whoever sees my smoke now You're the one I need, you're the one I crave. Takes it for the wind of dawn. * * * Muhammed knew A single word can brighten the face Truth in himself.Truth is present everywhere. Iron helmets can't resist of one who knows the value of words. Lover yearn for you, but your love slays them, You only need eyes to see it. At the bottom of the sea it lays them, To this love's fire, Ripened in silence, a single word Its arrows pierce through the soul, acquires a great energy for work. It has God's images - it displays them, Ask your daily sustenance from Truth, You're the one I need, you're the one I crave. It is the path of certitude. the only Apportioner. Find someone War is cut short by a word, who is master of his ego. and a word heals the wounds, Even if, at the end they make me die I constantly remember my Shah, and there's a word that changes And scatter my ashes up to the sky, He speaks to me, The lovers asked me to sing. poison into butter and honey. My pit would break into this outcry: He is with me at every moment. Someone without greed is needed You're the one I need, you're the one I crave. to complete what is started. Let a word mature inside yourself. Whoever loves you loses his mind, Withhold the unripened thought. Let me drink the wine of love sip by sip, If he comes to his senses Sufi, who are you kidding? Come and understand the kind of word Like Mecnun*, live in the hills in hardship, Just for a second, Can anyone but Truth that reduces money and riches to dust. Day and night, care for you holds me in its grip, He is mad at every moment. satisfy a human need? You're the one I need, you're the one I crave. Know when to speak a word Let Yunus become earth Truth's place is in the heart. and when not to speak at all. 'Yunus Emre the mystic' is my name, On this path of the true men. There is a verse in the Quran-In soul A single word turns the universe of hell Each passing day fans and rouses my flame, The destination of the true men is love has a tower higher than the throne of Creation. into eight paradises. What I desire in both worlds is the same: Higher than skies and heavens. You're the one I need, you're the one I crave. I've gone crazy on this Way. Follow the Way. Don't be fooled I can't tell day from night. by what you already know. Be watchful. ------* * * The arrow of Love has pierced my heart. Reflect before you speak. *Majnun (ad.lit.: possessed) - hero of the Arab legend True speech is the fruit of not speaking. A foolish mouth can brand your soul. and, descended from it, Persian and Turkish poems, about a madman in love with Layla. Too much talking clouds the heart. Come, poor Yunus, come, hold the hands of the mature. Yunus, say one last thing * * * If you want to clear the heart, In their humility is a cure. about the power of words – Knowledge should mean a full grasp of knowledge: say this much, the essence of all talking: Only the word “ I “ Knowledge means to know yourself, heart and soul. * * * divides me from God. If you have failed to understand yourself, Speak truly. God speaks through words truly spoken. The drink sent down from Truth, Then all of your reading has missed its call. Falsity ends in pain. we drank it, glory be to God. English version by Kabir Helminski & Refik Algan

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