Polotsk gears up for 1150th anniversary

VITEBSK, 1 November (BelTA) - The national organizing committee for the 1150th anniversary of Polotsk suggests instituting a jubilee medal and issuing a commemorative coin dedicated to the great anniversary of the ancient city of Belarus, BelTA learnt from the Polotsk City Hall. In particular, the organizing committee headed by Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus Anatoly Tozik requested the Vitebsk Oblast Executive Committee and the Finance Ministry to consider instituting the jubilee medal “In commemoration of the 1150th anniversary of the city of Polotsk”, regulations on this medal, its description and sketch. The Vitebsk Oblast Executive Committee has been also instructed to apply to the National Bank to consider issuing the commemorative coin dedicated to the 1150th anniversary of the city. Development of the program of the city anniversary celebrations is currently in progress. Sketches of official symbols of the holiday will be soon submitted to the organizing committee. The Polotsk City Hall has developed a project for the beautification of the city. Once the project is coordinated with all departments concerned, it will be also submitted to the organizing committee. The city authorities in conjunction with the Polotsk State University have started working on architectural solutions big day lighting and advertising. According to the city hall, Polotsk’s 1150th birthday has been nominated for inscription into the UNESCO 2012 calendar of memorial dates. The UNESCO approved the motion without discussing it at the General Conference which is currently held in Paris. Polotsk has a rich and glorious history. The city was founded in 862. Its advantageous geographic position helped Polotsk grow into one of the most important trading and cultural centers in the medieval Europe. This Belarusian city is directly connected with such names as Euphrosyne of Polotsk, Francysk Skaryna, Simeon of Polotsk, General Roman Kondratenko and founder of the Belarusian cinema Yury Tarich. Polotsk cultural and historical heritage comprises nearly 150 landmarks with the unique architectural specimens of St. Sophia Cathedral and the Savior Transfiguration Church among them.

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