Andrei Halias

Sculptural composition "Belarusians Abroad" is a significant monument installed on the banks of the Svisloch River in Minsk, opposite the historic <a href="https://findit.city/en/belarus/minsk/leisure/tourism/sights/58/description">Trinity Suburb</a>. Opened on September 8, 2017, as part of the World Belarusians Arts Festival, it is dedicated to all Belarusians living outside their homeland and symbolizes the unity of the Belarusian people, regardless of where they live.

The monument is a bronze wheel about 3 meters in diameter, mounted on a massive granite boulder. The wheel is an ancient Slavic symbol of the sun, the earthly circle of life, and eternity. In this composition, it also symbolizes forward movement, the pursuit of independence, prosperity, and the well-being of Belarus. The branching traditional towel with a national Belarusian ornament that wraps around the wheel represents the cultural heritage and spiritual connection of Belarusians, wherever they may be. This sculpture carries deep symbolism, reflecting not only historical roots but also hopes for the future.

The creation of the monument was timed to coincide with several important dates: the 950th anniversary of Minsk, the 500th anniversary of Belarusian book printing, and the 135th anniversary of the birth of the great Belarusian poets Yanka Kupala and Yakub Kolas. The authors of the project are sculptor Alexander Finsky, a laureate of the State Prize of the Republic of Belarus, and architect Armen Sardarov, Doctor of Architecture and Professor. Their work is reflected in powerful symbolism, conveying the eternal connection of Belarusians with their native land.

The official opening of the monument was accompanied by speeches from high-ranking officials. Belarusian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei noted that the composition symbolizes the difficult path of Belarus's sons and daughters, who, having found themselves in various parts of the world, managed to preserve their love for their native culture and country. According to him, the wheel symbolizes the forward movement toward strengthening the nation's independence and welfare, as well as striving for unity.

This commemorative sign is unique. As Oksana Solopova, head of the "Belarusians of Moscow" organization, emphasized, Belarus is the only country in the world that has erected such a monument, symbolizing respect and remembrance for its compatriots abroad. The monument reflects the shared hopes of Belarusians, no matter where they are.

The monument's location is also no coincidence. As Armen Sardarov noted, archaeological finds in the Svisloch area included ancient wheels, which adds further historical significance to the site. For Belarusians abroad, this monument serves as a symbol that they are remembered and valued at home.

The sculpture "Belarusians Abroad" is not only a tribute to Belarusian diasporas but also a symbol of hope and the pursuit of a better future. The eternal movement of the wheel and the towel with traditional ornament remind of the importance of preserving national identity, regardless of distance. The monument is also an expression of gratitude to all Belarusians who have contributed to the development of the country and its culture, regardless of where they live today.

This composition, filled with deep symbolism, remains an important element of Belarus's cultural heritage, its historical memory, and a reminder of the unchanging connection between people and their native land.

雕塑作品《海外白俄罗斯人》 是一座位于明斯克斯维斯洛奇河畔的重要纪念碑，正对着历史悠久的<a href="https://findit.city/cn/belarus/minsk/leisure/tourism/sights/58/description">特洛伊茨科耶郊区</a>。该雕塑于2017年9月8日在世界白俄罗斯艺术节期间揭幕，旨在献给所有居住在国境之外的白俄罗斯人，象征着无论居住何地，白俄罗斯人民的团结一致。

该纪念碑是一座直径约3米的青铜车轮，安装在一个巨大的花岗岩巨石上。车轮是古老的斯拉夫太阳象征，代表着生命之轮和永恒。在此作品中，它还象征着前进、独立、繁荣和白俄罗斯的福祉。环绕车轮的白俄罗斯传统纹饰的分枝毛巾象征着文化遗产和无论身在何处，白俄罗斯人的精神联系。这座雕塑具有深刻的象征意义，既反映了历史根源，也表达了对未来的希望。

纪念碑的建造与几个重要的日期相吻合：明斯克建城950周年，白俄罗斯印刷术500周年，以及伟大白俄罗斯诗人扬卡·库帕拉和雅库布·科拉斯诞辰135周年。项目的作者是白俄罗斯国家奖获得者、雕塑家亚历山大·芬斯基和建筑学博士、教授阿尔门·萨尔达罗夫。他们的作品通过强大的象征意义表达了白俄罗斯人与祖国之间永恒的联系。

纪念碑揭幕仪式伴随着高级官员的讲话。白俄罗斯外交部长弗拉基米尔·马凯指出，这座作品象征了白俄罗斯的儿女们在世界各地艰难前行的道路，他们虽然身处不同的地方，却保留了对自己文化和祖国的热爱。据他说，车轮象征着向前迈进，加强国家独立和民众福祉，以及追求团结的愿望。

这一纪念标志独具特色。正如莫斯科白俄罗斯人组织负责人奥克萨娜·索洛波娃所强调的那样，白俄罗斯是世界上唯一一个竖立此类纪念碑的国家，象征着对白俄罗斯海外同胞的尊重和怀念。该纪念碑反映了白俄罗斯人无论身处何地的共同希望。

纪念碑的选址也非偶然。正如阿尔门·萨尔达罗夫所指出，斯维斯洛奇地区的考古发现包括古老的车轮，赋予了该地点额外的历史意义。对于海外的白俄罗斯人来说，这座纪念碑象征着祖国对他们的记忆与珍视。

《海外白俄罗斯人》雕塑不仅是对白俄罗斯侨民的敬意，也是希望与追求美好未来的象征。车轮的永恒运动和带有传统纹饰的毛巾提醒人们，无论距离多远，保持民族身份的重要性。纪念碑也表达了对所有为国家和文化发展做出贡献的白俄罗斯人的感谢，无论他们现在居住在哪里。

这件充满深刻象征意义的作品，仍然是白俄罗斯文化遗产、历史记忆的重要元素，也是人们与故土之间不变联系的提醒。