Andrei Halias

Victory Monument in Minsk – is a significant monument erected in memory of the Soviet people's victory over Nazi Germany during the Great Patriotic War. It is also dedicated to the heroism of the soldiers of the Soviet Army, partisans, and underground fighters who died for the freedom and independence of their homeland. This majestic obelisk, located at the intersection of Independence Avenue with Zakharov and Kiselev Streets, is an architectural and artistic symbol of Minsk, attracting the attention of both locals and tourists.

History of the Creation of the Victory Monument 
The Victory Monument was solemnly opened in 1954. Architects G.V. Zaborsky and U. Karol incorporated into the project the idea of honoring the heroism of millions of people who fought against the fascist invaders. The monument is located on <a href="https://findit.city/en/belarus/minsk/leisure/tourism/sights/91/description?autoTranslate=true">Victory Square</a>, where it forms the focal point of the converging streets and is the dominant architectural feature of the entire ensemble. The semicircular facades of the buildings on the square create a natural frame for the obelisk, enhancing its grandeur.

This monument has become a symbol of victory, the preservation of historical memory, and gratitude to those who gave their lives for the future of the next generations. Its image embodies both the tragic and heroic moments of the war that the Soviet people endured.

Architectural Features of the Monument 
The Victory Monument is made in the form of an obelisk about 40 meters high, clad in gray granite. The top of the obelisk is adorned with a massive depiction of the "Victory" Order, made of bronze and smalt, which gives it particular grandeur. The edges of the obelisk are decorated with narrow bands resembling traditional Belarusian ornamentation. This combination of victory symbolism and national elements makes the monument a unique architectural object.

The base of the monument is an expanded stylobate made of black labradorite, on which is placed a bronze sword entwined with a laurel branch – a symbol of triumph and strength. This element was created by sculptor S. Saltykov. The stepped octagonal podium, which serves as the base of the monument, also features cubic stylobates adorned with bronze laurel wreaths. These wreaths symbolize the four fronts that participated in the liberation of Belarus from the Nazi-German forces.

Relief Sculptures on the Pedestal 
On the pedestal of the obelisk are four bronze reliefs, each telling about key stages of the Great Patriotic War. These works were created by famous sculptors of the time:
<ul><li>“May 9, 1945” – a relief by sculptor A. Bembel, dedicated to the day the war ended and symbolizing the joy of victory.</li> <li>“The Soviet Army during the Great Patriotic War” – by S. Selikhanov, representing the courage and heroism of Soviet soldiers.</li> <li>“Glory to the Fallen Heroes” – a relief by Z. Azgur, honoring the memory of those who gave their lives for freedom.</li> <li>“Belarusian Partisans” – a work by A. Glebov, dedicated to the Belarusian partisans who significantly contributed to the fight against the Nazi invaders.</li></ul>
These sculptural elements are made in a realistic manner, with meticulous attention to detail. The compositions emotionally convey the dramatic moments of the war, reflecting the bitterness of loss, the cruelty of battles, and the great joy of victory.

Symbolism and Significance 
The Victory Monument symbolizes the memory of the heroic past and serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving peace. The bronze sword entwined with a laurel branch not only symbolizes victory but also embodies the fragility of peace, which was won at the cost of millions of lives.

The four laurel wreaths on the obelisk's podium symbolize the four fronts that participated in the liberation of Belarus: the Belarusian, Ukrainian, Leningrad, and Baltic fronts. These fronts played a key role in the liberation of Minsk from Nazi forces in July 1944.

Eternal Flame 
One of the important elements of the memorial is the Eternal Flame, lit in front of the Victory Monument on July 3, 1961. The flame became a symbol of eternal memory of those who died in the battles for the Motherland. During Soviet times, pioneers and Komsomol members stood guard at the Eternal Flame, emphasizing the importance of patriotic education for youth.

Today, the Eternal Flame continues to burn, and flowers are laid annually in memory of the fallen. This place has become the center for official events dedicated to Victory Day and other commemorative dates.

Conclusion 
Victory Monument in Minsk is not just a monument but an important historical symbol that unites the past and the present. Its majestic architecture, rich symbolism, and realistic reliefs evoke strong emotions in those who visit this place. The monument reminds us of the sacrifices of war, the heroism, and resilience of the people who defended their freedom and independence.

For Minsk and all of Belarus, this monument remains a center of patriotic memory and pride. It carries an important message to future generations that peace and freedom are values that must be defended at any cost.

明斯克胜利纪念碑 是一座具有标志性意义的纪念碑，纪念苏联人民在伟大卫国战争期间战胜法西斯德国的胜利。它还致敬了苏联红军、游击队员和地下斗士为祖国的自由和独立而牺牲的英勇事迹。这座宏伟的方尖碑位于独立大道与扎哈罗娃街和基谢列娃街交汇处，是明斯克的建筑和艺术象征，吸引了当地居民和游客的目光。

胜利纪念碑的创建历史
胜利纪念碑于1954年隆重揭幕。建筑师Г.В.扎博尔斯基和У.卡罗尔在项目中融入了对抗击法西斯侵略者的数百万人英雄事迹的崇敬。纪念碑位于<a href="https://findit.city/cn/belarus/minsk/leisure/tourism/sights/91/description?autoTranslate=true">胜利广场</a>，在这里它成为汇聚街道的视觉焦点，也是整个广场的高度主导元素。广场上的半圆形建筑立面为方尖碑提供了自然的框架，进一步增强了它的宏伟气势。

这座纪念碑已成为胜利、历史记忆的象征，同时也是对那些为后代未来献出生命的人的感恩之情的体现。它的形象不仅反映了战争中的悲剧时刻，也展现了苏联人民所经历的英雄时刻。

纪念碑的建筑特色
胜利纪念碑是一座约40米高的方尖碑，外面铺有灰色花岗岩。方尖碑的顶端装饰着巨大的“胜利勋章”图案，勋章由青铜和珐琅制成，赋予了纪念碑特殊的庄严感。方尖碑的边角上装饰着细长的条纹，类似于传统的白俄罗斯纹样。胜利象征与民族元素的结合使得纪念碑成为独特的建筑作品。

纪念碑的基座是一个由黑色拉布拉多岩制成的扩展式基台，上面放置了一把缠绕着月桂枝的青铜剑，象征着胜利与力量。这个元素由雕塑家С.萨尔特科夫创作。在方尖碑的八边形台基上，还放置了装饰有青铜月桂花环的立方基台，这些花环象征着参与解放白俄罗斯的四个战线。

基座上的浮雕雕塑
方尖碑基座上有四幅青铜浮雕，每一幅都讲述了伟大卫国战争中的关键时刻。这些作品由当时著名的雕塑家完成：

<ul><li>《1945年5月9日》—雕塑家А.本贝尔创作的浮雕，致敬战争结束日，象征着胜利的喜悦。</li> <li>《伟大卫国战争时期的苏联红军》—由С.塞利哈诺夫创作，体现了苏联士兵的勇气和英雄主义。</li> <li>《荣耀归于逝去的英雄》—由З.阿兹古尔创作，赞颂了那些为自由献出生命的人们。</li> <li>《白俄罗斯游击队》—由А.格列博夫创作，致敬为抵抗法西斯侵略者作出重大贡献的白俄罗斯游击队。</li></ul> 这些雕塑元素以现实主义风格创作，细节刻画十分精细。浮雕生动地传达了战争中的悲剧时刻，反映了牺牲的苦痛、战斗的残酷以及胜利的巨大喜悦。

象征意义和重要性
胜利纪念碑象征着对英雄过去的记忆，并提醒人们和平的重要性。缠绕着月桂枝的青铜剑不仅象征着胜利，也体现了用数百万条生命换来的和平的脆弱。

方尖碑基座上的四个月桂花环象征着参与解放白俄罗斯的四个战线：白俄罗斯战线、乌克兰战线、列宁格勒战线和波罗的海战线。这些战线在1944年7月解放明斯克的战斗中发挥了关键作用。

永恒之火
纪念碑前的永恒之火是纪念馆的重要元素之一，1961年7月3日点燃。火焰成为了对那些为祖国而战斗牺牲者的永恒记忆象征。在苏联时期，少年先锋队和共青团员在永恒之火前站岗，进一步强调了爱国主义教育的重要性。

今天，永恒之火依然在燃烧，每年都有人在此敬献鲜花，纪念那些逝去的英雄。这里也是庆祝胜利日和其他纪念活动的中心。

结语
明斯克胜利纪念碑 不仅仅是一座纪念碑，它是连接过去与现在的重要历史象征。它宏伟的建筑、丰富的象征意义和逼真的浮雕让所有来到此地的人们都感受到强烈的情感。纪念碑提醒我们战争中的牺牲、英雄主义和人民捍卫自由与独立的坚韧不拔。

对于明斯克乃至整个白俄罗斯来说，这座纪念碑仍然是爱国记忆和自豪感的中心。它向未来的世代传递着一个重要信息：和平与自由是必须以任何代价守护的价值。