08 January 2026, 18:14

Lukashenko on historical heritage: Belarusians have much to be proud of

MINSK, 8 January BelTA) - Belarusians have much to be proud of, preserve, and defend, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said during a ceremony to present the Spiritual Revival awards, special prizes for art luminaries and the Belarusian Sports Olympus awards 2025, BelTA has learned.

“We have much to be proud of, to preserve, and to defend,” the head of state emphasized, speaking about the rich historical heritage of the Belarusian people. “That is precisely why we are building the new National Historical Museum. It will become a place of national pride, the cradle of our historical memory, and a source of inspiration for our peaceful, hardworking, highly talented, and creative nation.”

As examples, Aleksandr Lukashenko cited several facts. “Over a thousand years ago, almost immediately after the Baptism of Rus', some of the first East Slavic centers of statehood, culture, and education were founded on our land: the principalities of Polotsk and Turov”, the Belarusian leader noted. “Here, thanks to our architects, exclusive architectural traditions and art were born. In 2026, we will be commemorating a sacred date for us. Exactly 865 years ago, the master Lazar Bogsha created a unique sacred object -the Cross of Saint Euphrosyne of Polotsk. Just think - 865 years!"

Over five centuries ago, Francysk Skaryna, a native of the Polotsk lands, published the Psalter, the first book in the East Slavic language.

“It is well known that the printed Cyrillic typeface, developed by the Belarusian Ilya Kapevich, formed the basis for the civil script introduced in Russia in 1706,” the president continued. “The term 'Belarusian Baroque' is recognized worldwide. It is a unique phenomenon in global art from the late 17th century, which spread across East Slavic lands thanks to the talent of our masters.”