Latest news with #ArseniiMatiushchenko
Al-Ahram Weekly
26-06-2025
- General
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Cairo celebrates Alexander Pushkin 226th birthday, Russian Language Day
The Russian Cultural Centre in Cairo celebrated the 226th birthday of Russian poet and writer Alexander Pushkin, as well as Russian Language Day, with a ceremony that highlighted his literary legacy and Russia's cultural ties with Egypt. In a vibrant cultural celebration, the Russian Cultural Centre in Cairo and the Cairo Governorate marked the 226th birthday of the late renowned Russian poet Alexander Pushkin, alongside Russian Language Day. The event took place at Al-Horriya Park, home to the Pushkin statue in Downtown Cairo. Arsenii Matiushchenko, Acting Director of Russian Cultural Centers in Egypt, places flowers at the Pushkin statue. The event highlighted the cultural ties between Egypt and Russia, as well as the timeless relevance of Pushkin's poetry in promoting cross-cultural understanding. The ceremony was attended by Arsenii Matiushchenko, acting director of Russian Cultural Centers in Egypt; Sherif Gad, president of the Egyptian Association of Graduates of Russian and Soviet Universities; Olga Beskilenina, head of the Russian community in Egypt; members of the Egyptian-Russian Friendship Association and the Russian House Youth Club; and professors of the Russian language. During the event, floral tributes were placed at the foot of Pushkin's statue in recognition of his literary legacy. Speaking at the event, Matiushchenko praised Pushkin's enduring influence on the Russian language, described his works as 'immortal,' and emphasized that the poet had shown interest in Egypt's culture and history — a lesser-known but meaningful connection. Meanwhile, Gad highlighted the growing interest in the Russian language across Egypt, citing the existence of 11 departments teaching Russian in Egyptian universities. He also highlighted the growing popularity of Pushkin's works among Arabic-speaking readers, with many of his poems and stories having been translated into Arabic. Larisa Razova, a member of the Coordinating Council of Russian Expatriate Associations in Egypt, explained why Pushkin remains such a powerful symbol of Russian culture: 'He had the rare ability to express the very soul of Russian identity.' The celebration concluded with a series of poetry recitations by students from Cairo University and scholars at the Russian Cultural Centre. They performed some of Pushkin's most beloved works in Russian, showcasing both their linguistic skills and deep admiration for his art. Arsenii Matiushchenko with Sherif Gad with the statue of Pushkin in the background at Al-Horriya Park. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
13-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egyptian-Russian tribute to iconic women on International Women's Day - City Lights - Life & Style
The Russian Cultural Centre in Cairo celebrated International Women's Day with an event that included a photo exhibition and youth presentations on iconic Egyptian and Russian female figures. The celebration was attended by the centre's director, Arsenii Matiushchenko, along with members of the Russian Youth Club at the Russian House in Dokki, who study Russian at Egyptian universities. Acting Director of the Russian Cultural Centres Arsenii Matiushchenko talks about iconic Russian female figures Exhibition and Speeches The photo exhibition showcases images of prominent Russian and Egyptian women from ancient and modern times, focusing on their crucial role in development, wars, and nation-building. Matiushchenko opened the event with a speech emphasizing the importance of women in society across all fields. He highlighted the significant contributions of Soviet and Russian women during World War II, on the home front and the battlefields. He also spoke about how Russian women have been instrumental in national development, contributing to all production sectors and occupying key leadership positions, significantly advancing life in Russia. Matiushchenko noted that celebrating Women's Day is an opportunity to thank every woman who positively contributes to society's growth and development. Youth Presentations: Russian and Egyptian Icons Following the opening speech, members of the Russian Youth Club at the Russian House in Cairo presented a series of talks highlighting influential women from both nations and drawing parallels between their struggles and triumphs. Russian Icons: The first Russian figure was Valentina Tereshkova, the first woman in space. On 16 June 1963, Tereshkova made history by becoming the first woman to travel into space aboard the Vostok 6 spacecraft. Her successful mission marked a significant moment in history, and former Egyptian president Gamal Abdel-Nasser awarded her the Nile Medal during a visit to Egypt. The second Russian figure was Zoya Kosmodemyanskaya, a Soviet fighter during World War II. Kosmodemyanskaya fought against the German invasion of Soviet territory, and was captured and tortured by the Germans, but never revealed any information. She was eventually executed in public and posthumously awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. Another notable Russian figure was Maya Plisetskaya, the famous Soviet and Russian ballerina and choreographer. Plisetskaya performed for over 40 years with the Bolshoi Ballet, achieving worldwide fame and solidifying her name as one of the most renowned dancers in ballet history. She performed in numerous countries and was the first principal dancer of the Bolshoi Ballet. She also choreographed many famous ballets, including Swan Lake, Don Quixote, and Carmen. Plisetskaya also performed on Egyptian stages during a Bolshoi Ballet tour. A member of the Russian Youth Club highlights a Russian female figure on International Women's Day Egyptian Icons: The youth then presented several influential Egyptian women starting with Merit-Ptah, the first female doctor in history, who lived around 2700 BCE. The next figure was Umm Kolthoum, the iconic Egyptian singer who remains a towering figure in Arab music. Known for her powerful voice and immense popularity across the Arab world, Umm Kolthoum - who visited Moscow in 1970 - is regarded as the "Artist of the Century." Despite her passing 50 years ago, she remains beloved. They also talked about Huda Sha'arawi, a prominent social figure and pioneer of the Egyptian feminist movement. Sha'arawi fought tirelessly for women's freedom and founded the Egyptian Feminist Union. Another significant figure was Dr. Samira Moussa, Egypt's first female nuclear physicist. Moussa was the first woman to teach at Cairo University and significantly contribute to nuclear science. Tragically, she died in a car accident during a visit to the United States. At the end of the celebration, Matiushchenko thanked the youth union for their hard work in preparing and delivering these talks on famous female figures with enthusiasm. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
