The National Centre RUSSIA tells the story of Khanty-Mansiysk through the labour achievements of its residents

KhMAA — Yugra

The National Centre RUSSIA in Yugra joined the historical re-enactment festival "City of Labour Valour: Living History". Residents and visitors were invited on an original walking tour exploring how the regional capital lived and worked during the Great Patriotic War.

"The history of a City of Labour Valour is, first and foremost, the history of its people. Behind every fact, every figure and every memorial site are the lives of those who continued to work, keep the city supplied and support the front during the most difficult years. It is important for us to tell this story in a way that keeps historical memory alive and understandable for people today, making it part of their personal connection to the place where they live," said Anton Pilipas, Head of the National Centre RUSSIA in Yugra.

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA in Yugra

The route began at the "City of Labour Valour" stele, one of Khanty-Mansiysk's main symbols of historical memory. Participants learned how the regional capital lived during the war years, what its residents did, how labour on the home front was organised and what contribution the small northern city made to the common Victory.

For tour participant Yekaterina Timofeyeva, this history was especially personal. She represents the sixth generation of Khanty-Mansiysk residents, while her son is already the seventh. They joined the tour together to remember their ancestors and learn more about the city's history.

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA in Yugra

Yekaterina's ancestors arrived at the Samarovsky Yam during the reign of Catherine II and made their lives in the northern settlement. During the Great Patriotic War, her great-grandfather went to the front and was reported missing. Later, thanks to a family research project, she was able to find information about her relatives.

"Today we came on this City of Labour Valour tour to once again remember the achievements of our ancestors, how our city developed and what feats were accomplished by the people who lived here. It is important for us to pass this memory on," said Yekaterina Timofeyeva.

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA in Yugra

For other guests, the tour offered an opportunity to see their familiar city in a new way for the first time. Yulia Gavrilyuk, who has lived in Khanty-Mansiysk for six years, said that thanks to the route she noticed the "City of Labour Valour" stele for the first time and learned a great deal about the history of the regional capital.

"For me, every day and every year here brings a new discovery. And the date when the title of City of Labour Valour was awarded concerns every one of us. I am deeply grateful to the people who managed to organise everything, help and accomplish this great feat back then. And to the people who remember it and help others remember," shared Yulia Gavrilyuk.

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA in Yugra

The Samotesov family also chose the tour as one of the highlights of their weekend. Ilya Samotesov came with his sons. He noted that it was especially important to him that the children were able to learn about the city's history not from a textbook, but through a vivid account and the atmosphere of the place itself.

"For me, this was a very meaningful event. We had planned to make sure the whole family came on this tour. It managed to combine informative content with a very warm and heartfelt attitude towards our city. I hope that the memory the children are gaining now will only strengthen their love for Khanty-Mansiysk over time," said Ilya Samotesov.

The National Centre RUSSIA tours became part of the overall programme of the "City of Labour Valour: Living History" festival, which brought together historical re-enactment, educational formats and meetings with residents.

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