An exhibition highlighting the cultural and historical heritage of the Gagauz people was imounted in the Parliament Building on the eve of “Ana dilimiz”, the day of the Gagauz language and writing. The exhibition is dedicated to personalities who contributed to the development of the Gagauz culture, history and language. Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu said it was an important event. If an ethnic group is deprived of language, history, religion, territory for a moment, this group will be in great danger, IPN reports.
The day of Gagauz writing and language is celebrated on April 27, on the birthday of the spiritual leader of the Gagauz Mihail Çakir (1861-1938). An ecclesiastical figure and opinion leader of the time, Mihail Çakir highlighted the language, tradition, history – identity things that mark any people, any ethnic community, said Igor Grosu.
Elena Caramit, director of the History Museum in Avdarma village of Comrat municipality, said that archpriest Mihail Çakir became an initiator of church service and printing of books in the Gagauz language. He translated the Gospel and many other religious books into Gagauz and obtained the right to hold services in the Gagauz language. He is also the initiator of the first religious newspaper in the Gagauz language.
Ambassador of Sweden to the Republic of Moldova Katarina Fried said that the Government of Sweden is glad to support this event aimed at promoting the identity of the Gagauz, specifying that by organizing events and projects dedicated to culture, language, history, we promote values and heritage. Katarina Fried expressed confidence that the preservation of this heritage and ethnic diversity will contribute to harmonization in society. The Embassy of Sweden remains the partner that will continue to support projects that promote a dialogue and back the Republic of Moldova on its path to the European Union.
There were also presented information panels about outstanding personalities of the Gagauz culture and history and exhibited Gagauz national costumes and handicrafts. They can be seen inside the Parliament Building until April 19.
