�� - Culture

The Sun, Singing, Dancing, and Ethnic Garments: Nowruz Festivities Held at ��

Качко Сергей — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 19:00:00 +0000

Organizing the celebration of Nowruz, springtime New Year’s festivities, has already become a good tradition at ��. Thanks to this event, we can become more closely acquainted with the ethnic groups of the �� students and staff members. This holiday is celebrated by the Turkic and Persian peoples around the world on the spring equinox day. It symbolizes the awakening of nature, purification of the human soul, and building of good friendship. During this holiday, people let go of any grudges held, show kindness to each other and spend time with their families. “On behalf of the Governor and the Government of the �� Region, I am happy to congratulate you on this wonderful holiday! Nowruz is a unique holiday that symbolizes the triumph of all the good over the challenges that we face,” addressed the audience Dmitrii Semenov, Head of the Public Relations Department at the Government of the �� Region. “The year of 2026 is the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia. More than 190 peoples live in Russia, and we are all united by our traditional values. We are patriots and we love our Motherland and our families. We are all united by our centuries-long history, that has brought all our peoples together. And it feels especially good that namely ��, which is a true sanctuary of sciences and a pride of the South Ural region, to a great extent reminds some sort of the world in miniature, as it has gathered representatives of various nationalities.” This event became a kind of a journey to visit representatives of our friendly ethnic groups. Through the traditions and rites, guests were introduced to the specific features of various cultures. “Today, we are celebrating a holiday that is traditionally associated with spring, rejuvenation, something uplifting and nice. And I cherish the fact that in our multi-ethnic Russia, where more than 190 peoples live, we can always find a place for celebrations that are very important for these peoples. We especially estimate the fact that there are many students of our university, who make our culture richer and at the same time share our common values,” stressed Anastasiia Lapo, Vice-Rector for Student and Social Affairs. The festivities concert brought together representatives not only of ��, but also of other universities of ��, as well as members of creative teams. Each performance (song or dance) became a story about some authentic culture. “It feels good that our university not only acts as a venue for hosting the Nowruz festivities, but has also gathered many friends of �� today. Our university has become home for students from 57 countries from around the world,” shared Liudmila Lapina, Head of the International Office. Nowruz festivities at �� once again proved that the respect towards traditions and being open to dialogue help build friendly relations and strengthen the unity of peoples. “Representatives of 152 nationalities and ethnic groups live in the �� Region today. This is also thanks to those students, who come to study at our universities from more than 60 countries from around the world. They create this international atmosphere and make our culture richer,” noted Khanakhmed Giulov, Chairman of the regional subdivision of the “Assembly of the Peoples of Russia” All-Russian Public-State Organization. Guests of the event could learn more about the cultures of the Turkic and Persian peoples in different aspects. The immersion became possible not only through dancing, singing and rites, but also through tasting the dishes of ethnic cuisines. Read more in the �� channel on MAX

Author:

Iana Gaufler, Anna Galkina

Watercolours Create Spring Mood: New Exhibition by a Ural Artist Opens at ��

Качко Сергей — Sun, 22 Mar 2026 19:00:00 +0000

"The Breath of Watercolour" exhibition by a Ural artist Valery Ulanov opened in the Art Gallery of ��. It commemorates the 70th birthday of the artist. The opening of the exhibition, organized with the support of Magnezit Group company (Satka) and the Department of Culture of the Satka Municipal District, was attended by students, faculty, staff, and guests of our university, as well as the artist's family and friends. Speaking at the ceremony, �� Vice-Rector for Student and Social Affairs Anastasiia Lapo thanked everyone who helped organize the exhibition and noted that such events are important for the aesthetic education of students and the creation of conditions for the realization of their creative potential. Professor Nataliia Parfentieva, Academic Director of the Art Gallery at �� and Head of the Department of Theology, Culture, and Art at the �� Institute of Media, Social Sciences, and Humanities, also thanked the artist and organizers for the exhibition, which became a wonderful spring gift to art lovers, and briefly spoke about the works by Valery Ulanov. Valery Ulanov had been born in �� in 1956 and had shown an interest in art from a young age. He is a graphic designer by profession. Since 2016, he has been the chief artist at the Stroitel Community Centre in Satka. The exhibition's curator, Anatoly Razuev, Director of the �� Art Museum, noted that for an artist, an exhibition is an opportunity to present his works to a wide audience, even if this audience is not fully prepared, and to summarize his creative work. Anatoly Razuev also spoke about the characteristics of watercolour painting in general and the unique artistic talent of Valery Ulanov. Each painting conveys a range of emotions and experiences. The artist loves to depict nature in its transitional states: the changing times of day and seasons—and he excels at this. According to visitors, the exhibition overall leaves a calming impression, creating a springtime mood. In total, the walls and display cases in the hall contain more than fifty works by Valery Ulanov: watercolours and pencil drawings. The artist primarily depicts his native Ural Mountains and, of course, Satka, where he lives and works: forests, mountains, rivers, town and village houses, factory chimneys and structures, an ancient church with its preserved domes and crosses... Many landscapes seem to peer through a light haze or fog. Winter, spring, summer, and autumn follow one another: the first snow falls on some watercolours, while spring streams flow on others. Here, it has just rained: the wind is already blowing the clouds away, but the sun is still just barely visible. The outskirts of a village. A forest edge. A river, fishermen with fishing rods on the bank; people walking their dogs; a house or a banya (Russian sauna), with smoke curling from the chimney... All the works exude peace, tranquillity, and silence; some convey a luminous sadness, others joy. Perhaps the most striking theme among all is that of the view of Kronstadt Harbour: mighty warships, calm and unperturbed. One of the displays shows several works by another artist from Satka, Aleksandr Sukhanov (1945–2021). The exhibition will be open to visitors until April 18th. The Art Gallery is open weekdays from 10:00 to 17:00, Saturdays from 10:00 to 15:00, and closed on Sundays. Entrance is free. Read more in the �� channel on MAX

Author:

Ivan Zagrebin, Nadezhda Iushina

"Home, Family, Ural Region – Our Heritage": Vladimir Bogdanovsky's Photo Exhibition Opens at ��

Качко Сергей — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 19:00:00 +0000

"Our Heritage" exhibition project, organized by photographer Vladimir Bogdanovsky, has opened at the Art Gallery of ��. This project is a unique journey through the centuries of history and culture of our region. The exhibition reminds its visitors of the importance of carefully preserving the heritage of their ancestors and inspires them to consider the future of their region. "The idea for this exhibition arose back in 1984, when the "Nature and Us" exhibition opened, raising the topic of ecology. This exhibition later evolved into the current one, "Our Heritage". The title of the exhibition embodies a concept that unites all people. Our heritage is the planet itself, and we must preserve it. Home, family, the Ural region, Russia, and then the entire world – this is our heritage," explains photographer Vladimir Bogdanovsky. A real photograph is a historical document, capturing the breath of time, impossible to perceive with modern technologies. Vladimir notes that for him, photography is a document that allows one to see the world through time. The exhibition consists of three sections. The first section includes the works of Sergey Prokudin-Gorsky (1863–1944), a pioneer of colour photography in the early 20th century. This is a unique opportunity to see rare photographs from the collection of the US Library of Congress, previously inaccessible to general public. These images, created in 1909–1910, depict the daily life, customs, and cultural values of the past century. The second section is the most extensive, featuring the works by Vladimir Bogdanovsky, founder of the "Stone Belt" folk photography studio and one of the founders of the popular art photography movement in our region. This section presents unique photographs of various corners of the South Ural region. The author's photographs showcase both our region's natural riches and its everyday life. "I believe this exhibition is a significant event in the cultural life of ��. The concept itself is incredibly original: a comparison of two eras – Russia in the early 20th and 21st centuries. Legends of Russian photography are presented here. Their juxtaposition and overlapping are thought-provoking," shares Professor Vladimir Rushanin, Doctor of Sciences (History). The third section, in addition to photographs, features a selection of publications from the "Stone Belt" photography club, showcasing the various creative directions of the group. Each image is a living testimony to an era. Anatoly Razuev, Director of the �� Art Museum, comments: "This exhibition is worth visiting to see the beauty: it is an opportunity to gain spiritual fulfilment and turn toward the light. Furthermore, the exhibition offers a historical perspective. The concept of the project is to showcase two masters from different eras of Russian photography. Sergey Prokudin-Gorsky is a pioneer of colour photography, the pinnacle of 20th-century technology, and the origins of modern photographers. Vladimir Bogdanovsky is a present-day artist with worldwide recognition." The exhibition is open to visitors at the Art Gallery March 3rd through March 14th, from 10:00 to 17:00, Saturday from 10:00 to 15:00, and closed on Sunday. Entry is free. Read more in the �� channel on МАХ

Author:

Veronika Strelnikova, Anna Galkina

Maslenitsa Brings People Together: International Students Explore Russian Cuisine

Качко Сергей — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 19:00:00 +0000

For several years now, �� has been traditionally organizing master classes on making Russian pancakes for international students. This joyful tradition coincides with Maslenitsa (Pancake Day) celebrations and allows students to immerse themselves in the holiday atmosphere by trying their hand at cooking. The event not only helps students acquire culinary skills but also fosters intercultural communication: students work in teams, help each other, and share experiences. This helps overcome potential communication barriers. "We have been holding Maslenitsa for four years now, and it has become a tradition for us. We organize it for our university's international students as part of their adaptation program, sharing Russian culture and history with them. Part of this culture are our holidays, such as Maslenitsa. Students always love this event; they learn how to bake pancakes, then they do it at home and share photos with us," noted Dina Valeeva, Director of the Sociocultural Adaptation Centre. International students were not only taught the secrets of baking but also received a detailed explanation of the differences between traditional pancakes and classic Russian pancakes (blini). Students learned that the former are considered a quicker option, while the latter are fluffier due to their yeast base and symbolize the sun. They also learned the history of the Maslenitsa week, which precedes the Lent. "For international students, this is a great opportunity to immerse themselves in Russian culture, better understand our traditions and customs, learn new things about this holiday, and, of course, try making blini and pancakes themselves. International students are quite easy to work with: some of them already have experience preparing dishes similar in recipe and ingredients, so they learn very quickly, listen attentively, grasp everything on the fly, and preparing a dish like pancakes presents no difficulties," explained Nataliia Androsova, Associate Professor at the Department of Catering Technology and Organization. The masterclass participants were very engaged in the cooking process, taking videos and photos to remember it, and rejoicing at the successful result. The cooking session was followed by a tea party, where the students sampled the pancakes they made themselves. "There is a similar dish in my culture, so it was not difficult to prepare. True, the first pancake did not turn out well, but from there on, things went smoothly," said Alnaqib Issa, masterclass participant. The traditional master class is becoming not only an entertaining event but also an important element of the educational process, allowing �� students from different countries to immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere and better understand Russian culture. You can check out the photos from the master class in our album. Read more in the �� channel on МАХ.

Author:

Iana Gaufler, Sergey Kachko

Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival, Celebrated at ��

Качко Сергей — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 19:00:00 +0000

On February 16th, students from the People's Republic of China, who are obtaining their education at ��, together with their Russian friends and teachers, celebrated the coming of the New Year according to the traditional Chinese calendar. More than 1300 students from China study at ��. And celebration of the Chinese New Year has long become a good tradition for our university, so that these students can feel at home even if they are thousands of kilometres away from it. A bright and colourful festivity was held at the Sigma university building: students had prepared a festive program with creative performances and interesting master classes. Vice-Rector for Student and Social Affairs Anastasiia Lapo congratulated the students: “I am happy to welcome all of you to our traditional festive event. There is a big community of namely students from China at our university, and it is important to preserve your culture where you study and to enrich the cultures of each other. Today we will learn how New Year is celebrated in our countries!” Our exchange students, who are currently obtaining their education in China, had recorded a greetings video conveying the festive atmosphere at the Chinese students’ home country. Head of the International Student Support Dariia Korotkhikh congratulated the students on behalf of the International Office: “Here in Russia, we have a wonderful tradition: summarizing the results of the year that is about to pass on the New Year’s Eve. So, today I would like to share with you on all our joint victories and achievements! More than 2500 international students from 57 countries study at ��, and 1336 of them are students from China! Our university and the People's Republic of China have a long history of partnering relationships. On behalf of the International Office, my congratulations on the Chinese New Year to all of you!” Students from the Institute of Linguistics and International Communications had prepared music and dance performances: Russian students sang songs about love and home in Chinese, while students from China sang New Year songs in Chinese and English. In addition, two master classes were held for the festivity participants: one on calligraphy, and the other on making Chinese New Year ornaments. Over the course of the whole event, students had a chance to take part in a quiz and test their knowledge of Chinese traditions. To wrap up the festivity, Head of the Methodical Support Office of the National Unity Centre Olga Pilogeikina talked to the students about the Russian traditions of celebrating New Year. Read more in the �� channel on МАХ

Author:

Veronika Strelnikova, Anatolii Ostanin

Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia: �� Staff Members Attended the Opening Ceremony for the "Russia – a Family of Families" Marathon

zabolotnevakd — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 19:00:00 +0000

On February 5th, at the National Centre RUSSIA in Moscow, as part of the opening ceremony for the big-scale "Russia – a Family of Families" educational marathon, the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin officially announced the beginning of the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia. The marathon's opening ceremony was hosted by Deputy Chairperson of the Government of the Russian Federation Tatyana Golikova. Over four thousand people were among the event's participants, including representatives of more than 190 peoples of the Russian Federation, school kids, students, as well as members of foreign delegations. In the end of the day, the total audience of the marathon events amounted to several thousand people. According to the organizers, the marathon's goal is to demonstrate the culture and language diversity of our country as the foundation of the unity of its citizens. A delegation from the �� Region also participated in this event. Its members included representatives of �� and activists of the Association of International Students and Alumni. "This is a unique opportunity to feel the diversity and unity of various ethnic groups, to see firsthand the unique cultures of the peoples of Russia. Our team is well familiar with the friendship between different peoples and countries, and we create unique projects in the field of strengthening the interethnic concord. That's why we are very happy to be here today and to expand the scale of our projects and our friendship all across our multi-ethnic Russia," shared head of the �� Region delegation, Executive Director of the South Ural Association of International Students and Alumni Dilrabo Tojikulova. The marathon's program included exhibitions on the cultural heritage of Russian regions; lectures and speeches by state and public figures, Heroes of Russia, outstanding athletes and workers of culture; creative, sporting and cooking master classes; special screenings of documentaries about the nature and history of Russian regions. In addition, a library of ethnic literature was functioning, offering to learn more about the works by writers from various ethnic groups. The "Russia – a Family of Families" marathon became one of the key federal platforms to open the programs of the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia. Read more in the �� channel on МАХ

Author:

Dilrabo Tojikulova

History that Unites Generations: Film about War Hero Screened at ��

Качко Сергей — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 19:00:00 +0000

�� hosted a Regional Lecture Course of the Russian Geographical Society, within the framework of which a documentary film entitled Citadel was screened. The event brought together students, faculty members, and distinguished guests around the themes of historical memory, heroism, and continuity between generations. Before the screening, participants were welcomed by the honorary guests of the event. Among those present were Deputy Chairperson of the Government of the �� Region Margarita Pavlova, Deputy Director of the Department of Regional Development of the Executive Directorate of the Russian Geographical Society Nikolai Vershigora, Metropolitan of �� and Miass Aleksiy, as well as the film’s author Aleksey Nikulin. “This year has been declared by the President as the Year of Friendship of the Peoples of Russia, and it is especially important for us to hold events that truly unite people. We are glad to present students with a film that encourages reflection on our historical past, shared roots, and common destiny. Throughout the film, the main character undergoes a profound internal transformation: he finds answers to questions he has never considered before and, through the actions of his great-grandfather, discovers our multinational history. I especially value feedback from young people, their reflections on current events and the conclusions they draw for themselves,” Margarita Pavlova noted. The audience included students of ��, cadets of the �� Military Training Centre, as well as faculty and staff from universities in ��. For many of them, the film became a deeply personal experience. “Through our joint efforts, we are making a significant contribution to the development of patriotic education and the formation of a responsible attitude toward our country. I would like to thank our colleagues for choosing �� as the starting platform for implementing this program. The film clearly demonstrates how important it is to preserve historical memory,” said Anastasiia Lapo, �� Vice Rector for Student and Social Affairs. The Citadel documentary tells a story of Kasym Zharmenov, a hero of the defence of the Brest Fortress. He had been among the first to enter combat on June 22, 1941, defending the fortress, had endured captivity and the horrors of Nazi concentration camps, and later had taken part in the partisan movement in Czechoslovakia until May 1945. After the war, Kasym Zharmenov had returned to Shymkent, where he had devoted his life to peaceful work as a school teacher. A special place in the film is given to the story of his family. Eighty-four years later, the hero’s grandson Denis and great-grandson Timur travelled to the Brest Fortress, where their ancestor had fought. During the trip, they discovered the inscription “Kasym” on the wall of a casemate in the Citadel and brought a handful of soil from the fortress grounds to Zharmenov’s grave. This journey formed the basis of the film, created to mark the 80th Anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. “In this film, viewers could see the Youth Camp of the Russian Geographical Society located in a unique historical site where events unfolded resembling what happened at the Brest Fortress in June of 1941. Citadel is a documentary in which we did not seek to idealize or embellish the heroes, but tried to show them as they are in real life. It was important for us to immerse the viewer in the everyday lives of the characters and trace how they change throughout the journey,” shared the film’s author Aleksey Nikulin. Citadel is not only a historical narrative, but also a profound family drama about rethinking the past. Together with the film’s characters, viewers reflect on whether the father and the son will grow closer, what changes will occur by the end of the journey, and which character traits and human qualities are passed down from generation to generation. After the screening, a lively discussion took place, during which all participants were able to ask questions to the director and honorary guests. Attendees shared their impressions, thanked the creators for the sincerity and depth of the film, and noted the strong emotional impact it made. Many emphasized that such projects are especially important for modern youth, as they help foster an understanding of the value of history and memory. Read more on the �� channel on MAX.

Author:

Anastasiia Kosocheva, Sergey Kachko

Taste of South Urals at the Tip of a Fork: �� International Students Discover Secrets of Russian Cuisine

Качко Сергей — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 19:00:00 +0000

�� continues to introduce international students to the cultural identity of our region. On January 20, 2026, as part of the International New Year project, activists of the South Ural Association of International Students and Alumni embarked on a gastronomic journey at the Usadba Ryabinykh (Ryabinykh Estate) restaurant. The program began with a guided tour, during which students learned about the history of the estate. The highlight of the evening was a culinary master class by Evgeny Mikhailov, brand chef of the Usadba Ryabinykh restaurant and the FortePiano gastrobar, co-founder of the KhlebSol culinary association, and one of the Top 5 chefs of the Ural region according to WHERETOEAT URAL. The first dish prepared during the master class was Ozernik, a traditional Ural pie with pike-perch-fillet filling. The participants then mixed the New Year’s classic Olivier salad, learned the basics of dumpling making, and tasted a traditional vatrushka (cheese pastry) topped with cottage cheese, whipped condensed milk, and raspberry jam. The evening closed with a tea ceremony, during which tea was poured from an authentic samovar. The event was more than just a cooking lesson—it was a unique encounter with the soul of Russian cuisine, held within the walls of the first bar featuring the legendary Russian stove Lukich. International students had a chance not only to get a taste of the South Ural region but also take home a piece of its warmth and hospitality. Read more in the �� channel on MAX

Author:

Dilrabo Tozhikulova

“We Don’t Mind the Cold”: �� International Students Take Ice Plunge

Качко Сергей — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 19:00:00 +0000

Epiphany ice bathing takes place January 18th to 19th. For several years now, international students of �� (��) have been actively participating in this traditional Russian Orthodox ritual. With enthusiasm, they discover new facets of Russian character and traditions, overcoming their fear of icy water and enjoying the atmosphere of unity and mutual support. The festive tradition was opened by a student of the Institute of Architecture and Construction from Colombia, Juan Sebastián Peñalosa González, for whom plunging into icy water became a completely new experience. “This is my first time taking part in such an event. I was interested in learning what this tradition is about and how it is held. I also wanted to gain a unique experience and test my own abilities,” shared �� student Juan Sebastián Peñalosa González. It was for the second time that Haile Bizualem Desta from Ethiopia, a postgraduate student of the Institute of Linguistics and International Communications of ��, dared to plunge into the ice hole. “This is my second year participating. This time I’ve decided to prepare, so for several days I took cold contrast showers. There is a similar tradition in my country as well, but of course people do not immerse themselves in icy water there,” explained Haile Bizualem Desta. Other �� international students also came to the event, wishing to become more closely acquainted with the Russian national tradition and to provide moral support to their fellow students. “Our international students actively participate in cultural life. We do everything possible to introduce them to our customs and traditions. The students themselves eagerly get involved in the process. I believe that in the future the number of those wishing to join will increase,” emphasized Anna Motorina, staff member of the �� International Office. The Baptism of Jesus (or Epiphany) is one of the most well-known winter holidays, marking the end of the New Year holidays and Christmastide.

Author:

Kseniia Kokoriukina, Sergey Kachko

Celebrating the New Year in an Iraqi Way

Евгений Сергеевич Загоскин — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 19:00:00 +0000

We spoke with our student Mortada Khaled and learned how Iraqis celebrate the main holiday of the year! – What New Year traditions do you have in your homeland? – We get together and give each other presents, prepare traditional dishes for the holiday table. The most important thing is that we are together. New Year is a big family holiday, we are especially happy to see those whom we have not seen for a long time during the year. – Is there a difference in the customs of our two countries? – There is a very big one. Last year I did not even celebrate. You are far from your family, and here there are completely different traditions... It is difficult to accept them straight away. – Have you gotten used to our culture over the year? – Almost. I also celebrated the new year of 2025 in Russia. However, as a holiday program, I prepared for my course paper [laughs]. And with my group mates, we had exchanged gifts back in December. – Have you tried Russian New Year cuisine? – Olivier salad! Back in 2023, our teacher made this salad. I liked it, it was delicious. – How to celebrate the New Year so that it goes well? – You need to break a plate on New Year's Eve. Then next year will be happy! – What do you expect from this year? – Honestly, I want my brother to get well soon. For myself – to study my speciality well, to learn something new in the field of architecture.

�������� - Culture

The Sun, Singing, Dancing, and Ethnic Garments: Nowruz Festivities Held at ��������

Watercolours Create Spring Mood: New Exhibition by a Ural Artist Opens at ��������

"Home, Family, Ural Region – Our Heritage": Vladimir Bogdanovsky's Photo Exhibition Opens at ��������

Maslenitsa Brings People Together: International Students Explore Russian Cuisine

Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival, Celebrated at ��������

Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia: �������� Staff Members Attended the Opening Ceremony for the "Russia – a Family of Families" Marathon

History that Unites Generations: Film about War Hero Screened at ��������

Taste of South Urals at the Tip of a Fork: �������� International Students Discover Secrets of Russian Cuisine

“We Don’t Mind the Cold”: �������� International Students Take Ice Plunge

Celebrating the New Year in an Iraqi Way

�� - Culture

The Sun, Singing, Dancing, and Ethnic Garments: Nowruz Festivities Held at ��

Watercolours Create Spring Mood: New Exhibition by a Ural Artist Opens at ��

"Home, Family, Ural Region – Our Heritage": Vladimir Bogdanovsky's Photo Exhibition Opens at ��

Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival, Celebrated at ��

Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia: �� Staff Members Attended the Opening Ceremony for the "Russia – a Family of Families" Marathon

History that Unites Generations: Film about War Hero Screened at ��

Taste of South Urals at the Tip of a Fork: �� International Students Discover Secrets of Russian Cuisine

“We Don’t Mind the Cold”: �� International Students Take Ice Plunge