�� - Culture

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.

Father Frost vs Santa Claus: Main Differences between Main Characters of New Year Holidays

Евгений Сергеевич Загоскин — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 19:00:00 +0000

Father Frost (Ded Moroz) and Santa Claus are the main characters of winter holidays in different cultures. However, despite some similarities, they have a number of significant differences, from the history of origin to their attributes and symbols. Father Frost is a fairy-tale character associated with New Year's holidays in Russia and many other CIS countries. The pagan version of Father Frost's origin says that our ancestors believed that a certain spirit protected them from harsh winter weather and protected the harvest. For this, they brought him various gifts and delicacies. But there is another point of view, according to which the prototype of Father Frost appeared in ancient folk tales. Most often, he was given the name Morozko. He was described as a stern bearded old man who commanded the winter cold, ran through forests, fields, villages and knocked, which caused severe frosts, rivers were covered with ice, and frost patterns appeared on the windows. Morozko had a magic staff with him, capable of freezing all ill-wishers. The familiar image of kind Father Frost began to form in the Soviet times. Father Frost wears a long, warm fur coat of white, blue or red colour with patterns embroidered with silver threads. He has an oval-shaped hat on his head, felt boots (valenki) on his feet, and warm mittens on his hands. Also, the obligatory attributes of the image of Father Frost are a long white beard, a magic staff and a large bag filled with gifts for children. Often he can be seen accompanied by his granddaughter Snow Maiden (Snegurochka) − a kind girl who communicates well with forest animals and serves as a kind of intermediary between Father Frost, New Year's miracles and children. Father Frost moves on a sleigh with three horses. Father Frost comes on New Year's Eve and puts presents under the decorated Christmas tree. He lives in Veliky Ustyug in the Vologda Region, where his estate is located, and where he joyfully greets guests. Santa Claus is a magical character of the Western Christian culture who brings gifts to children at Christmas. Santa's prototype is considered to be Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, who helped the poor, gave girls from poor families a dowry for a successful marriage, and always responded to any requests for help. A tradition to give children small souvenirs on the eve of Nicholas's name day on December 6th appeared already in the Middle Ages. The modern image of Santa Claus is based on folklore tales about Saint Nicholas. He is depicted as a cheerful, plump old man with a short gray beard. He wears a short red fur coat with a white fur collar and cuffs, which he belts with a black leather belt. His image also includes red trousers and a cap with a white pompom, and he often wears glasses. Like Father Frost, he carries a large bag with gifts for children. Santa does not work alone: his helpers in his New Year's affairs are Christmas elves. They are the ones who make toys for children in the wizard's workshop. Santa Claus moves around on a sleigh with reindeer flying across the sky. Lapland is considered the birthplace of Santa Claus, where there is an entire amusement park dedicated to the fairy-tale character and Christmas entertainment. As we can see, Father Frost and Santa Claus are significantly different from each other. But, despite this, they are similar in one thing: both heroes are the main and favourite characters of the New Year and Christmas holidays. Children all over the world eagerly await gifts from fairy-tale wizards every year.

Author:

Photos from pinterest

New Year’s Greetings to Everyone from ��’s International Students!

Качко Сергей — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 19:00:00 +0000

Students from around the world obtain their education at ��: each one of them has their own culture and traditions, but we are all united by our love to one the main holidays, the New Year! In December, we are all looking forward to this magical night, when we get together with our nearest and dearest ones around the festive table and make a wish! On the eve of this holiday, our international students have recorded a video with their New Year’s greetings for their fellow-students and the teaching and administrative staff members of our university.

Новый год, New Year, Le Nouvel An: Institute of Linguistics and International Communications Held a Concert on the Eve of the Most Magical Holiday

Качко Сергей — Sun, 28 Dec 2025 19:00:00 +0000

The Institute of Linguistics and International Communications organized a concert on the occasion of the upcoming New Year at the “Nash etazh” (“Our Floor”) student space. The Institute’s first-year students of all majors had prepared creative performances and tried to convey the atmosphere of every year’s most expected holiday. Director of the Institute of Linguistics and International Communications Maksim Gutenev explained why it is important to hold such festive events: “We’ve been working all year, so we can afford to organize a celebration for ourselves. Students practically from all around the world study at our Institute, and there are many things that we can share with each other. It’s important for us to get together and demonstrate that we are united and that we are moving towards our common goal. This festive concert once again helps reveal our strong sides and gives us joy from spending time with each other and socializing during the extracurricular activities!” Russian students had prepared a “New Year’s Debates” comic sketch, and also sang classical New Year’s songs in English and in Chinese. International students followed suit and recited poems in Russian and sang festive songs in French and Chinese. International student Olivier Kassegne shared his impressions of this multinational concert: “I greatly enjoyed listening to the Russian students’ singing in English. It’s cool that we’ve gathered together right before the holidays here. New Year’s greetings and good luck to everyone!” This event pulled the students together and created a magical and friendly atmosphere. The international concert wrapped up with the traditional Russian circle dance around the beautiful bushy Christmas tree.

Author:

Veronika Strelnikova, Anna Galkina

Christmas in the Rhythm of Blues: Heart-warming Music Plays at ��

Качко Сергей — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 19:00:00 +0000

The annual Christmas Blues Concert has been held at the Assembly Hall of ��. It has become one of the most heart-warming pre-winter-holidays traditions of our university. Georgy Anokhin, a musician, composer, founder and artistic director of the jazz band of the �� Recreation Centre, is an inspirational figure for this concert. He has been doing this work for more than 20 years now, and he is shaping our city’s residents’ tastes in music. “We have been organizing this New Year’s Eve concert for several decades already. Each one of us holds dear our traditions, that is why we play the well-known and popular tunes on stage. The concert hall within the walls of our university is filled with warmth, and we guarantee the festive mood to everyone, who comes to share this musical joy with us,” noted Georgy Anokhin. This concert demonstrates the rich music life of our university and the active participation of young performers in our region’s cultural activities. The program included both classical Christmas melodies and New Year’s hits, and original compositions in unique blues- and jazz-style arrangement, which the audience of all ages truly appreciated. The performance by the �� jazz band (famous for its professional level and creativity) became one of the event’s highlights. A warm and festive atmosphere was created by the sounds of blues and jazz rhythms played by solo and group performers. “The Christmas Blues Concert created a very nice atmosphere. It was especially good to feel the Christmas spirit right before the exams begin, and to forget about our studies-related worries for a moment. It was interesting to hear the unusual renditions of the melodies we know well. Besides studying, it is important that every student finds time to relax and recharge emotionally. And such events do indeed become an inspiration and give us energy before the start of the exams session,” shared �� student Polina Nichkova. Young musicians also participated in this event. And despite their young age, they brilliantly demonstrated their professional skills and sincere creative impulse. Read more in the �� channel on МАХ.

Author:

Анастасия Косочева, Анатолий Останин

99 Percent of History Right before our Eyes: New Exhibition Opened at the �� Museum

Качко Сергей — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 19:00:00 +0000

On December 16th, a new exhibition dedicated to the Stone Age opened at The People and Technologies of the Urals Museum of ��. Lidiya Lobodenko, Director of the Institute of Media, Social Sciences and Humanities, offered a welcoming speech: "Today, our museum-and-exhibition complex, The People and Technologies of the Urals, opens a new exhibition, "The Ancient Urals". The Stone Age is a significant stage in human history, laying the foundations for the whole subsequent civilization. Here, you can learn about the origins of our culture and about the scientific discoveries of our researchers." The opening of the updated exhibition was also attended by Ekaterina Chaiko, Director of the Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography of �� State University, and staff member of the "Arkaim" �� State Historical and Cultural Reserve. "Indeed, almost our entire history is now before our eyes. Organizing even a small exhibition requires the combined efforts of many people: scientists, researchers, and creative professionals. Reproducing the Stone Age is particularly challenging, but thanks to our collaboration, we are able to present it in the most complete and engaging way possible," emphasized Iuliia Vasina, Head of the Educational Museum and Exhibition Complex. The Head of the Department of Technology and Design Tatiana Vekovtseva and her students had made a significant contribution to the design of this exhibition. "We sought to create conditions that would make this vast period engaging not only for professionals but also for visitors," explained Aleksandr Tairov, Director of the �� Eurasian Studies Research and Education Centre. "Furthermore, the museum has become a creative and educational environment where History and Design students collaborate." At the end of the event, guests explored the exhibition, which revealed new facets of the ancient era and allowed them to get a closer look at the origins of human civilization. Read more in the �� channel on МАХ.

Author:

Kseniia Kokoriukina, Anna Galkina

�������� - Culture

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

Father Frost vs Santa Claus: Main Differences between Main Characters of New Year Holidays

New Year’s Greetings to Everyone from ��������’s International Students!

Новый год, New Year, Le Nouvel An: Institute of Linguistics and International Communications Held a Concert on the Eve of the Most Magical Holiday

Christmas in the Rhythm of Blues: Heart-warming Music Plays at ��������

99 Percent of History Right before our Eyes: New Exhibition Opened at the �������� Museum

�� - Culture

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

New Year’s Greetings to Everyone from ��’s International Students!

Christmas in the Rhythm of Blues: Heart-warming Music Plays at ��

99 Percent of History Right before our Eyes: New Exhibition Opened at the �� Museum