Presentation of the literary and documentary exhibition «I’m Walking to Poetry…» at the Belarusian State Archives and Museum of Literature and Art (BSAMLI)

On August 28, 2026, the Belarusian State Archives and Museum of Literature and Art (hereinafter referred to as BSAMLI) hosted the presentation of the literary and documentary exhibition « I’m Walking to Poetry…», dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the poet and public figure Gennady Nikolaevich Buravkin.

Poets, actors, scholars, and other admirers of his work gathered within the walls of the archives and museum to pay their respects and fond memories to this outstanding master of words.

BSAMLI Director Elena Makarenko delivered a welcoming speech. She noted the significant role of Gennady Buravkin as a person and also emphasized the poet’s extensive personal collection, housed in the archives and museum.

Natalia Shapran, editor-in-chief of the magazine «Rodnaye Slova», spoke about the publication’s ongoing interest in Gennady Buravkin’s personality and work, the development of scholarly and popular thought among the magazine’s contributors over the past ten years, and noted the relevance of studying the poet’s work. She also presented the new issue of «Rodnaye Slova», dedicated entirely to Gennady Nikolaevich. The September issue is about to be published.

Galina Levina shared with those present her memories of the friendship between two iconic figures of their time—the poet Gennady Buravkin and the architect Leonid Levin. Galina Leonidovna donated her father’s book «Moments» (2013), edited by Gennady Nikolaevich, to the BGAMLI collection.

Sergei Shapran, a researcher, author, and compiler of numerous books dedicated to many figures of Belarusian literature, including Gennady Buravkin, spoke about his friendship with the poet and recounted the touching story of the publication of his last book written during his lifetime, «Nagavarytstsa z zorkami» (2014), which, thanks to the efforts of friends, Gennady Nikolaevich had the chance to hold in his hands. The collection was printed overnight in a single copy. Sergei Shapran donated this edition, as well as many others, to the Belarusian State Academy of Literature and Art (BSAMLI) collection. At the evening, the archive-museum collection was replenished with two more books, published especially for the poet’s 90th birthday. These are the reprints of «Nagavarytstsa z zorkami» (2026) and «Prazhytae-napisanae» (2026). A surprise for Sergei Zuyonok, who was present at the party, was a gift from his father, Vasily, of the book «Pamizh Zorkay i Candlekay» (2000), which Gennady Nikolaevich himself had once signed for his friend in 2005.

Poet Naum Galperovich and writer and scholar Anatoly Astapenko shared their memories of Gennady Buravkin.

Leading archivist at the Belarusian State Archives of Literature and Art (BSAMLI), Natalia Mizon, presented documents from the archive-museum’s collections, talking about the poet Gennady Buravkin, who is a treasure and a source of pride for Belarusians.

The archive-museum expresses its gratitude to all participants of the event and invites researchers and lovers of Belarusian literature to visit the exhibition « I’m Walking to Poetry…».

1. Speech by E.Makarenko, Director of the Belarusian State Academy of Literature and Art (BSAMLI)

2. Leading archivist N.Mizon presents the exhibition «I’m Walking to Poetry..».

3. G.Levina donates the book «Moments» to the BSAMLI collections

4. During the speech by N.Shapran, Editor-in-Chief of the journal «Rodnae Slova»

5. During S.Shapran’s speech

6. S.Shapran and E.Makarenko during the transfer of documents to the BSAMLI collections

7. A.Astapenko speaks

8. N.Galperovich speaks

9. S.Zuyonok during the welcoming speech