Belarus, often overlooked by travellers, is a captivating country with a rich history, stunning landscapes, and a unique cultural heritage. Nestled between Russia, Poland, Lithuania, and Ukraine, Belarus offers a blend of Eastern European charm and Soviet influence. Situated north of Ukraine, among a cluster of post-Soviet states in East Europe, is Belarus, carved out of Russia’s eastern border. After living under the USSR for seven decades, the country declared its independence in 1991. Despite being landlocked, the plain is covered in over 11,000 lakes and old forests.
Belarus is governed autonomously, yet it nevertheless has very strong political and economic ties to Russia. Although the two nations decided to form a two-state union in 1999, the treaty has not yet been given much thought. Priority access to inexpensive oil from Russia, a connection that has been questioned numerous times in the past ten years, is the driving force behind isolationist trade policies.
Translated as “white Russia,” Belarus is a symbol of the strong hold the Kremlin still has on its former member. In a way, this borrowed identity has also impeded the growth of a national culture. Along with Belarusian, Russian is recognised as an official language. The KGB headquarters in Minsk, the country’s capital, serve as a stark reminder of the country’s past. The KGB is the Russian equivalent of the secret police and intelligence service.
Belarus, which was formerly one of the wealthier post-Soviet nations, currently has one of the slowest rates of GDP growth worldwide. The vast majority of businesses, including collective farms, are substantially subsidised and managed by the state.
Across the nation, metropolitan areas are home to about 75% of Belarusians. After a large portion of its Jewish population was lost during World War II, the bulk of its people are now Orthodox Christians.
The International Monetary Fund, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and the United Nations are just a few of the international organisations that Belarus is a member of.
Belarus, or Belarusia, has a long and complex history. The country experienced a period of independence following the Russian Revolution, but was eventually incorporated into the Soviet Union. After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Belarus gained its independence.
A Land of Natural Beauty
Belarus is a land of natural beauty, with vast forests, crystal-clear lakes, and fertile plains. The country is home to numerous national parks, including Belovezhskaya Pushcha, one of the largest primeval forests in Europe. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, wolves, and deer.
Other notable natural attractions include the Pripyat National Park, a vast wetland area that was heavily contaminated by the Chernobyl disaster in 1986. Despite the radiation, the park has become a haven for wildlife and is now a popular destination for nature lovers and eco-tourists.
A Rich Cultural Heritage
Belarus has a rich cultural heritage, with a unique blend of Eastern European and Slavic Traditions. Belarusian cuisine is influenced by Russian, Polish, and Lithuanian influences, with hearty dishes like draniki (potato pancakes) and borscht (beetroot soup) being popular staples. Belarusian music and dance are also distinctive, with traditional folk dances and songs being performed at festivals and celebrations.
The country is also home to numerous historical and cultural landmarks, including the Mir Castle and the Nesvizh Castle. These UNESCO World Heritage Sites are stunning examples of Renaissance and Baroque architecture, offering visitors a glimpse into Belarus’s past.
A Friendly and Hospitable People
Belarusians are known for their friendly and hospitable nature. Visitors to Belarus are often greeted with warmth and generosity, making it a welcoming destination for travelers. The country’s low crime rate and safe environment contribute to a positive experience for tourists.
The Amazements Of Belarus
Primitive lowland oak woods are only found in Pripyatski National Park.
The lowlands have endured in their ancestral form. Tucked up in the oak and ash forests are over thirty lakes. The largest natural marshes in Europe are found in Polesye. Zvanets, spanning 150 square kilometres, and Dzikoye, covering 80 square kilometres, are the biggest wetlands.
In Europe, Belovezhskaya Pushcha is the biggest ancient woodland.
The forest was mentioned by the ancient chronicler Herodotus in the fifth century B.C. The Hypatian Chronicle made reference to it as well (in 983). Duke Yagailo of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania designated the woodland a protected area and outlawed hunting there in the late fourteenth century. For nearly 600 years, the ancient forest has been under protection. There are around 2,000 enormous trees.
The Radziwills, one of the wealthiest families in Europe, were the owners of Nesvizh.
Jan Giovanni Maria Bernardoni, an Italian, designed the majority of Nesvizh. In the sixteenth century, the Corpus Christi Cathedral and the castle were built using his plans. The first structure in Rzeczpospolita to be built in the baroque style was the Corpus Christi Cathedral. With 102 sarcophagi, the Radziwill family necropolis is among the biggest in all of Europe. UNESCO has listed Nesvizh Castle as a World Heritage Site.
The majority of the world’s bison are found in Belarus, specifically in the Belovezhskaya Pushcha.
These are the last remaining European bison, and they are also the heaviest mammals on the continent. Pope Leo asked Mikola Gusovski to write his well-known song about the bison.
One of the first countries in Europe to have a printed Bible was Belarus (1517).
Francysk Skaryna, the first printer in Belarus, established his publishing company in Prague and produced 23 illustrated Bibles. They were released in the antiquated form of Belarusian. He established a printing firm in Vilno after relocating there in the early 1520s. The Book of the Apostles and the Little Travel Guide were printed by it. The works of Francysk Skaryna were characterised by excellent print quality, original artwork, and eye-catching typefaces.
Thirteen Nobel laureates are of Belarusian descent.
This most esteemed of all international awards was established over a century ago. Numerous recipients of the Nobel Prize have Belarusian ancestry, including Zhores Alferov, Simon Kuznets, Aaron Klug, and winners of the Nobel Peace Prize in chemistry, physics, and economy.
During World War II, the most powerful resistance movement in Europe was the Belarusian partisan movement.
The partisans held roughly 60% of Belarusian territory by 1943. The Belsky brothers commanded the biggest Jewish partisan unit in Europe, which engaged in combat in Belarus. The film Defiance, directed by Edward Zwick from a screenplay by Zwick and Clay Foreman, portrays the courageous struggle of the detachment. The film’s January 2009 premiered.
There were only men who wove the Slutsk belts.
Men were the only ones who could wear the belts and assist their owners in donning them. It was a superstitious belief that a woman’s touch would tarnish and ultimately ruin the fabric. Only the Slutsk manufacturer made the well-known belts.
Belarus is a hidden gem in Eastern Europe, offering a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers. With its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and friendly people, Belarus is a destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
