A Brief History of Ufa
“Colors of an Ancient Beirut” chronicles the colorful culture of this ancient coastal town just across the Gulf of Beirut from Egypt. Preserved only in stone and plaster, the town houses many priceless works of art, including the oldest known artwork in the world (a carving depicting a woman and child from around the 11th century BC). In keeping with its history, the walls are lined with pictures of past leaders, battles, or even portraits of their very own royalty. This lively book covers all aspects of daily life: from daily rituals to competitions in sports, from cuisine to music, from traditions to modern traditions, this colorful community lives “in the shadow of the sea.” A must for all lovers of this colorful culture and all history lovers alike, “Colors of an Ancient Beirut” is a must have book for any book lover.
“The Color of Russia” traces the rich history of the historic city center, including the foundations of St. Petersburg’s royal fortress. As one of Russia’s most popular destinations, Moscow was among the first to develop as a modern city and many of its landmarks can still be seen there. This travel guide offers an insider’s look at the fascinating Moscow as a visitor, from historical sites to shopping and dining opportunities. The city center has had many names: the Moscowsky Prospekt, the Pushkinsky Prospekt, Moscow Hotel, Saint Peter’s Cathedral and the Kremlin. The book traces the colorful side of the Russian capital through historical anecdotes and descriptions of architectural styles ranging from traditional to modern and charming portrayals of the city’s diverse culture and bustling nighttime.
Winner of the 2021 World Traveler Book Awards, “Mother Nature’s Smile” chronicles the Russian winter, with its balmy climate and its perennial blossoms. One segment of the book describes UFA as a place where nature’s bounty meets urban development and congestion: a place where people relax and grow closer. In particular, the author focuses on Ek Siberia, a serene village in the heart of UFA that is famous for its winter concerts. The author describes the village as a place where everyone seems to know each other; a place where people come to melt away their cares and stay long into the night.
“The Best Things in Life Are Free” by Vasili Ovechkin is another travel guide with a slightly frosty view of Ufa and the surrounding region. In this book, the author contends that while Ufa may be cold and isolated, it is also a great place to celebrate life despite its hardships. The author portrays Ufa as a charming, warm Russian city, located alongside its icy tundras. He describes its people as tough, creative, hardworking, and truly proud of their country.
The author draws a parallel between Ufa and Kharkov in his discussion of the economic climate of Ufa and his descriptions of contemporary human life in Ek Siberia. He depicts the people of Ufa as hardworking, ambitious, artistic, entrepreneurial, and genuinely interested in education and progress. According to the author, one of the most unique characteristics of Ufa is the existence of “the forgotten men.” These people are part of the network of workers and producers of Kharkov’s industrial enterprises. According to Mr. Ovechkin, these people often do not receive adequate remuneration for their efforts, which prompted them to establish educational theaters and cultural institutions to make themselves and their work known to the rest of the world.
Mr. Ovechkin argues that these endeavors benefited not only the workers of Kharkov, but also the larger groups of entrepreneurs and businessmen who patronize Kharkov’s industrial enterprises. The creation of such a unique group of entrepreneurs in Kharkov allowed the city to develop and open up its economy. In addition, he argues that this same development enabled Kharkov to compete favorably against other Russian cities, which resulted in the country’s gradual development as an industrialized and progressive society. The author suggests that Ufa’s success was built on the backward conditions of the peasants in rural Russia. However, he adds that such an interpretation is inaccurate, seeing instead the emergence of the urban middle class, which took advantage of the abundance of resources available to the urban population through Kharkov’s steel industry and the advent of western and American goods.