On 22nd May, at 11 a.m., on the threshold of the 19th International Cyril and Methodius Lectures, a round table “The Polotsk Gospel, the first book of Belarusian people” is to be held.
The round table is dedicated to the unique monument of the Slavic written language – the Polotsk Gospel of the late 11th – early 13th centuries. The very fact of its existence is the evidence of the riches and the antiquity of the spiritual culture of Belarus. This manuscript is the first book of Belarusians in the full sense of the word as earlier books created in Belarus are lost (except for 10 separate pages from the known Turov Gospel).
Furthermore, the Polotsk Gospel, according to the time of its creation, is included into the number of the very first books of all Slavs and this is why it is a significant and important monument of all European culture.
As a result of a long-term and fruitful work of representatives of national libraries of Belarus and Russia, the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus and the Publishing house of the Belarusian Exarchate, the unique project of facsimile reproduction of the Polotsk Gospel has been recently released. The facsimile has allowed to recreate as much as possible authentically the appearance and the original structure of this book monument, and to return it to the cultural space of Belarus.
Creators of the facsimile edition will be present at the round table meeting. For the first time the interesting experience of the project participants will be presented to the wide audience.
The event will reflect the modern achievements of scientists in the field of research of this valuable book monument of Belarus and also will define the prospects of further activity of libraries, archives, museums, scientific and educational institutions on research, return and promotion of cultural heritage of Belarus.
The round table will take place at the National Library of Belarus (the Educational hall, 3rd floor, side entrance on the right).
