A Yamal enthusiast is publishing a book of poems by a nearly forgotten Khanty poet.
A native of the village of Katravozh Svetlana Bukharova I found almost forgotten poems and other works of a fellow countryman, a people's poet Daniil KitaevShe plans to publish a book of his works, "Narӑsъюх" (folk musical tool, translated from the Khanty language as “singing tree”).
She'd known Kitaev's poems since childhood, but they'd become less and less heard and forgotten. Bukharova turned to her fellow countrymen for help.
"I started posting on social media everywhere that I was looking for poems. And can you imagine, nine respondents responded, and they told me so warmly about Daniil Vasilyevich Kitaev that I knew I was on the right track." said Olga, Bukharova on the beginning of a big work.
Her enthusiasm was passed on to active local residents, scholars, and writers, who also began searching for information about Kitaev. His works in the Khanty language are now read and discussed at poetry evenings. For example, excerpt from a poem about Katavrozh:
"Katravozh" in Russian is
It means "old village",
But there are some signs here.
Time has brought generously.
Instead of tents, two-story ones
Yugan is watching at home,
And rows of antennas, like doves
Horns along the banks.
(Daniil Kitaev, translated by Alfred Goldenberg)
In his lifetime, he was not considered a renowned poet, so his poems and notes had to be compiled from publications in the local press in the late 1960s and 1970s. Kitaev also worked as a radio host and produced programs, including those about his native Khanty language.
He was a talented musician and restorer, wrote several songs, but they have not survived. According to some informationAfter Kitaev's death, a suitcase containing his works remained. It was first taken to a shed, then given to a Khanty researcher. And the suitcase was lost.
The layout of the book dedicated to Kataev is ready. In addition to his works and photographs, it will feature memoirs from fellow countrymen and the poet's drawings.
Photo: from Bukharova's archive (Red North, Literary Russia portal)
