Проект "Mari El - the fascination of Russia"

Good morning! It’s a pleasure to be here with you today. First, I’d like to introduce myself. My name is Olga. I study in the eighth form. Let me present to you my work “Mari El – the fascination of Russia”.

This year we celebrate the ninety-fifth anniversary of our republic. On the fourth of November in 1920 was formed the Mari autonomous region. So, Mari El… What do you imagine when you hear this word? Someone imagines a small republic in the heart of Russia, the others think about its friendly people. Someone admires its unique nature. As for me, Mari El is my native land with its original traditions, rich culture and fascinating nature. So, my purpose today is to give more information about Mari El, introduce you to its sights.

Our Country.

Mari El republic is located in the eastern part of the East European plain, in the middle part of the Volga river basin. It borders on Kirov region in the north, the north-east and the east, Tatarstan and Chuvashiya republic in the south-east and the south, Nizhegorodskaya region in the west and the north-west.

There  are 14 regions, 4 cities in Mari El. The capital is Yoshkar-Ola, which was founded in 1584. Nowadays it is a modern developing city. Any visitor enjoys its beauty, purity, friendly people and wonderful architecture. About 460 thousand people live in cities. Village population is 268 thousand people.

On the republic’s territory there are 476 large and small rivers, more than 200 large lakes. Over a 155 kilometers stretch of republic flows the Volga river, the longest river in Europe.

The Mari land is an ecologically clean forest region in the centre of Russia. About 57 per cent of the republic’s territory is occupied by woods. It is our main richness.

Love to the land, to the nature is in Mari blood. The land is the breadwinner of our region. The agricultural lands occupy 39 per cent of its territory. Farming along with stock farming is the major branch of agricultural production.

Our Culture

The academic culture of Mari El absorbed rich folklore heritage. Nowadays the State ensemble of dance Mari El, the State choir named after A. Iskandarov, the orchestra of national instruments Mari Kundem are known in many corners of Russia and abroad.

Founders of modern Mari art were a writer Sergey Chavayn and a composer Ivan Klyuchnikov-Palantay. Folk motives of Mari people penetrate all their works.

The name of Sergey Chavayn refers to the best and brightest pages of the history of Mari literature. His works are among the golden fund of Mari belles-lettres.

The names of the next classics of Mari culture became widely known far beyond the borders of Mari El Republic. It’s the Mari land, which gave Russia the works of a composer Andrey Eshpay and a poet Nikolay Zabolotsky.

The theatrical art of Mari El is on the high level. At this moment there are several theatres: Mari national dramatic theatre named after M. Shketan, Academic Russian dramatic theatre named after G. Konstantinov, Mari State opera and ballet theatre named after E. Sapaev, Republican Puppet theatre, Mari theatre of Young Audience.

Our Family

The rich history of Mari land has united people of different nationalities and religion. At this moment more than 50 ethnic groups are represented in Mari El: Russians, Mari, Tatars, Chuvashes, Udmurts, Mordva, Ukranians and many others. Mari land knows neither national nor religious conflicts. Its history is a bright example of how different people and religions can live and develop in peace and friendship at the same time keeping their originality.

In conclusion, I’d like to finish my presentation with a short poem.

Oh, Mari El! You are my soul!

You are so rich, but so small!

I love your nature most of all!

I’ll give my heart to you in all!