The Tzar Love,  a book by Luba Balagova

“The Tzar Love” by the famous Kabardian poet – Luba Balagova was officially presented in Moscow , at the Writers Union of Russia. The poem is based on thorough historical research and facts, is narrating the life story of a Kabardian princess of 16th century–Gwashaney Temruk (later baptized as Maria) – that under the order of her father traveled to a mysterious state to wed the truly terrible Russian Tzar known to the history as Ivan The Terrible. The poem presented is a translation from the classical Kabardian language by Nikolai Pereyaslov – a poet, and an administrative secretary of Writer’s Union .

The poem of Luba Balagova uncovers the previously unknown facts about the life of Maria and Ivan, bringing the facts of true love and admiration of the cruel Tzar toward the beautiful Kabardian princess into the light, as well as acquainting the readers with the Kabardian nation, its rich culture, traditions, high etiquette and code of life – khabza.

Luba shared that as she worked on the Circassian themes, she felt herself the happiest person because she managed to create and resurrect her most favorite Circassian characters- Sateney-gwasha or Satinay (the most revered female persona in Nart sagas Luba wrote about in her previous poem “Sataney”) and Gwashaney-Maria – the legendary daughter of prince Idar Temruk that 450 years ago crossed the paths of Russian and Circassian nations for the first time.

Luba expressed her gratitude to the famous Circassian writer and husband – Mohydeen Quandour, whom she dedicated her last book. Quandour arrived to Moscow to support his spouse and congratulate on the long awaited birthday of the book.

The writers of the Union proposed to nominate Luba Balagova for the National Award of Russian Federation based on her outstanding achievements in literature and called for the attention of the film and theater producers because the poem “The Tzar Love” is a ready script.

The presentation was attended by a number of famous Russian poets, scientists and critics, as well as by the representatives of the Adygo-Abkhazian Diaspora in Moscow .

Based on Materials by Fatima Budischeva -Moscow 06, 2007

Translated by Adighastory.