25 May, Vitebsk / Diana Kurilo - BELTA/. Polotsk is an exceptional place for the Belarusian nation and people, and every Belarusian should visit it. This viewpoint was expressed in a conversation with a BELTA correspondent by the Minister of Culture, Pavel Latushko. The exceptionality of Polotsk is predetermined by history itself. Belarusian statehood, which formed the basis of modern Belarusian statehood, originated here. The names of Euphrosyne of Polotsk, Francysk Skaryna, and Symeon of Polotsk are inscribed in golden letters in the country's history and are directly connected with the land of Polotsk. Polotsk is the place where the first printer of the Belarusian land was born, who created unique masterpieces of the printed word. It is important to remember this in the Year of the Book, added Pavel Latushko. The magnificent Saint Sophia Cathedral, Polotsk Sophia, a symbol of our spirituality, which was one of the three Saint Sophias in Slavic lands, was built in the Principality of Polotsk. "Today it is important to remember our history, our roots. This is the foundation for building modern statehood, a foundation that directly influences the development of Belarusian culture," emphasized Pavel Latushko. In his opinion, every Belarusian should visit Polotsk. "This is necessary for our mentality, for fostering patriotism in our children. The anniversary celebrations are a wonderful opportunity to visit this unique place of the Belarusian land once again," added the minister. -0-

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