MONUMENT OF FRIENDSHIP

MONUMENT OF FRIENDSHIP in the honour of the 400th anniversary of the accession of Bashkiria to Russia, a historical monument (ref. Monumental art). Located in Ufa (Pervomayskaya Square). The ceremonial laying of the cornerstone took place on June 14th, 1957. It was created to the design of sculptors M.F.Baburin and G.P.Levitskaya; architects – G.I.Gavrilov, E.I.Kutyrev; opened on August 7th, 1965. The monument is distinguished by the original artistic and structural design: a granite obelisk (over 30 m high; symbolizes a sheathed sword), mounted on the 4‑faceted base with bronze reliefs; to the right and left of it, there are 2 bronze sculptures – women’s figures representing Russia and Bashkortostan. In their hands they hold laurel wreaths (the symbol of peace), directed to the central relief that depicts the historical meeting of the messengers of the Bashkir gentry and the Russian boyars. The Obelisk is divided by three stone belts into four parts, symbolizing 4 centuries. The figures of the relief, facing the city, symbolize construction, agricultural, oil and chemical industries; 2 side reliefs are devoted to science and culture. The granite staircase (100 steps) is leading to the M.F. from the Belaya River.