Vladimir Putin visits Derbent, Dagestan, Russia exhibition

Makhackala, November 5, 2015. On Tuesday, November 3, the State Historical Museum on Red Square in Moscow hosted the Derbent, Dagestan, Russia exhibition. The event was attended by Vladimir Putin.

It should be noted that the  exhibition consisted of six sections, five of which represent major milestones in the history of Dagestan. The exhibition is arranged in chronological order, where the most significant events related to Derbent are demonstrated across each time segment. The director of SFI Dagestan Museum of Fine Arts, Salikhat Gamzatova held the tour for the Russian president.

The section "Antiquity" includes bronze and ceramic products. In the "Middle Ages" recreates the interior of highland hut.  The “XVIII Century” depicting the Emperor Peter’s the Great visit to Derbent.

Besides, the exhibition let the visitors to feel the everyday life of the ancient city – the so called "crossroad" for nations and religions, a major center on the Silk Road – Derbent. The last "milestone" depicted the modern Dagestan. The guests and visitors also got familiarized with the works of Dagestan art and can see the ancient bronze and ceramic wares, medieval utensils of the highlanders’ hut.  

During the visit to the exposition, Dagestani Head Ramazan Abdulatipov told Vladimir Putin about the implementation of priority development projects in Dagestan. According to Abdulatipov, the special attention was given to a project "whitewashing of Dagestan economy".

"Today, Dagestan, in terms of economic development and the industrial development index occupies the leading position. Before, none of the heads of the republican municipalities took care of economy indices. Now it is one of the priorities of their works, and I regularly monitor the volume of taxes received and the tempos of growth of economic development in Dagestan", - the Head of Dagestan noted.

Besides, Ramazan Abdulatipov informed the President RF about the extensive fund of found in Dagestan. The library of unique publications will be located in the museum complex “House of Peter the Great” in Derbent.

Having looked around the exhibition, Vladimir Putin spoke with the representatives of scientific, cultural, religious and public organizations of the Republic of Dagestan.

"I would like to congratulate you on this anniversary. The city is changing and the republic of Dagestan is gradually transforming. I hope every Dagestani could experience the positive changes in the nearest future. Of course, the city is getting better.

When I was there for the first time, I saw that the Naryn-Kala citadel was in poor condition", - Putin stated, adding that due to the joint efforts taken by the federal and regional authorities in conjunction with the businessmen, the natives of Dagestan, the well-being and prosperity of the city and the republic as a whole was achieved.

Besides, the Russian President stressed that much depended on the people who lived in Dagestan:

"Dagestanis are very talented people who are devoted to their work, their republic and Russia. We all know about it very well. The people are spiritually very rich, and I am very pleased to realize that in spite of all the difficulties, the situation is gradually improving. I am very happy to see it. I would like to once again congratulate you on this anniversary. As to Dagestani Leader, the events were quite festive and colorful".

"Dagestanis love their homeland, their republic. I really appreciate the Dagestanis’ devotion to their homeland. They are ready to show these qualities, when life calls for it, as they did in 1999.

The Russian people overall, and especially Dagestanis, cannot be intimidated by anyone; it is absolutely "an exercise in futility" as lawyers say. Our goal in Syria, and anywhere else is to fight against terrorism.

We are ready to cooperate with all the forces that are fighting against terrorism, regardless of their religious affiliation. I want to inform you that we hold this work very extensively. As for our internal affairs, then we have a lot of things to do to develop our own nation. We have a unique opportunity, a unique condition to do it, life has unfolded such that those who wanted to get in our way are actually helping us, because we are forced to focus on our own internal development".

Speaking about the importance of import substitution, Vladimir Putin, in particular, noted:

"The fact that yesterday we more easily bought certain things using the so-called petro-dollars, today we are thinking about how to produce them ourselves. And to do this, we need to work in the fundamental science, applied science, and in the high-tech areas of manufactoring. We're going to do it. Of course, with the active support from all our citizens. In fact, I feel this attitude, and what you said today about this mood in Dagestan, today is very important ".

According to the general director of Derbent factory of sparkling wines JSC, deputy of National Assembly RD Magomed Sadulayev, the anniversary of Derbent rallied all Dagestanis because in its preparation were involved all of society:

"At voluntary Saturday work, we could see the representatives of all sectors of society - from simple hard workers to the Chairman of Dagestan Government, who together are preparing for the holiday. Thank you, Vladimir Vladimirovich, from all Dagestani people! ".

In his turn, Vladimir Putin promised to visit the ancient city of Russia.

It should be noted, the main purpose of Derbent, Dagestan, Russia exhibition is to show the path of the city and republic’s cultural and historical development, to educate people on the life and traditions of local residents, and demonstrate Dagestan’s modern image and achievements.