Khatyn

Khatyn’

 

an architectural and sculptural memorial complex at the site of the former village of Khatyn’ (Minsk Oblast, Byelorussian SSR). The complex, which opened on July 5, 1969, is in memory of the inhabitants of Byelorussian villages that were completely destroyed by the fascist occupying forces. It consists of simple sculptural forms set within an understated architectural composition. Elements of the complex include Khatyn’ Tolling Bell, Cemetery of Villages, Smoke of Khatyn’, Memory Square (with a memorial plaque and an eternal flame), and the sculpture The Defiant Man. Each individual element is filled with intense drama and heroic emotion. The complex was designed by the sculptor S. I. Selikhanov and the architects Iu. M. Gradov, V. P. Zankovich, and L. M. Levin. It was awarded the Lenin Prize in 1970.

Khatyn’ is a branch of the Byelorussian State Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War of 1941–45.

REFERENCES

Khatyn. [Minsk, 1973.]
Belevich, A. Khatyn’: bol’ i gnev. Moscow, 1975. (Translated from Byelorussian.)