POLOTSK AND POLOTSK REGION OF THE XIIIth CENTURY IN Ya. NIEDRE’S AND BELARUSIAN WRITERS’ WORKS OF THE SECOND HALF OF THE XXTH CENTURY

Abstract

In the article the artistic image of Polotsk and Polotsk region of the XIIIth century in Ya. Niedre’s, U. Arlow’s and L. Dayneka’s works is examined. It is argued that the writers’ treatment of the aesthetic reproduction of ancient Polotsk is determined by its significance in European history of the XIIIth century and writers’ personal interests. It is emphasized that some writers created their own Polotsk text in the second half of the twentieth century. In Ya. Niedre’s opinion Polotsk is predominant not only in the sphere of culture but also in its struggle against the Crusaders. U. Arlow and L. Dayneka think that Polotsk is a city with unique architecture, tolerant people and feudal-artisan democracy. They emphasize its importance as a political, military, commercial and cultural centre of the Slavs.