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VITEBSK, 6 December (BelTA) - The ancient Russian cities of Novgorod, Rostov Veliky and Smolensk will participate in the celebrations of the 1150th anniversary of Polotsk. The administrations of these cities - peers of Polotsk have already confirmed their participation, BelTA learnt from the chief of the culture department of the Polotsk City Hall Yelena Astapova. Novgorod, Rostov and Smolensk will send official delegations and also their best folk orchestras and dance companies. As noted by Yelena Astapova, Polotsk, and the cities - partners of Polotsk (the ancient city has 18 of them) also accepted the invitations. The guests will bring folk artists who will participate in the fair of crafts. The national organizing committee for the celebrations of the 1150th anniversary of Polotsk is headed by Belarus’ Vice Premier Anatoly Tozik. The committee is now considering the sketches of the symbols of the celebrations. According to Yelena Astapova, the concept is based on three main ideas: Polotsk is the cradle of the Belarusian statehood, Polotsk is a spiritual, educational and cultural center, Polotsk is a modern European city. Partaking in the open contest to make sketches of the official symbols were tens of amateur and professional artists. Three works have been shortlisted and submitted to the national organizing committee. In connection with the inclusion in the UNESCO calendar Polotsk will have an opportunity to hold an exhibition in the UN headquarters in Paris. The provisional date of the exhibition is October 2012. With the participation of the UNESCO Polotsk will also play host to an international conference dedicated to this date. Polotsk has a rich and glorious history. The city was founded in 862. Its advantageous geographic position helped Polotsk grow into one of the most important trading and cultural centers in the medieval Europe. This Belarusian city is directly connected with such names as Euphrosyne of Polotsk, Francysk Skaryna, Simeon of Polotsk, General Roman Kondratenko and founder of the Belarusian cinema Yury Tarich. Polotsk cultural and historical heritage comprises nearly 150 landmarks with the unique architectural specimens of St. Sophia Cathedral and the Savior Transfiguration Church among them.

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