Memorial to the Victims of Political Repressions 1944–1957

About museum

On March 8, 2002 the Memorial was opened, dedicated to the 58th anniversary of the deportation of the Balkar people during the political repressions of 1944–1957. The Memorial building differs from standard designs and has architectural significance. On the grounds is the grave of Kyazim Mechiev, the founder of modern Balkar poetry, whose remains were transferred from Kazakhstan and reburied in his homeland. In the basement of the building is the first exhibition hall with 13 steps symbolizing the 13 years of the Balkar people's life in deportation. The exhibition covers the pre-revolutionary and pre-war periods, as well as the Great Patriotic War, the period of deportation, the return of the Balkar people to their homeland and their rehabilitation. Group tours are conducted in Russian and Balkar for people of all ages.