Gagauzia presents Todur Zanet's 'Aya Mariya' book in four languages

At the Kongaz Todur Zanet Theoretical Lyceum in Gagauzia, Moldova, an event was held on 19 November to mark the Day of Remembrance for the victims of the 1946-1947 famine against the Gagauz. The lyceum staff, students and administration, together with Gagauzia's education department, organised the presentation of Todur Zanet's book "Aya Mariya", published in four languages: Gagauz, Russian, Romanian and English. Eda Güç, Turkey's Consul General in Komrat, attended as a guest of honour.

The event opened with a minute of silence for the famine victims. Teachers read excerpts from the book in all four languages, and students acted out scenes from the story. The author, Todur Zanet, said the book tells of the life, spirit and service of Mariya to the Gagauz people. He said it describes the famine and persecution of the Church, as well as the people's faith and their quiet resistance.

Gagauzia's education department head, Natalya Kristeva, said the book is important for literature and multilingual teaching. Culture department head Marina Semenova said family archives help people understand their past. Teachers said the book can be used in literature, history and language lessons.