Because of nostalgia for the past, Tskhinvali residents approve the name "Stalinir"

Elderly residents of Tskhinvali said that the word "Stalinir" is associated with their own youth.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that the head of South Ossetia, Anatoly Bibilov, decided to use the name "Stalinir" for the capital of South Ossetia during the festivities dedicated to the Great Patriotic War.

Aza Mamieva, an elderly resident of Tskhinvali, said that the name "Stalinir" used in 1934-1961, associates with her youth and the former prosperity of the city. "I was born in Stalinir. It was a completely different city: bright, clean; our youth was very well-read. When I came out in the morning, I saw everyone smiles at you; everyone knew each other. These are pleasant memories. And then wars began, one after another, which entailed poverty and turmoil; all my old friends left. So, Stalinir remains a bright spot of my youth," Ms Mamieva told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent."

Marina Totoeva, another townswoman, has emphasized that only indigenous people are called Stalinir residents in Tskhinvali. "Today, this term means 'native' and 'local. Now, for some holidays Tskhinvali will be called Stalinir. I am pleased. This is nostalgia for my Soviet youth," Ms Totoeva explained to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

"My mom and dad lived in Stalinir. They like this city not because of Stalin, but it's nostalgia and love for their youth," Zhuliana, a resident of Tskhinvali, told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on May 2, 2020 at 04:17 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.