Monuments to Dimitrie Cantemir to be erected in Chisinau and Moscow

A monument to Dimitrie Cantemir will be erected in Chisinau and its replica in Moscow, Info-Prim Neo reports. The action is part of the “Programme on the observance of the National Year of Cantemir Dynasty”, approved by the Government and published in the latest issue of the Official Gazette. In 2008, the Government will launch a state programme for capitalising on the cultural and scientific heritage of Dimitrie and Antioh Cantemir. The Government will institute grants for promoting the image of Moldova abroad and the intercultural dialogue. The Academy of Sciences of Moldova (ASM) will publish the 5th volume of “Academica” on the “Cantemir Dynasty” and will launch a webpage devoted to the life and work of Dimitrie and Antioh Cantemir. The Philology Institute of the ASM will publish a bibliography of the Cantemir Dynasty and will create a virtual library dedicated to the dynasty. Moldova Film is to release a CD and a documentary about the prince. Moreover, a range of commemorative stamps and coins will be issued and put into circulation. The programme also includes the publishing of the first volumes from the complete works of Dimitrie Cantemir and Antioh Cantemir, broadcasting radio and TV programmes, international scientific conferences devoted to this dynasty, roundtables, seminars, etc. Moldova’s diplomatic missions established abroad will hold cultural actions dedicated to the Cantemir family. 2008 was designated as the Year of the Cantemir Dynasty on the occasion of Dimitrie Cantemir’s 355th and Antioh Cantemir’s 300th birth anniversaries. Dimitrie Cantemir was twice Prince of Moldova (in March-April 1693 and in 1710–1711). He was also a prolific man of letters – philosopher, historian, composer, musicologist, linguist, ethnographer, and geographer. The prince’s son, Antioh Cantemir, was a Russian-language poet, writer and diplomat.