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Abstract:

The article examines the creative connections of N.S. Tikhonov with Abkhazia, testimonies of his meetings with Abkhaz writers, poets, literary figures and journalists, analyzes artistic images born in the laboratory of the Russian poet under the deep impression of his visits to the Country of the Soul, and, finally, examines the manifestations of Tikhonov’s unique talent as a translator, formed as a result of direct experience of long- term communication with prominent representatives of the intelligentsia of the Caucasian republics. Excerpts from Tikhonov’s poetry and prose are intertwined in the article with memoirs and documentary evidence, significantly complementing their creative history. An analysis of the stylistic features of the essay “Conversations in the Country of the Soul” shows that in his writing style, his ability not only to masterfully depict the splendor of Abkhazian nature, but also to look into the soul of its ancient inhabitants, Tikhonov is not inferior to his numerous predecessors who opened the Abkhazian land shrouded in legends to the world. Despite the modest volume of texts about Abkhazia in Tikhonov’s creative legacy, the author of the article comes to the conclusion that they are extremely valuable for the study and perception of the psychology and character of the Abkhaz people, for understanding their mentality and spiritual core.