Dziejaslou

Dziejaslou (Verb) is a Belarusian literary journal published in Minsk. Dziejaslou was first published in September 2002 as an alternative to the official literary titles, which are ideology-driven and controlled by the state. In 2002, the Ministry of Information of the Republic of Belarus took control of all literary journals, after which they lost their creative and commercial freedom and were merged into the state holding company “Literature and Arts”. This move was an attempt to resume control of all literary activities in Belarus. Loyal editors were promoted to the head of literary journals, causing many writers to leave their editorial boards in protest.

Shortly afterward, Dziejaslou emerged as an independent journal for liberal authors. Against all odds, it was registered by the Ministry of Information and is now a legal bi-monthly publication. Since 2005, readers have been able to subscribe via the state distribution system Belposhta, however, access outside the capital city remains problematic because of the state monopoly on distribution.

Within a short period of time Dziejaslou has been much noticed by reading public in Belarus. Today, Dziejaslou is the only independent Belarusian title covering literary and artistic events and the most influential title in the field of literature, criticism and the arts. Translations are also a major part of the journal’s programme.

The journal unites a growing community of established writers and talented young authors, publishing writing rejected by official journals. They include Ryhor Baradulin, Nil Hilevich, Henadz Buraukin, Anatol Viarcinski, Uladzimier Niaklajeu, Uladzimier Arlou, Sviatlana Aleksijevich, Ales Razanau, Leanid Dranko-Majsiuk, and many others. Dziejaslou is highly valued for its representation of the classical literary heritage of Vasil Bykau, Uladzimier Karatkevich, Larysa Henijush, and Ales Adamovich.

Dziejaslou stands for the survival of Belarusian literature and culture; it defends liberty and freedom of expression for writers and journalists, and their right to publish without censorship.

Website: www.dziejaslou.by
Facebook: www.facebook.com/dziejaslou