Tsorieva, Inga T.
Kavkaz Forum. 2023. Issue 13.

Abstract:
The article is devoted to the history of friendship and creative cooperation
between two outstanding representatives of the national Caucasian studies:
linguist, folklorist Vasily Ivanovich Abaev and historian, ethnographer Ludwig
Alekseevich Chibirov. It is noted that, despite belonging to different generations and
having chosen as the sphere of scientific activity different branches of Caucasian
studies, the commonality of scientific interests – the study of the history and
culture of the Ossetian people – served as a solid basis at first for correspondence,
and then personal acquaintance, which developed into friendship and fruitful
creative interaction of like-minded people devoted to science. The author focuses
on the signs of great friendship that bound the scientists for a quarter of a century,
up to the last days of Vaso Abayev’s life. It is noted, in particular, the mentoring
assistance of Vasily Ivanovich to a young colleague who studied the issues of
traditional culture of the Ossetians. Abayev’s consultations and approval during
the development of a number of research topics by L.A. Chibirov, including
the topic of his doctoral dissertation, became a guiding thread in his further
scientific research. In turn, Chibirov’s principled position has repeatedly played an
important role in the biography of V.I. Abayev. In particular, in awarding Vasily
Ivanovich the State Prize for the "Historical and etymological dictionary of the
Ossetian language", in protecting the reputation of an older comrade during the
acute period of the Georgian–Ossetian confrontation. The lifetime monument to
Abayev, erected in 2000 in the center of Tskhinval by decree of the President of the
Republic of South Ossetia L.A. Chibirov as recognition of the highest merits of his
great contemporary, also became a landmark testimony of their friendship.

Keywords: Caucasian studies, Ossetian studies, history and culture of the Ossetians, V.I. Abaev, L.A. Chibirov, creative cooperation.

+ References