As we earlier mentioned, the well-known Chechen poet Apti Bisultanov was in Georgia to attend a conference on the deportation of the Chechen-Ingush nation in 1944, and to present his newly published poetry book in both the Chechen and Georgian language.

During his visit, Apti Bisultanov was also the guest of journalists from Georgia’s Russian language satellite TV channel, “PIK”.

Here is Apti Bisultanov’s short interview:

PIK: As I know, your visit to Georgia is connected to the presentation of your new book. I would like to ask, why Georgia?

Apti Bisultanov: Well, my book was published in the Georgian language and its translator, Medina Khangoshvili arranged it. She has worked on it for around two years. For these reasons, logically and naturally it took place in Georgia. For me it is an honor and great joy that my poems were published here, because all the people here love poems.

PIK: Probably it is no coincidence that the presentation of your book was done on February 23rd, the day of the Chechen people’s deportation.

Apti Bisultanov: All of our modern history in Chechnya and the Caucasus has been filled with suffering and great sorrows, thus for all of us, this story is not different. And the presentation of my book on February 23rd was not my choice or my decision. The organizers felt that it occupies a big place in my work and in my life, and for this reason I accepted it.

PIK: Where do you get the inspiration for your work, being that you live and work far from the mountains?

Apti Bisultanov: My poetry is abstract. It is mostly experimental, more complex and more interesting for me. But here, on your question on how I find strong inspiration, I will tell you: I have a clear conscience. And I want to say to everyone who wants to be an artist; if you have a pure conscience, you will create great art.

PIK: Thank you very much for the interview. We wish you great success in your work.

*Text was translated by Iman Vainakh for Waynakh Online and edited by Michael Capobianco