摘要: Comparison with other similar properties　　The question of comparison of Mamayev Kurgan with other sites of similar theme, historic period or symbolic meaning can be treated in different aspects.　　　　Wa

Comparison with other similar properties

　　The question of comparison of Mamayev Kurgan with other sites of similar theme, historic period or symbolic meaning can be treated in different aspects.

　　

　　War memorials associated with sites of battles (criterion iv)

　　Under this notion the component 540-036 of World Heritage Property "Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments" known as "The Memorial to Defense of the City of 1941 - 1944 "The Green Belt of Glory of Leningrad", included into the World Heritage List, should be mentioned. It is a complex of memorial constructions located at the borders of the defense of Leningrad, which commemorates strength and heroism of warriors and citizens of the city.

　　The memorial complex consists of a number of ensembles situated on the territory of Snt. Petersburg and Leningrad region, comprising defensive works and collective graves. Elements of the landscape and green planting (memorial avenues, parks and squares) play an active part.

　　"The Green Belt of Glory of Leningrad”, as well as the Memorial Complex "To the heroes of the Battle of Stalingrad" is a memorial to the defenders of the Motherland, however, representing a number of typical monuments separated on the significant territory, unlike the Volga one being a single unit.

　　Symbolic memorials associated with World War II (criterion vi)

　　There are quite a lot of sites included on the World Heritage List upon criterion vi, characterizing outstanding spiritual, symbolic value of the artifact to the world community.

　　Among the properties associated with World War II Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome) in Japan should be mentioned. It is an exhibition center of Hiroshima Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is the only structure left standing in the area of the first atomic bombing of Hiroshima on 6 August 1945.

　　This World Heritage Site demonstrates the achievement of a half century peace after crushing down the most destructive power, ever created by mankind.

　　Like Stalingrad memorial complex, Hiroshima Peace Memorial is the place of sorrow and memory which is attended by millions of people who come here to remember the tragedy and its victims.

　　Another property included on the World Heritage List upon criterion vi is Auschwitz Birkenau, German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp, the largest one in the Third Reich, where 1,5 million people were tortured and killed, it is the testimony to genocide of the Nazis. This site represents not only the evidence of the terrible crime of Nazism against humanity but it is also a monument to the strength of human character which reminds the next generations of inadmissibility of denial of human dignity and propaganda of racial superiority.

　　Together with the above sites, the Memorial Complex "To the Heroes of the Battle of Stalingrad" is the monument to tragic events of war time, symbolizing, however, Love for Motherland and Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

　　Statues, representing a masterpiece of human creative genius (criterion i)

　　Statue of Liberty in the USA, for instance, can serve as a good example of a sculpture included on the World Heritage List upon criterion i. This outstanding work of sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and engineer Alexandre Gustave Eiffel is considered to be a masterpiece of art and engineering that characterizes a completely new approach to monumental sculpture. Comparing the Statue of Liberty (Liberty Enlightening the World) with the focal point of Mamayev Kurgan memorial - "The Motherland Calls!" - it is worth mentioning that the Statue is the symbol of freedom - education, outlook behavioral motives and self-expression for the Americans. That is why the Statue stands with its face turning towards the arriving ships and with a torch in one hand lighting the way - for many thousands of immigrants it became a sign of liberation from oppression and suffering endured by them in the Old World, a symbol of liberation and freedom.

　　Such national symbol for Russian people is the monument at Mamayev Kurgan. A huge figure of a woman, symbolizing the Motherland, strongly raises her sons against the enemy. The punishing sward is above her head up in the sky. The woman is drawing into the fight. Her face looks severe and passionate, her movements are energetic, expressive and plastic.

　　"The Motherland Calls!" is a true patriotic symbol of the country, an expression of the national idea - love of the Motherland, solidarity and a strong will to defend the country, self-sacrifice for the love of Victory.