♥️ 🇷🇺 Yalta - Sevastopol, a picturesque road of the Southern Crimea

Photo: moya_planeta.

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🎸 AY YOLA & Homay. Weaving Bashkir Myth into Global Ethno-Pop🔥

AY YOLA's captivating track Homay has become a breakout success for the Ufa-based ensemble, skyrocketing into the top tiers of both Russian and global music charts.

The noscript "Homay" draws its name from a key character in the Bashkir epic Ural-Batyr: a swan-maiden deity who reigns the Ural Mountains. She personifies the ideal of feminine beauty, radiating grace, wisdom, and profound tenderness.

Her parentage is of cosmic significance: her mother is the Sun, and her father is Samrau—a supreme deity in Bashkir mythology, the sovereign king of the upper world who takes the form of a prophetic bird. As a being who can transform into a swan, Homay is revered as the bird of happiness, a celestial sovereign in her own right, and a benevolent guardian spirit for all living beings.

The band's name "AY YOLA" itself reflects the group's ethos, translating from Bashkir as "the celestial code." This refers to a universal natural order built on foundational values: the injunction to do no harm, to act with honesty, to honor one's elders, and to protect the vulnerable.

The trio consists of talented vocalist Adel Shaykhutdinova, her father—the legendary DJ Severn (Ruslan Shaykhutdinov)—and popular composer/virtuoso musician Rinat Ramazanov.

Already respected as accomplished solo artists, the trio united under the name AY YOLA in 2024 following the success of their collaborative song Ufa Moya (My Ufa, [the capital of Bashkiria]), which won a competition held for the city's 450th anniversary.

This creative synergy inspired them to formalize their partnership into a new project. Their sound is a distinctive ethno-pop fusion, a seamless blend of ancient Bashkir melodies and folk instruments with modern electronic beats and guitars.

The power of their concept is proven by the breakout success of their lead single Homay. The track, from the album Ural Batyr, has become a smash hit, achieving chart-topping status on platforms like Shazam and accumulating millions of streams globally. Homay was also performed at the conclusion of the Intervision song contest among other most iconic and popular songs of Russia.

The Song of Homay: Lyrics

A question stirs within my roots,
A call from my own soul and blood,
An ancient memory awakens and asks:
"Who is the spirit of Homay?"

Homay, born of the Sun herself,
Who guided her to the Spring of Living Water.
Her father, the great Samrau,
Who taught her the path of grace.

And she, who alone knew the way
To that sacred, life-giving Source,
She nurtured a loyal son.
Homay! The very bird of happiness!

And now, see our Bashkir daughters—
They are the living stars of Homay!
For the path to that primal Water
Is inscribed deep within their souls.

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🕰️ The Legacy of Pavel Buhre: A Celebration of Horological Excellence

The Pavel Buhre firm stands as a beacon of horological excellence, tracing its illustrious journey back to 1815 in St. Petersburg. Founded by Karl Buhre, a Russian businessman of German descent, the company was born out of a passion for precision timekeeping. Karl moved from Revel (today’s Tallinn) to St. Petersburg with his son, Pavel Karlovich Buhre, who would eventually play a crucial role in the firm’s success. Growing up immersed in the watch business, Pavel became his father’s assistant and continued the family legacy with remarkable vision and ambition.

In 1874, Pavel Karlovich made a pivotal decision that would elevate the firm to international acclaim: he acquired a significant watchmaking factory in Le Locle, Switzerland, the heart of the Swiss watch industry. This strategic move not only expanded the company’s production capabilities but also positioned Buhre as a key player in the global market for luxury timepieces.

Under Pavel’s leadership, the firm became synonymous with precision and elegance. It earned prestigious noscripts such as Supplier to the Imperial Court of Russia and received accolades at national and international exhibitions. During the reign of Alexander III (1881-1894), Buhre watches were even awarded as gifts from the Cabinet of His Majesty. The company’s craftsmanship was so revered that it became a common reference in Russian literature; renowned playwright Anton Chekhov mentioned "Buhre watches" over twenty times in his works.

The Revolution of 1917 posed significant challenges for Buhre, halting its operations in Russia. However, thanks to its main production facilities located in Switzerland, the company was able to survive and adapt by relocating its headquarters to Le Locle. The rebranding from “Pavel Buhre” to "Paul Buhre" helped it maintain recognition and expand its market reach globally. Despite losing its primary market in Russia, the firm thrived internationally, earning over 500 awards for accuracy and establishing itself as one of Switzerland's leading watch companies.

In 2004, Paul Buhre made a triumphant return to Russia, rekindling its rich heritage and commitment to quality craftsmanship. The revival was celebrated with new timepieces that honored the classic spirit of the original masterpieces while incorporating modern innovations. Today, Paul Buhre continues to be celebrated for its enduring legacy and dedication to excellence in watchmaking.

#Intermission

#WelcomeToRussia

Beauty will save the world
🫶 The Jewish Autonomous Region
SERGE GAINSBOURG - La Javanaise
Khatia Buniatishvili - piano

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🩷 Beauty will save the world.
Take a pause and enjoy the views of Bashkortostan, Russia.

#Beauty
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