Published: 24 February, 2009, 08:39
Edited: 24 February, 2009, 08:39
The Chechen republic in Southern Russia has created its answer to YouTube with a website containing a vast collection of video clips related to the republic’s life and culture.
The creators of VayTube say they wanted Chechens to have their own voice, and unite others living abroad. The name of the site originates from the word ‘Vaynakh’ – how the Chechen people call themselves.
This is a website packed with thousands of video clips showing the republic’s culture and traditions, sports, music and film.
The website creator Beckhan Gatsaev says they wanted to unite all Chechen-themed videos under one resource.
“We want our people living abroad to rejoice in Chechen culture and traditions. Maybe it will tempt them to come back home,” he explains.
Ednan Dzhabirov is a Chechen living in Moscow. He says he logs on to VayTube every day, as it makes him feel a little closer to home. He is impressed with the progress his people in Grozny have made since the conflict. A few years ago, such a website would have been just a dream.
“In the past, our republic did not have a voice of its own, but now people can speak on their own behalf. And this website gives them a platform. I’m proud of the progress that they’re making,” Edhan says.
This website is not just for the benefit of those Chechens living abroad, but it also leaves a positive mark on the young generation still living in Chechnya. School children in the Chechen capital Grozny are contributing to the site layout, gaining valuable skills in web design and maintenance.
Currently, VayTube is only in Russian, but the creators are working on translations into Chechen, English and Arabic.