THE YEAR 2012 is declared the Year of the Russian History by the decree of the President of the Russian Federation. Indeed, the current year is marked by the bicentennial of Russia's victory in the Patriotic war of 1812, the 1150‑th anniversary of the Russian statehood as well as by other epoch-making dates. We believe that this remarkable year will contribute to the further development and prosperity of our multinational country consolidating friendly ties between its peoples.

Grasped by the bustle and tempo of modern living we sometimes lose wisdom and patience, we have no time to stop, to look back and weigh up the past so as to perceive the future. Meanwhile, we have what to learn and we have who to learn from. At all times the history was created and is still created mainly by humans: each historical epoch is marked by eminent personalities, by those significant figures that had exerted influence, in one way or another, on the course of crucial events. These personalities, for their most part, differed from their contemporaries in a sharper view of the existing life outlines, in their all-embracing deference to the destinies of the humanity and, of course, in high flight of thought. As much as generations would change, they will remain in human memory — like bright stars that outshine others and even when dying leave long-lasting glitter as an eternal reminding of them. Not to remember this people is impossible, to forget them is a crime.

Today we will commemorate with a deep and sincere gratitude one of the outstanding representatives of his nation and his epoch, we will remember step-by-step the history of his difficult but indeed legendary life. He is Botashev Magomet Abdurzakovich, a significant figure in the Karachay-Cherkess republic history, a remarkable politician and statesman.

His simplicity and modesty, sensitiveness and responsiveness, analytical mind and strong will-power proved out in party-and-state activities and earned him due respect and nationwide recognition in Karachay-Cherkessia. His work was many times marked by official commendations of the state authorities. In order to immortalize the name of this merited son of Karachay people, an Honorary Citizen of the city of Cherkessk, grateful compatriots installed a memorial plaque in the capital of the Karachay-Cherkess republic. Streets and squares in the republic are named after Botashev Magomet.

Everything in order, though.
Far at the southern border of Russia there is a place called Karachay-Cherkesia, a land of unique picturesque beauty. Magnificent mountain peaks, deep ravines, shadowy woods and flowering meadows make this country singular and especially magnetic for masses of tourists. In the very heart of these charms, high up in the mountains, an ancient Karachay village Khurzuk floats in clouds like an eagle-eyrie built beyond extraneous reach and eyes. This is the just place from where the legendary family of Botash originates. On the 5th of May 1921 the family of Batashev Naib celebrated the birth of its youngest member; the child was named by a common in the country but symbolic name Magomet. His parents- the father Abdurzak and the mother Kemiskhan — had already four daughters. The birth of the heir was a delightful event for them and especially for the entire ancient kin. But the joy, unfortunately, was not long. At the very first year of his life little Magomet lost his father, 35‑year-old Abdurzak, soon after his grandfather Naib died too. All the care of his brother's family heaped upon the shoulders of uncle Aslanbek. This genuinely dignified man honorably did his tutorial duty; till the end of his days he tirelessly bore the burden.

The first thing he did was to take his brother's family from Khurzuk to the city of Kislovodsk in order to provide the children with due education. Magomet lived up in full to his uncle's expectations: he studied assiduously and after seven-year school he finished studies with honors at the secondary school No 4 of Kislovodsk. We should mention here that the fate or lucky stars made him meet his compatriot Soltan Magomedov (in future — eminent military, colonel-general) who was also born in Khurzuk and studied at the same school. The boys had a lot in common, they became friends. This school friendship strengthened over the years and lasted for a long time. Their life ways will cross many times, in different circumstances, in different corners of the world and each time the opportunity will bring them together. These two prominent representatives of the Karachay people will remember their youth, their homeland. They will have years singed by the flame of the war behind them, years of everyday patient toil to restore the ruined country and later important missions in foreign countries as representatives of the great power. And moreover, they both will have almost complete set of government decorations shining on their breasts — orders and medals for the bravery in battle and for the valorous work for the Homeland's welfare.
Thus, in 1939, after leaving the secondary school in Kislovodsk, Magomet Botashev entered the Kirov Industrial Institute in Tbilisi. But the call-up for the military service foiled the first-year student's plans, Magomet was sent to the school of junior command personnel of the 376‑th artillery regiment dislocated in Morshansk, Tambov region. The armed conflict with Finland burst out in 1939 and interrupted his studies at the military school; the regiment was hastily transferred to the Karelia isthmus and redeployed near Vyborg. Here, in the course of combats to breach so-called Mannerheim defense line, the young soldier got his baptism of fire. Fights against Finnish troops were brief but fierce. The enemy's capitulation cost the regiment dear: many comrades-in-arms perished, losses of combat equipment were also huge. After two months of fights the regiment returned victoriously to Morshansk. However the breathing space proved to be short: two months later the regiment was included in the contingent of Kiev special frontier guard district and took part in the liberation campaign in Western Ukraine. Here, on the edge of the country, at 30 km' distance from the Romanian border, the young soldier Magomet Botashev rose to the rank of platoon sub-commander and continued his military service.

The fateful dawn of June 22, 1941 surprised Magomet at the western border of our country. Soldiers were woken up by deafening explosions of bombs. It was the early days of the war against fascist Germany, a very long, fierce and bloody one. Having underestimated the situation, the command authorities ordered to rush to the attack and to throw the enemy back. But the enemy had overwhelming odds. It turned out that platoon sub-commander Magomet Botashev and his companions were on the very front line and felt themselves the enemy's military might. After came day-to-day arduous soldier toil, days mixed up: with long sanguinary battles and short fierce fights, manpower and materiel losses, first wound, field hospitals... But the worst was the bitter of retreat. And then: new battles, new wounds. Magomet participated almost in all major events of the war — in the battle of Stalingrad, in Korsun-Schevtchenko operation, in fights for Donbas and Kharkov, he forced water barriers of the Dnieper and Don. At last, at the cost of enormous efforts the army drove off the enemy to the West and the retreat gave place to the offensive campaign. The soldiers dreamed about cherished Victory, it was in the foreseeable future, they dreamed about returning home. Not all had the luck to return home from the battle fields and enjoy the fame of victors. There was a special contingent of soldiers and officers who underwent a less glorious return — through Red Army rear units. They were those whose origin was from nations submitted to deportation. On the eve of the Victory, a huge quantity of manpower and war material was concentrated behind the Vistula River, waiting for crossing. It was so-called Sandomierz springboard and it was just here that Magomet Botashev, an artillery division party organizer, was informed about his transfer to a rear military district.

Magomet celebrated the Victory day in Ural region. In December 1945 he was demobilized and joined his family living at that time in the city of Belovodsk, Frunze region, Kirghizia. Hard war years didn't discourage him from the eager for education. In 1949 Magomet entered Tashkent Institute of Railway Transport Engineers. In 1948 he married Tamara Dudova and by the end of his studies they had their first child. In 1952, having graduated with honors from the institute, Magomet started working as an engineer of Turkestan-Siberia railway. It seemed that the life of our hero was progressively taking calm and measured turn. But Magomet Botashev was from that category of people who cannot live caring only of himself and his wellbeing. The thoughts about the destiny of his deported people, about necessity to bring the people back to the native land occupied him day and night. An intelligent and educated young man who had gone through two wars on end and had been awarded with many state decorations for bravery couldn't stay unnoticed: surroundings felt drawn by his charisma, esteemed him and respected his opinion. Afterwards he would justify completely his compatriots' confidence. Beginning from the first half of fifties Magomet Botashev actively participated in the movement for the return of peoples deported from the North Caucasus. The first telegram from Kirghizia to Moscow demanding abrogation of the ill-fated decree on deportation was signed and sent to the destination by Magomet Botashev. Following the telegram, activists of the movement decided to delegate a group of people representatives to Moscow. According to the words of M. Botashev, among those who prepared the delegation were Magomet Akbaev, Mukhadjir Salpagarov, Rakay Aliev, Islam Chotchaev and others. Their efforts gave progressively good results: Magomet Botashev and his compatriots Khamzat Baboev, Boris Uzdenov, Khalit Borlakov, after six-month training in Moscow, left for Karachay-Cherkessia to organize their compatriots' resettlement. At the same time Magomet Botashev was appointed Second secretary of Karachay district committee of CPSU and named later Chairman of Karachay-Cherkess regional planning commission. Having the official status, he arrived with other comrades to the Central Asia in order to fulfil the important mission of resettlement.

In 1962, considering his large experience of party-and-state activity, the regional committee of CPSU took the decision to send him to the Higher Communist party school where he studied till 1964. Competent, moderate, with rich store of theoretical knowledge he was appointed head of industry and transport department and secretary of Karachay-Cherkess regional committee of the Communist Party. Having regard to the infinite faith of citizens, earned authority and his experience, Magomet Botashev was charged perhaps with the heaviest responsibility that had never had before in his life. In 1966 he was designated as Chairman of Karachay-Cherkess Executive Committee and was elected deputy of the Russian Federation Supreme Council (and of three convocations in succession).

During this period of his work Magomet Botashev managed to do so much for the benefit of our republic that possibly no one could do. It is the opinion of his colleagues who worked side by side with him during many years, who knew his reverent attitude towards people and their problems. The common opinion is that the Karachay-Cherkess republic owes its actual face to the personal efforts of Magomet Botashev who foresaw to lay the foundation of the regional industry, to develop agricultural potential, to build social facilities. There was one more feature that distinguished Magomet Botashev from other managers of the rank: he always was sincere and approachable to common people. Being constantly busy he always found time to discuss their daily problems.

Highly appreciating M. Botashev's work, the former first secretary of the CPSU regional committee V. Murakhovsky wrote: ''The life of each person is judged by the trace he left behind. During the period when Magomet Abdurzakovitch was chairman of Karachay-Cherkess regional executive committee, the mechanical rubber plant rose and strengthened, as well as the cement plant, the radio components plant, Urup mining-and-processing works. Such townships as Udarny, Bukovo, Mednogorsky, Moskovsky and others appeared on the map of the republic. He had a good team of competent, purposeful specialists. Magomed Abdurzakovitch himself created this team. He had a knack for choosing people and he had the skill to consolidate them.''

The above list can be completed by other projects such as the construction or renovation of the Cherkessk cooling machinery plant, of eight Kuban hydropower plant units, of several Cherkessk chemical plant shops, of the regional drama theatre, of the music college in Cherkessk and music schools in district towns, of the Stavropol polytechnical institute branch and of other socially-significant facilities. Nearly 2000 km of high voltage lines were pulled, the life in towns and villages became more comfortable, Cherkessk — the administrative and industrial center of the region — completely changed its look. As it was said before, this is also a considerable merit of the team that M. Botashev could rally and direct to constructive labor. Only a wise and competent leader, enjoying confidence and esteem could do it. The chairman of Stavropol region executive committee I. Taranov would write later in his memoirs about M. Botashev: ''... During his 14‑year-long work as chairman of Karachay-Cherkess executive committee, he did probably more than anybody else could do for the economical and social development of the region included at that time in Stavropol territory. His name is associated with the region's industrial potential development, with creation of multinational collectives, with the construction and renovation of townships, with the amelioration of mountain pastures. He never fussed, never spread himself too thin and never scratch the surface wasting time on routine. All he did was marked by thoroughness and profundity of thought.''

The first secretary of Stavropol CPSU regional committee L. Efremov has strikingly described M. Botashev personality in his book: ''... Those of M. Botashev's type can be rated as people who were not only created by the time but who themselves created the time forging it sparing no efforts. Without depreciating merits of each of them, I'll say a few good words about Magomet Abdurzakovitch Botashev, son of Karachay... He carried the fidelity to his soviet fatherland, to human fraternity through years and decades; he was an outstanding patriot expressing indissoluble unity of patriotism and internationalism, strengthening unity and freedom between peoples of multinational Karachay-Cherkessia. Everybody who knew Magomet Abdurzakovitch, who worked with him, can confirm that every time he ascended a new life stair he always took a new burden of responsibility of the noble cause he served selflessly. He fostered in himself features of a citizen with the patriot's heart able to assume all responsibility and, thus, to overcome hardship he had after all''.

The aforesaid permits to conclude: Magomet Botashev had huge credence of a person and also of a leader; so that's where the secret of common people's and comrades' support. A very precious aid was lent to him at that time by the USSR Prime Minister Aleksey Kosygin with whom he had friendly relations, who often met him and talked to him. His human qualities were highly appreciated by Yuri Andropov, K. Mazurov, D. Kunaev and other leaders of the former Soviet Union. Magomet Abdurzakovitch was party chief of the higher echelon and carried out major missions in different corners of the world. In 1979 the communist party and the government charged Magomet Botashev with an important task abroad — he was appointed vice commercial representative in Poland. In some measure, the nomination was symbolic, because you know that our hero finished the war in Poland liberating the country from fascist invaders. According to the words of Magomet Abdurzakovitch, ''all the transport ministries of our country — rail transport, automobile transport, sea and air transport- had their offices in Poland. Considering that big oil and gas pipe lines traversed Poland going from our country to Western Europe there were also representatives of Neftexport and Gasexport, affiliate companies of The Ministry of foreign trade. First, I was charged to supervise these companies in order to coordinate their activity and to ensure uninterrupted export and import flow. I knew this job because my main specialty was a rail transport engineer. That's why I easily found the common language with our and Polish transport ministries. Good relations and mutual understanding were quickly formed with the Ministry of Polish railways, sea port and road transport administration, with the Polish Ministry of foreign trade and with managers of different export-import organizations. Business relations were established with the administration of Krakow, Katovice, Warsaw steel plants, of sulfur mine in Tarnobrzeg, of coal mine in Katovice, of machinery plant in Warsaw.'' It is necessary to take notice that this period of Soviet-Polish relations was not easy. In this situation a huge importance of success was attached to professional skills of the representatives both sides. The fact of Magomet Abderzakovich's nomination at such an important diplomatic position proves again his personal qualities: great competence, analytical mind, political foresight. That's why in spite of unfavorable conjuncture he brightly coped with the task: commercial relations between two countries gained in strength.

Unfortunately, time is inexorable. In 1987 Magomet Abdurzakovich returned to Kislovodsk where he had finished school, from where he was called-up for military service. Then he moved to the village Krasny Kurgan in Karachay-Cherkess republic. But measured life of retiree, though of national standing, could not suit him. Used to lead an active life, Magomet Abdurzakovitch plunged immediately into social work: he took part in the activities of Kislovodsk and Karachay-Cherkess veterans' organizations, he became member of Stavropol regional council of war and labor veterans. In nineties, when interethnic contradictions have dangerously aggravated in the republic, he rendered invaluable assistance to the authorities contributing to interethnic consolidation, preservation of republic integrity, enhancement of its sovereignty. In 1999, as an accredited representative of the candidate for the presidency of the Karachay-Cherkess republic General Semenov, he held a lot of meetings with compatriots discussing burning political questions related to the difficult period of the republic establishment. In 2001, Magomet Abdurzakovitch was elected chairman of the interethnic consultative council under the President of Karachay-Cherkessia. At this period he worked a lot, he held consultations with republican scientific corps to discuss urgent problems of ethnic culture development, took part in all the important socio-political events in Karachay-Cherkess republic and in Stavropol region.

Motherland highly appreciated Magomet Botashev's merits, his military feats and long-period peaceful labor for the benefit of the country and the people. On May 8, 2001, in the Kremlin, the President of the Russian Federation V. Putin decorated Magomet Botashev with the next award — The Order of Friendship of Peoples. If we told about orders and medals that this distinguished man was awarded with, it would be a long list of high decorations he had received at war and peace time. These are: Order of Patriotic War of 1‑st grade, Order of the Red Star, three Orders of the Red Banner of Labor, Order ''Sign of Honor'', Order of Friendship of Peoples, Order ''For the Service to Homeland'', medal ''For the Bravery'', medal ''For the Defense of Stalingrad'', medal ''For the Victory over Germany'', four commemorative medals ''Victory in GPW'', medal ''For the Defense of Kiev'', three commemorative medals of Soviet Union Armed Forces, medal ''For Valorous Work'', golden medal ''For Achievements in National Economy'', medal ''Veteran of Labor'', medal of the order ''For the Service to Homeland'', four official commendations from the Supreme Commander in Chief Marshal of the Soviet Union I. Stalin, certificate of honor of the Council of the Russian Federation and the list is long...

The day of M. Botashev's memorial plaque inauguration coincided with the Day of Karachay people resurgence. It was not by chance. The President of Karachay-Cherkess republic Boris Ebzeev said on that day: ''Magomet Botashev was awarded with the highest decorations for feats of arms, but I've never seen orders or medals on his breast. It was quite a particular period in his life when he was at the head of the regional Council of Deputies. One should be Botashev to remain, even in those conditions, a respectable man of a pure soul. He is the example of absolute decency and honesty towards himself, his conscience towards citizens of Stavropol region and Karachay-Cherkessia. The main fortune of a human is people's memory and esteem. Magomed Abdurzakovich gained this fortune in full. ''

On May 6, 2006 the heart of the legendary man who had done so much for his native republic and for peoples living in it stopped. He never liked high-flown words and always avoided flattery. These are words he addressed to compatriots, to whom he had entirely devoted his life: ''... I am deeply convinced that Karachay-Cherkessia has a great future ahead if everybody in his place works honestly, observes the law; then, citizens of our republic will not live worse than in any other region of Russia. Nobody knows how long one will live. I'd like to live more in my dear flowering Karachay-Cherkessia among its wonderful multinational people...''

On September 20, 2012 the monument dedicated to M. A. Botashev was inaugurated in the city of Cherkessk. The event brought together the grateful residents from all corners of the Republic, guests from the near and far abroad and all those who knew him and worked with him side by side.

By Alla Chotchaeva

FIFTEEN years have already passed since the first Chairman of the Supreme Court of Karachay-Cherkessia Magomet Abrekov is no longer among us. Shocked by his untimely demise, people who knew him cannot accept that such a brief life fell on his lot. Magomet Madjitovich was just in his mid-fifties when he left this world; today he could celebrate his 60‑th anniversary. If only he lived more...

Thousands of people living in our region or far away remember Magomet Madjitovitch Abrekov with a sincere feeling of sympathy and deep esteem. Like his blood brothers, many of them, not even related in kinship, used to call him ''my Brother''. From different nations by origin, they were charmed by Magomet Abrekov's talent to make friends, to have human compassion, and to devote himself entirely to his vocation.

Brilliant and splendid was the path of life that fate allotted to this man, he could do a lot of good and valuable deeds for the republic's welfare, for his compatriots. We were contemporaries of one of the best jurists of Russia, of an outstanding public figure, a true fighter for the triumph of Law. We are proud to know that he grew up and matured on our soil.

The wonderland of his childhood was in the township of Yubileyny situated on the eastern outskirts of Cherkessk. Every day he walked along the noisy motorway to secondary school No 4. Wise and kind influence of his parents, eventful school life were the background of the birth and formation of Magomet Abrekov's individuality. From his early years he had a strong will, he never forgave himself any weakness either in study or in sport. His schoolmates remember that teen-age Magomet had no great physical abilities, while his age-mates, like many adolescents in Northern Caucusus, were keen on wrestling, sambo (form of Russian wrestling) and judo having already gained victories in school competitions and participated in city championships. But he was a persistent boy. Once, having lost a contest, he said: ''Well, I'll anyway achieve success and become Master of sports''. No sooner a mountaineer says than he does. When Magomet and his friends met after their military service, he showed them the certificate of Master of freestyle wrestling.

Magomet had many school-friends, but there were three of them very close. They formed ''the famous foursome'': Magomet Abrekov, Boris Erkenov, Fedor Ferisov and Timofei Kuznetsov. They used to go in for sports together to hike. They carried this friendship for many decades and performed many good deeds. When they were in the 9‑th form, ''the famous foursome'', as always led by Abrekov, initiated making a monument to Soviet soldiers who had perished during the Great Patriotic War defending mountain passes. They made the monument with their own hands, took it to Arkhyz and installed it near the road. Nowadays a new mountain resort is in construction in Arkhyz. A highway runs across the place where the monument was initially installed. But workers carefully moved it to a new, distinguished place nearby. A lot of tourists on their way to the mountains stop here to see the monument made in seventies by a group of teenagers.

Magomet Abrekov had a calling for his vocation when he was hardly twelve. One day he heard the neighbour complaining to his mother of a disproportionate sentencing. The boy declared then that he would become a judge and deliver only fair judgements. But the way to his dream was not easy. After school he had to work and entered the evening faculty of the Cherkessk branch of Stavropol polytechnical institute. At that time students studying at evening faculties had no exemption from military service and were often called up. After the first year of studies Magomet Abrekov was conscripted into army and sent to the Russian Far East.

Magomet used to surmount difficulties with dignity trying to do as honestly as possible what the existing situation required of him. His military service passed in Sakhalin Island in a village situated on the Pacific Ocean coast. Here are some lines from garrison newspaper: ''... senior sergeant Abrekov is one of the best shooters of the sub-unit. He reaffirmed the title of expert marksman during firing practice and received an ''Excellent'' mark". What more is striking: his schoolmate Fedor Ferisov, in the army too, managed to get a short leave and decided to visit Magomet in his military unit. Hundreds of kilometers distance does not count if friendship is true. By the time of Ferisov's arrival, Magomet had been on sentry duty guarding a depot. When Fedor came running up to his friend, Abrekov shouted severely: ''Halt! Qui vive?'' Fedor was amazed: ''Magomet! But it's me!'' —''Away! Restricted area!'' Maybe, Magomet was just joking, but the joke still reveals his character, his guideline in life — to do everything properly.

Dashing battalion master sergeant Magomet Abrekov got his discharge and entered Saratov institute of law which was famous for remarkable jurists graduated from it. Magomet Abrekov did his best to meet high requirements of this prestigious educational establishment. He studied well by himself, without any side assistance and that is of a particular value. At the time of his youth it was not customary to rely on money or on relations, but he hadn't all this stuff, though. Therefore, he had an invincible striving to be worthy of countrymen-professors whom he appreciated and esteemed for their deep knowledge and selfless service to the Profession. During all the years of studies he had only best marks in his student's record book. Magomet Abrekov was persuaded that he simply had no right to study worth as two of his professors — Boris Ebzeev and Yuriy Kalmykov — were his compatriots. These remarkable men, natives of Karachay-Cherkessia, became eminent jurists of new Russia: Boris Ebzeev was elected judge of the Russian Federation Constitutional Court for many years, Yuri Kalmykov was Minister of Justice. They both did a lot for the new Russia establishing, drafted and adopted laws under which Russia lives today. In seventies they were professors, were engaged in scientific activities and defended doctoral theses. The responsible and purposeful young man Magomet Abrekov at once drew their close attention due to his capacities, his yearning to serve to the noble cause and his desire to master legal sciences profoundly.

Graduated with honors from Saratov Institute in 1979, he started his career in law. Friends often came to see him in Bykovo, Volgograd region, where the young lawyer was working according to graduates' job placement. He was just only twenty five, when he was elected president of the regional court. It was incredible in those days that such a young lawyer was elected court president. Magomet Abrekov became the first. The youngest judge of the great country was notable for the unblemished professional reputation, competence and analytical mind.

That complex period had its peculiarities. Magomet Madjitovitch had to live through the gravity of so-called ''telephone power''. Attempts to pressurize judges weren't something extraordinary at that time. One day the reality confronted him with a rough party functionary, the first secretary of Bykovo communist party committee. The latter summoned the president of the regional court to his office and required: ''Soon the case of the chief land surveyor will be submitted to court. And so, he must be sentenced to imprisonment''.

The presence of the prosecutor in the office didn't confuse the party secretary; nothing could confuse him, even such an egregious disrespect for law.

Abrekov knew how to talk to people of this sort. He never tended to impose useless arguing or discussion, he simply acted in strict conformity with law. ''When the case is in court, we'll see,'' answered Magomet. After studying the files of the case, he realized that the man was absolutely innocent; he did toughly criticize the party bureau and the first secretary at a plenary meeting. Two months later he was arrested. The regional higher-ups tried to insist on the remand of the case, but finally the accused was acquitted.

Abrekov had to get through hard professional situations more than once. When total agreement of opinions reigned all over the country, when others dreaded to express personal opinion, he, as a true professional, managed to stand on his views. Nobody knows how much all these incidents exhausted his health and forces, but Abrekov knew how ''to take it on the chin''. During the period of the communist party's absolute power, perestroika and political reforms he succeeded to install the supremacy of law over the social chaos. Ten years after graduating from the institute he became honored jurist of the Russian Federation. In those days this title was usually given for long service but not for professionalism and competence. He also became member of Judicial Council and highest class judge.

An extremely gifted person, a remarkable jurist of national scale, Abrekov enjoyed huge authority over the Russian judiciary; he permanently entered the leadership board of congresses of judges.

Besides practical work Magomet Madjitovitch didn't spare efforts to scientific researches. This tireless energetic person had time to do a lot of things. He continued researches on constitutional law after his return to Karachay-Cherkessia and prepared his thesis on constitutional right problems, but unfortunately the fate didn't offer him a little while to defend it. In his native republic he was in charge of the regional court in Karachaevsk from 1986 to 1992 and later on, since 1993 he led the Karachay-Cherkess republic's Supreme Court.

The marvelous year of 1986 added colours to his emotional life: Magomet Madjitovitch met his future wife Lyuba Egizova. He was still working in Volgograd and Lyuba lived in Cherkessk; there were only letters between them with endless tenderness in each:'' How do you do, darling Lybantchik!'' The proposal of his hand and heart was written in the form of minutes of a trial made in his extraordinary calligraphic hand:''... The Court decided to marry Egizova Lyubantchik to Magomet Madjitovitch with the obligation of the former to give birth to three children... '' The young wife of the promising lawyer got to know all difficulties of the mission: thirteen removals within the first three years of conjugal life. However, the house must be cosy; the husband must wear a clean shirt everyday, and in general, have spick-and-span look clothes. And moreover, she studied at the institute; she wanted to work, to find her vocation, to advance in profession. She had no easy life either, but today he would have been proud of his wife, hard-working and wise, who has founded one of the best non-state high schools in Karachay-Cherkessia... Magomet Madjitovitch adored his daughters Marina and Larisa, his tenderness was unlimited.

Magomet Madjitovitch could continue his professional career in the capital of Russia; he had many proposals of that sort, but he decided to stay in Karachay-Cherkessia because he was sure that the republic needed him. His opinion was weighty, when there were socio-political aggravations Abrekov always called to consolidation and concord. He, being a true internationalist, was rightly called ''the son of all the peoples of Karachay-Cherkessia''.

He tirelessly stifled the flame of mistrust and discord between different nations; he fought for peace, concord and mutual understanding. When all started to claim national sovereignty, he said: ''it  is out of the question in Karachay-Cherkessia. It's as if to cut a living body. Our republic should remain part of the Russian Federation. ''

It was nineties, the times when people were living in the hope of changes, waiting for new leaders more heedful for others' needs and problems. The society wanted young, energetic and competent specialists. It was natural then that Magomet Abrekov was designated, in 1993, first President of the Supreme Court of Karachay-Cherkessia Republic, a republic which had just received this status. Magomet Madjitovitch became a sort of attraction center; people trusted him, they loved him and respected.
At this period Abrekov worked a lot. The Court Palace construction in Cherkessk became the subject of his special concern and pride. He hoped that the Court Palace would be symbol of law supremacy both in essence and in form. Abrekov traveled around the world studying the international practice, sharing knowledge with foreign colleagues in the international judiciary school. His authority in the field of international cooperation was unconditional.

Magomet Abrekov, a very responsive man, could create a propitious social microclimate in the Supreme Court. If anybody from the staff needed help, he never waited to be asked, he was the first to propose help sparing no time. He helped many people. The only one he couldn't help was himself.

Nobody has the gift to glance beyond worldview limits of somebody to whom the disease dictates its will. We can only suppose how complex was Magomet Madjitovitch's internal life at that moment. A mighty man stood face-to-face with this problem. He had been very ill of late years, but showed nobody how difficult it was to fight against the disease. Nobody heard a word of complaint, quite the contrary, he tried to console his wife and friends: ''Don't worry, everything will be OK''.

His footfall sound will be never heard in Novaya Street where his house is; the door of his car will never clap, betokening his return home. Magomet Madjitovitch left this world. Impossible to get used to this thought, but it is so...

The memorial plaque installed on the building of the Court Palace in Cherkessk will remind us of Magomet Madjitovitch Abrekov. When somebody dies untimely, the living have a strange feeling of culpability. We are grateful remembering Magomet Madjitovitch; because he showed us how mighty and interesting a human life could be. We are grateful to him because he loved people, he was considerate to their feelings, indulgent to their foibles, and he loved life with all its manifestations, wonderful or tragic.

Time flits away quickly, but the name of Magomet Madjitovitch will never dwindle. His daughters will never forget him his, grandchildren are growing, and they will also take great pride in him. The memory of Abrekov will remain in good deeds. There is a mosque in his native village Yubileyny. Hyzyr Mamtchuev, the imam of the mosque, is proud to be friends with Magomet Abrekov: ''I had a friend Abrekov Magomet, president of the Supreme Court. He was born in this village; he lived here, and he died here. Thus, I've decided to construct a mosque in his commemoration. We have built a good and beautiful mosque with blessing of Most High Allah. I want also to erect a monument to Magomet... We want as well to rename the street Svetlaya where he lived in his childhood and to give it the name of Abrekov.''

In Cherkessk branch of Moscow social academy where among other disciplines the youth study law, there is a hall of trails bearing the name of the honored jurist of the Russian Federation Magomet Madjitovitch Abrekov. Students practice trials in this hall. Everything is close to the reality: presiding judge, prosecutor, attorney, plaintiff, defendant, witnesses. The presiding judge puts on the judge's gown belonged to Magomet Abrekov. This is the reward the future lawyers receive for the most considerable successes in studies. The art of legal procedure that Abrekov had mastered to perfection is studied today by young people, future prosecutors, attorneys and judges. They will follow the best professional skills of the first President of the Supreme Court of Karachay-Cherkessia Magomet Abrekov.

He was a person of great scale; the file of years passed after his death deepened the sorrow but these years also reasserted many people who knew him personally or not, how remarkable he was, Magomet Abrekov. We will remember him with feelings of esteem and love. Time has no power over these feelings.

By Svetlana Pereslavtseva