2014-03-15

The Motherland Calls | Mamaev Kurgan in Volgograd, Russia

Motherland Calls! "The statue towers over the countryside at a height of 52 metres. The hill on which the monument to the Motherland stands is bulky; its height is about metres. The height of the Motherland, including the sword, is 85 metres, which makes it one of the tallest statues in the world. On both sides of the Mamaev Kurgan are several paths, one leading from the area of the Tribulation. Along the path are several tombstones bearing the names of those who died in the battles of Stalingrad. There is also the tomb of the unknown soldier. 

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The Motherland Calls


Motherland Calls Statue — Motherland Calls is the centre for constructing the monument collection "Heroes of the Battle of Stalingrad" at Mamayev Kurgan in Volgograd, Russia. It was designed by sculptor Yevgeny Vuchetich and architect Nikolai Nikitin and announced as the world's tallest statue in 1967.

The Stalingrad Memorial is a mound located under the statue in Russia, "The Motherland Calls", where 34,505 soldiers—the defenders of Stalingrad—are buried. At the top of the hill, at the foot of Mother Motherland, is a winding path along which the 35 granite tombstones of heroes of the Soviet Union, members of the Stalingrad Battle, are located. From the foot of the mound to its tip, the serpentine consists of precisely 200 granite steps, each 15 cm. Around the monument, there are always many rumours and much gossip. Perhaps the most pressing issue was the mystery of the prototype of the world-famous sculpture by Yevgeny Vuchetich. Some believe that Vuchetich sculpted the body figure of the discus thrower Nina Dumbadze and the face of his wife, Vera. The prototype of the famous people of Mamayev Kurgan was Valentina Izotova, a waitress (Rodina Mat Zovyot) at the city restaurant "Volgograd"; she was 26 years old.

The Motherland calls a statue

Russian statue — The sculpture "The Motherland Calls" in Volgograd is mounted on a pedestal two metres high, which rests on a foundation hidden underground. The construction of the Russian monument "The Motherland Calls" on Mamayev Kurgan Hill progressed step by step using unique technology. The Russian sculpture inside is supported not only by a rigid frame but also by hundreds of strong ropes that prevent the frame from bending under the weight of the concrete. The monument stands on a 16-metre foundation. 

First Image Credit © Vadim Burkovsky

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Image Credit: Incite

The Motherland Calls Statue

During the design of the sculpture "The Motherland Calls", the team behind the Volgograd statue had to constantly make changes; initially, the Motherland statue had to look different: the original draft differed from the construction plan. Few know that initially, the Motherland statue had to look different: the original draft suggested the existence of 2 figures (and a kneeling woman soldier). In his hand, Motherland did not hold a sword and a red banner. Vucetich did not consider it necessary to include the sumptuously decorated pedestal of the mother and the stairs, so, initially in the project, the path was replaced with a ribbon that encircled the Russian Motherland.

Statue with Sword — Dimensions: the sculptures have also been changed — the original 36 metres "grew" to 52 metres. And finally, the construction began in May 1959. The opening of the Volgograd monument occurred on the 15th of October 1967. Its height is 52 metres; the length of its outstretched arms is up to 20 metres; and the size of the sword is 33 metres. The overall height of the sculpture is 85 metres. The weight of the monument, excluding the foundations, is about 8000 tonnes.

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Image credit: Andrey Zudilin

The Soviet statue Sword of the Motherland was initially made of stainless steel and titanium, lined with leaves. In 1972, the blade was replaced because the previous one still had too high a windage and was strongly swayed by the wind. Threatening structural strength. A new sword was made from fluoridated steel with holes in the top of the blade.

Motherland Monument — Motherland on Mamev Hill is presented in the form of mothers convening their heroes to defend the motherland. Sharp lines of the figure, messy hair in the wind, her eyes wide and mouth open, and her hand stretched out over the city – all these elements create a feeling of power and voltage, as well as an atmosphere of anxiety and movement.

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Image credit: IREX

The Motherland Calls Statues — In a sharp, swift rush, a woman stood on the mound. With sword in hand, she encourages her son to defend the Fatherland. Her right foot is slightly back, her torso and head vigorously deployed to the left. Face stern and resolute. A frown, a wide-open screaming mouth, short hair fanned by wind gusts, strong hands, a body shape fitting a long dress, and a handkerchief fanned by wind gusts – all this creates a feeling of strength, expression, and an irresistible striving forward. 

Monument of Russia — In the background of the sky, it is like a bird soaring in the sky. The Motherland sculpture looks excellent on all sides of the year: In the summer, when the mound is covered with a continuous grass carpet, and on a winter evening, it is lit by the rays of searchlights. Its majestic stature stands out against the dark blue sky, as if it grows out of the mound and merges with the snow cover.

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Image Credit: Martha de Jong-Lantink
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Image Credit: Martha de Jong-Lantink
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Image Credit: Martha de Jong-Lantink
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Image Credit: xinnocentmiscreantx

From the foot of Mother Motherland, there are extensive views of all the elements of the ensemble, the city, Vogoa, and Zavolzhe. The motherland is visible from the Mamaev Kugan, dominating the whole town and can be seen from ten kilometres away. 

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Image Credit: Ru. Wikipedia
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Image credit: Matt Whyman
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Image Credit: Vadim Burkovsky
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Image Credit: Vadim Burkovsky
"To Heroes of the Battle of Stalingrad" 
The Motherland Calls | Map

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Image Credit: pds209

Today, well over two million visitors from all over the world come here to remember those who fought and lost their lives. A 72-year-old grandmother was the model for Russia's most famous Soviet war memorial, Rodina Mat (Motherland Mother). For nearly forty years, she kept silent about her part in its artistic creation.

Source — Wikipedia | Gigantic Statues
- March 15, 2014
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Location: Volgograd, Volgograd Oblast, Russia, 400078

2 comments:

  1. Anonymous11 December 2023 at 01:38

    The Russian Pieta and Mother Calls are so stunning, powerful, poignant, touching , and painfully beautiful, they literally stun you and make you gasp. Going there now would be a mistake but going there when things are better is worth it. Volgograd is a gritty city but visiting the Memorial is one of the great experiences you will have. Fly in and fly out... don't take the train, way not worth it......and go to Kazan then east. It will be the Greatest Trip of your life.

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    Replies
    1. Rite Book26 August 2026 at 21:41

      Thank you for sharing such a powerful perspective. The way you describe the Russian Pieta and the Motherland Calls really captures the emotional impact of the memorial. Volgograd sounds like a place where history feels incredibly real and deeply personal. I agree that visiting when circumstances are better would make the experience even more meaningful. And your advice about combining Volgograd with Kazan and travelling east sounds like an unforgettable journey.

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