On February 10, Russia marked 175th anniversary of the legendary Russian poet Alexander Pushkin's death.

      Known for being particularly sensitive about his honor, Pushkin often took part in duels. The fatal duel with military officer Georges d'Anthes was his 21st and the last. On 28 January 1837 (February 8, according to modern calendar), near Chernaya river, the poet was fatally wounded by d'Anthes. He was brought to his St. Petersburg flat on Moika street, 12. On February 10, Pushkin's hear stopped beating forever. 

      The name of his rival would probably never have entered history if the Frenchman hadn't tried to seduce Pushkin’s wife, Natalya Goncharova, and subsequently killed Russia’s greatest poet.

      February 10th has become Pushkin Remembrance Day across Russia, especially in the places where the poet lived and worked. His early death is still regarded as a great loss for Russian literature.

      The main commemorative event of that day was the reopening of Alexander Pushkin flat-museum on Moika street after restoration. Several churches hold a special public liturgy in the poet's memory. And many people up and down the country gathered that day near Pushkin's monuments (which are usually placed in almost every Russian city) and declaimed his verses and poems. 

      The final days of Pushkin’s life were portrayed in the 2006 Russian biopic Pushkin: The Last Duel, directed by Natalya Bondarchuk.  The role of Pushkin was played by Russian popular actor Sergei Bezrukov, who also acted as the great poet in the homonymous theatre performance. 

      Pushkin: The Last Duel - Official Trailer (in English)

      Pushkin: The Last Duel - Fragment With the Duel (in Russian)

Sources: vesti.ru RIA Novosti RG Image: cominform