Fazir Dzaferov53, is a teacher and translator who teaches English in a small village school of 70 students in Dagestan.
Due to poor connection, Džaferov sent his answers in videos. He doesn’t use the word war, because that could get him into trouble in Russia.
In what kind of situation do you answer questions?
– I work as a teacher, and now the final preparations for the new academic year are underway. In general, the situation in the country is not good. There is anxiety and waiting for the situation to improve. At the same time, you have to continue your own life and work.
You live in Dagestan, how did you end up teaching there?
– I live in southern Dagestan, near Azerbaijan. I have been working as an English teacher for four years. I was born here and lived here for the first years of my life. After studying in Moscow, I suddenly felt that I wanted to return. Moscow was so stuffy and cramped. It’s calmer here than in the big city.
Russia is waging war against Ukraine. What is the atmosphere like in Dagestan right now?
– People are primarily concerned about their own lives. Everyone wants a good life. In our society, the expression of a strong political attitude is only possible on the internet and social media accounts. People often give up in arguments.
Are there any shortages of goods? How does it affect the fact that Russia restricts access to the internet?
– Previously, there were reports that the printing paper had run out. It was very expensive, but then it started to be available again. There doesn’t seem to be a shortage, but prices are rising. However it is, it is not publicly written about.
The fact that I can no longer access all websites brings me a lot of problems. It creates extra work, you have to somehow get around the restrictions to find something on the internet.
How have Russian sanctions affected your life??
– I used to be able to visit and live in creative residencies abroad. We previously visited Switzerland and Finland with a translation project. Now I can’t think like that anymore.
You teach English at school. What changes do you see, and how do you talk about war to students?
– There is not so much pressure in distant villages, because there the administration does not dictate things. In schools, however, on Mondays, in the first lesson, they talk about what is important. It is patriotic education. The classroom teacher leads these lessons. I don’t have to teach these classes myself, I just teach my own subject.
I talk about the operation privately only with older students. If they ask my opinion, I say yes.
How has the war affected your own life?
– If there was no operation, I would constantly invite people from Moscow or even abroad to the school. I used to visit abroad myself and organized meetings with students in Moscow. The operation took all of this away from me and my students. It nullifies our chances.
What worries children and young people in war?
– Smaller children don’t think much about the operation, but older schoolchildren, i.e. high school students, do not accept it. There is no active discussion about the operation in schools.
How is the Russian invasion viewed in your region?
– From Dagestan, we are going to fight the operation. I know this from hearsay. No one seems to have left this village, but a teacher left from the neighboring village. It happened despite the fact that teachers are needed here.
We are lured there with money. The starters say they have an idea of what they’re doing. I think it’s the love of money though.
Other people support the operation in discussions. They say it’s right. Others wonder why we need it. Some are just silent. However, it seems that the majority do not think this operation is necessary.
There have been at least two important demonstrations in Dagestan within a year. What were they protesting?
– One of the demonstrations was against mobilization last year. It was a really big event that had a positive impact. After the demonstrations, general mobilization was suspended throughout Dagestan, or at least it was no longer carried out so actively and aggressively.
The protest was amazing from the point of view that it brought together such opposing social groups as feminists and religious women.
Another protest was just recently. People complained about power and water cuts. I’m glad people are taking to the streets like this when they have no other way to bring things up.