Famous Belarusians

Francysk was a prominent worker of the Belarusian culture of the 16th century, the founder of Belarusian and East Slavic book printing. His versatile activities had a common Slavic significance. As a scientist, writer, translator, artist, doctor of philosophy and medicine, humanist and educator Francysk Skaryna had a significant impact on the development of many areas of Belarusian culture. Skaryna translated into Belarusian and published 23 books of the Bible.

Upon becoming a nun, Euphrosine founded a male monastery and a nunnery. Through her efforts, the library of St. Sophia Cathedral was replenished and the Polotsk chronicle was kept. Euphrosine herself copied books, compiled chronicles, translated from Greek and Latin, wrote poems and was known as the first Belarusian patron of arts.

The Greatest Belarusian enlightener Simeon of Polotsk is one of the prominent workers of Slavic culture. He made history as a monk, public and church worker, theologian, teacher, educator, poet and writer. His versatile concerns and activities were close to the prominent workers of the Renaissance.

Symon was a famous preacher of the 16th century, humanist, educator and church reformer. He had printed the New Testament and was one of the first ideologists of the development of Belarusian culture in the native language.

A descendant of a noble family with Belarusian roots, Sofya was the world’s first female professor of mathematics. Her groundbreaking work centred on mathematical analysis, mechanics, and astronomy.

A renowned scientist who researched the biological effects of the Sun and the Universe, including links between solar activity and historical periods of conflict.

Pavel was an aircraft designer, inventor, one of the creators of jet and supersonic aviation, author of fifty original aircraft designs and more than thirty of them were built and tested.

A Nobel Prize winner, one of the foremost scientists in semiconductor physics and technology, whose contributions earned worldwide recognition.

Iosif was a diplomat and orientalist, traveler and author of the world’s first Russian-Japanese dictionary. The species of insects described by him and a bay In North Korea (Chosanman) are named in his honour.

He was a diplomat and politician, participant in the uprising led by Kosciuszko and a gifted composer. He wrote the famous polonaise "Farewell to My Homeland" in the Oginsky family estate in Zalesye (Grodno region).

Mark was one of the most famous representatives of avant-garde art in painting, graphic artist, illustrator, set designer, poet, and master of applied and monumental art. Mark is definitely the brightest representative of avant-garde.

Vladimir is a bright performer, composer and arranger, collector of Belarusian folklore. In 1970 he founded the legendary Pesnyary ensemble which was one of the most popular in the Soviet Union for many years. He was awarded the titles of the People's Artist of the BSSR and the USSR, and became a Knight of the Order of Francysk Skaryna in 2001. Vladimir Mulyavin, who is a Belarusian in his spirit and not by birth, was immortalized on the Avenue of Stars in Moscow 2001 and in the capital of the "Slavianski Bazaar" festival - Vitebsk.

A Belarusian athlete (artistic gymnastics) and the Champion of the XXV Olympic Games (1992, Spain), a bronze medallist at the XXVI Olympic Games (1996, USA). A 14-time world champion and 10-time European champion. Winner of the Goodwill Games (1990, USA) and two Universiades (1993, 1995). Vitaly was named the world’s best athlete of the decade (1991–2000).

Maxim Mirny is the most famous Belarusian tennis player who won a series of international doubles awards and led the Belarusian team to the best place in its history at the Davis Cup.

A renowned Belarusian tennis player; winner of major international tournaments; Olympic champion; former world No. 1 in singles. In January 2012, she first topped the WTA rankings. At the 2012 London Olympics, she won gold in mixed doubles (with Max Mirnyi) and bronze in singles. In 2020, she was named WTA Comeback Player of the Year. On 28 January 2012 she was awarded the 3rd Class Order of the Fatherland.

The IBU Word Cup Runner-up in seasons 2011/2012, 2012/2013
The IBU World Cup Overall Crystal Globe winner in season 2014/2015
The IBU Third place holder in seasons 2013/2014, 2017/2018

A freestyle skier who won the first gold medal in the history of Belarus during the Winter Olympic Games (Vancouver 2010) and a bronze medal in Salt Lake City in (2002) at aerial skiing events.
Two-time (2000 and 2002) silver and a bronze champion (2004) of the FIS Freestyle Ski World Cup.