In Poland, a way was found to revive a decaying village on the border with Belarus
The small Polish village of Małyja Azjarany, located near the very border with Belarus, is gradually coming back to life. This happened thanks to the initiative of its sołtys (village head) Leszek Skrodzki, reports tvn24.pl.

Sołtys Leszek Skrodzki. Photo: tvn24.pl
Leszek Skrodzki announced that he is ready to lease land in the village for a symbolic fee — 100 zlotys (about 25 dollars) per month for a thousand square meters. In addition, he helps find the heirs of owners of empty houses and personally meets new residents to support them during their relocation.
The first to respond to the offer was Belarusian musician Yauhen Kuchmeina. He moved to the village from Warsaw in the autumn and settled in a converted barn in the sołtys's house. Now Yauhen lives and works in Azjarany, and the local landscapes inspire him to record an album.

Yauhen Kuchmeina. Photo: tvn24.pl
The sołtys notes that interest in the village turned out to be much greater than expected: people called, came to inspect the area, and some decided to settle here permanently. Among them are many cultural figures, various creatives.

Małyja Azjarany. Photo: tvn24.pl
Among others, a family from Minsk, currently living in Warsaw, plans to move here. The Belarusians want to build a yurt here and settle in it for the summer.
Currently, only two people permanently live in Azjarany, one of whom is the poet Mirosław Sabański. He believes that the village, which had about 200 residents in the 1960s, has a chance for revival: it has internet, quiet, nature, and space for creativity.

Małyja Azjarany. Photo: tvn24.pl
The sołtys, in turn, emphasizes that Azjarany will suit those who are not afraid of simple living conditions: water from a well, and the shop is about ten kilometers away. However, in return, the settlers get peace and clean air.
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