Mahilyoushchyna – My Favorite and Unknown Territory The book focuses on history and culture of Mahilyou and the Mahilyou region. It is designed as a practical navigator for guides and tourists. The richly illustrated publication tells the 750-year history of the city that sits on the River Dniepr. The authors emphasize stark contrasts between Mahilyou's ancient history and its Soviet legacy. Unfortunately, many of the properties mentioned in the book have not survived, but the description underlines the city's unique distinguishing features. The authors examine in detail the role of the Russian Orthodox Church and history of Russian and Soviet occupation. One of the stories tells about World War II battles outside Mahilyou in July 1941, specifying the location of each encounter and naming nearly all Mahilyou defenders. The author hopes that the advertised sights will attract tourists to the city, which was once seriously considered for the capital of the Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic.