Many historical figures are in dispute to this day about the rightness or wrongness of their actions. Unfortunately, only few of the historical evidences have been preserved to our days, so the lives of those personalities remain a mystery. Felix Dzerzhinsky is an example of a man, who, no doubt, has made a significant contribution to the history of the Soviet Union and Belarus, but still remains a sort of a "dark horse" for posterity.

The history of Dzerzhinsky’s personality formation

Felix was born in the estate of Dzerzhinovo (located on the territory of Minsk region, Volozhin district), which belonged to the family of wealthy Polish nobles. Despite a favorable environment in the family and material prosperity, young Dzerzhinsky stuck to rather radical views since childhood, and that fact had predetermined his fate.

Dzerzhinsky began his individual life path in the gymnasium. By the way, he was not able to finish it, because he had been sentenced to a three years’ exile while studying at the last course. At that time, Felix was already a staunch opponent of the Russian monarchy and was known as an activist of the Lithuanian social-democratic organization.

Until 1917, Felix Dzerzhinsky was repeatedly accused of anti-government and revolutionary activities in Warsaw, Kaunas, Vilnius. We can say that he spent all his youth in prison and exile. However, that fact did not break him down, but rather strengthened his position in life.

After the October revolution of 1917, he began to work actively in the Military Extraordinary Commission, which then was transformed into the KGB (the Committee of State Security). Many people consider Dzerzhinsky to be the founder of the Soviet secret police, and there is some point in that opinion.

In addition to the activities of Military Extraordinary Commission, Felix also worked as the people's Commissar of internal Affairs and communications, the Chairman of the Commission to improve the children’s lives. He did not neglect his revolutionary activities at the same time; he was a supporter of the “red terror” policy and the fighter against domestic counterrevolution in different years. He died in 1926 and was buried at the Kremlin wall.

Monuments

Whatever negative or positive was the role, that Felix Dzerzhinsky has played in the life of the country, he certainly deserves attention and memory. There are several monuments to Dzerzhinsky in Minsk today; the most popular of them is located in Komsomolskaya Street.

In 1947, a monument, designed by the talented sculptor Z. I. Azgur and the architect V. M. Volchek appeared near the building of the State Security Committee (which is quite symbolic). This event was timed to the 70th anniversary of the famous security officer.

The monument is a large bust of Felix, made of bronze and placed on a granite pedestal. A framing embossed garland decorates the bust.

This monument is fairly well known both in the country and abroad. No wonder that so many foreigners try to see it, even though it is not included into the list of most historical tours in Minsk.