Nestled in the steppes of southwest Russia lies a unique city, Elista, which can boast of being home to the largest Buddhist city in all of Europe. However, Elista is not only known for its giant monasteries and Buddhist sculptures, but also for a place that pays homage to the game of chess in an extraordinary way: Chess City. Built in 1998, this city has become world famous, sparking curiosity and debate. Let’s discover together the fascinating history of Elista and its most interesting anecdotes.The Birth of Chess City:Chess City was conceived and built by Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, a chess enthusiast and then leader of the Russian province of Kalmykia as well as president of the International Chess Federation. The story of how Ilyumzhinov got the inspiration for this remarkable city is truly unusual. He claims to have been abducted by aliens, who suggested that he bring the game of chess to Elista.Following the extraterrestrials’ advice, Ilyumzhinov built Chess City in time to host the 33rd Chess Olympiad in grand style. The city included a swimming pool, a chess museum, a large outdoor chessboard and a Buddhist art museum. In 1998, Chess City welcomed hundreds of chess grandmasters from around the world and later hosted other minor championships. Another distinctive feature of Chess City is the statue of Ostap Bender, a fictional literary character obsessed with chess.Despite the international fame that Chess City has brought to Elista, it has also been the subject of controversy. On the impoverished steppes of Elista, many frowned upon the idea of cutting food subsidies to finance a million-dollar complex for the temporary use of foreigners. Once the Chess Olympiad was over, Chess City was little used and largely abandoned, becoming a symbol to the people of Elista of the local government’s misguided priorities.Elista and its extraordinary Chess City remain a fascinating destination for chess enthusiasts and those who wish to immerse themselves in a unique experience. Despite the controversy that has surrounded the construction of Chess City, we cannot deny the impact it has had on many people’s imaginations. Elista, with its combination of Buddhist culture, art and passion for chess, continues to fascinate the world, offering a unique vision of a place where the game of chess is the true ruler and people are pawns in it.
