Fazil Iskander (1929–2016) — prose writer and poet, a classic of 20th-century Russian literature, author of the legendary novel-epic “Sandro from Chegem,” and, as he himself put it, “undoubtedly a Russian writer who sang praises to Abkhazia.” In a vivid, relaxed conversation, Evgeny Popov—who knew Iskander personally—and Mikhail Gundarin reconstruct and analyze the future classic’s life path: from the story of Fazil’s family and childhood to the nationwide recognition. HIS ABKHAZIA: Mukhus and Chegem, Sandro’s magical world, Chika, Uncle Kyazym… HIS UNIVERSITIES: from Moscow State University to the Library Institute and the Lit Institute. HIS TEXTS: from youthful poetry to great prose. HIS POLITICS: чем ended Iskander’s involvement in the scandalous almanac “MetRoPol” and his foray into power during Perestroika?