Top 28 Russia Beyond articles of 2023 – editor’s choice!

Discovering Russian regions

The EMBROIDERED ethnographic map of Russia

Our correspondent visited Cheboksary, the capital of the Chuvash Republic, where its national museum unveiled an extraordinary feature – an embroidered ethnographic map of the entire Russia. Craftsmen from each Russian region meticulously embroidered their area in a distinct national style. For instance, Yakutia, known as the largest and coldest region, was symbolized by a tree of life, while the Kamchatka peninsula was represented with volcanoes and bears motifs.

Siberian cities 'besieged' by nomadic herders

Imagine a Formula One race, but, instead of cars, there are reindeer sleds speeding through the track and city? This is how ‘Reindeer Herder Day’ is celebrated each spring in the Russian Far North, where temperatures are still freezing and the landscape snowy. Our correspondent and photographer were fortunate enough to attend this traditional festivity. Don’t miss their vivid report! 

What life is like in Norilsk, the world’s northernmost industrial city

This remote area situated far above the Arctic Circle became populated in 1949, following the inauguration of its first copper plant. Today, half of the city's 175,000 residents are employed at the Norilsk Mining and Metallurgical Combine. The saying goes that “Norilsk is forever in their hearts and lungs”. We spoke with some of the residents to find out how they cope with the harsh living conditions.

Exploring the LARGEST amber deposit in the world

Kaliningrad, the country's westernmost region, is home to most of the world’s supply of amber. We visited this unique area and learned about the industrial-scale extraction of amber and what it entails.

The man who slept through history: From the Russian Empire to Soviet Russia

It may sound like a folklore tale, but it really is a true historical event. Ivan Kachalkin, a peasant from Altai, fell victim to an extremely rare condition of deep lethargy, leading him to sleep for 22 years. During this time, he missed significant political upheavals in the country. When he awoke, it was to a world transformed. We found out what happened to him when he finally awoke.

Miraculous survival: A three-year-old girl’s 12 days in the taiga

In 2014, a story unfolded and shocked the nation. A little girl, merely three years old, was playing outside with her puppy, but failed to return home. Tragically, her parents and relatives only noticed her absence on the third day. In the wild, formidable taiga, no one believed that such a young child could survive. Yet, after 12 days, she was miraculously found, her faithful dog having kept her warm and protected. Discover how she managed to endure those harrowing days in our detailed story.

History

Why Japan didn’t attack the USSR during World War II, despite its intentions

Japanese troops landing at Vladivostok, Russia, 11 August 1918

Japan, allying with Hitler's in World War II, harbored ambitions to capture Soviet Siberia and the Far East. However, they refrained from directly engaging the Red Army, opting instead to wait for the Nazis to weaken Soviet forces. This strategy of hesitation and the consequences it entailed are explored in our detailed historical research. 

Why Bulgaria, Hitler’s ally, refused to fight against the USSR

In a notable episode of World War II, Bulgarian Tsar Boris III made the bold decision not to send troops to the Eastern Front, defying expectations as Hitler’s ally. This decision sparked long-standing rumors within Bulgarian society, some even speculating that the Nazis poisoned Tsar Boris III in retaliation. Uncover the story of his remarkable courage and the real reasons behind his decision in our in-depth exploration.

How Russian Cossacks defeated Napoleon

The recent release of Ridley Scott’s movie about Napoleon has reignited global interest in the story of his Europe invasion. Despite Napoleon Bonaparte’s initial successes, a pivotal moment was the ‘Battle of Mir’, where Russian Cossacks emerged victorious. This triumph significantly boosted the morale of the Russian army and their determination to protect the Empire. Explore this historical episode here.

Unveiling the mysteries of sanitation in Imperial Russia

Have you ever wondered about the challenges of finding a toilet in 19th-century Russian cities? Why were staircases often foul-smelling, what exactly is an 'absorption well' and why might a respectable gentleman find himself wary of the yard keeper? These questions, which would have been second nature to any urban dweller in Imperial Russia, reveal a fascinating aspect of daily life and sanitation practices of the era.

7 OLDEST Russian companies with timeless appeal

It's remarkable to consider that in Russia, a country marked by turbulent history, some companies have thrived for over 300 years! These enduring enterprises, originating in the imperial era, continue to produce highly sought-after items like fine porcelain, wooden shawls, chocolate, wines and more. Their products have stood the test of time, remaining popular with consumers to this day. Learn more about these historic brands and their fascinating journeys here.

The purchasing power of $100 in Russia from the Imperial era to today

We compared what $100 could buy in Russia, from the Tsarist era through the Soviet period and into the present day. How have the prices of food and other commodities evolved over the past two centuries? When was one dollar equivalent to 1.94 rubles and how drastically has this rate changed since then? Find out here!  

The deadly secret of makeup in Old Russia

"A tsarevna visiting a cloister," 1912, by Vasiliy Surikov

In the era before Peter the Great, Russian ladies had a penchant for cosmetics, a detail often noted in the diaries of foreign visitors. Unbeknownst to them, however, their favored products like whitewash and ‘rouge’ were actually laced with toxic substances, posing a silent, but deadly threat to their health.

Russian cuisine

Favorite dishes of Nicholas II & his family

Tsar and family, 1902. Elena Samokish-Sudkovskaya

Contrary to expectations of luxurious dining befitting a monarch, the last Russian tsar had surprising culinary preferences. His typical breakfast included simple staples like bread with butter and easy-to-prepare stuffed pies. For lunch, he often chose humble pearl barley soup, akin to a peasant’s meal. Interestingly, he also had an aversion to caviar! Discover more about the tsar's favorite foods and his unique dining habits here.

RECIPE: Amosov's Paste, a Soviet Cardiologist's Healthy Creation

Throughout the year, we’ve been showcasing recipes of traditional Russian dishes and beloved Soviet-era meals, complete with beautiful step-by-step photos. Don’t miss our latest feature: the nutritious ‘Amosov’s Paste’. Created by a renowned Soviet cardiologist, this superfood is packed with vitamins and made from the wholesome blend of apricots, figs, lemon and honey. 

The culinary traditions of Russian train travel

In Russia, known for its vast distances, passengers often spend up to six nights on long-haul trains. While most trains offer restaurant and food services, bringing aboard one's own food is a time-honored tradition. There are unique features and customs associated with dining on Russian trains that are fascinating to learn. Additionally, there are specific rules and etiquettes to be aware of, ensuring a pleasant journey for everyone! Dive into the world of onboard dining in Russian trains with us.

7 must-try Caucasus pies

While Russian cuisine celebrates pastries, the culinary traditions of the Caucasus region take an absolute devotion to pies to a whole new level! Discover the rich variety of local pastries from different parts of the Russian Caucasus, including baked, fried and even deep-fried creations. There are hundreds of fillings to explore… you might find yourself drooling irresistibly!

Arts & living

Your complete guide to Moscow’s iconic Stalinist skyscrapers

Moscow's skyline is defined by the iconic ‘Seven Sisters’, a group of skyscrapers conceived as part of Stalin's grand architectural plan. His ambitious project of eight buildings was completed only after Stalin's death. These towering structures now include the Moscow State University, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, various hotels and residential apartments. Read our guide, which includes an in-depth look at each of these historic skyscrapers, here.

10 architectural styles you can find in Moscow

Moscow, the capital of Russia, is a city where centuries of construction have created a striking array of contrasts. As a result, today, you can see architectural styles from imperial Russia, Soviet-era designs, as well as post-Perestroika modern experiments all within the same city block. We showcase the brightest examples of each of these architectural styles!

What is it like to be a Muslim in Moscow?

In Russia, where Islam is the second largest religion, approximately 13.6% of the world's Muslim population resides. This long-standing coexistence with the Christian community, spanning centuries within the same nation, has fostered a unique environment for finding common ground. Despite this history of cohabitation, are there challenges that still persist today?

Understanding the architecture of Russian Orthodox churches

At first glance, Russian Orthodox church buildings may appear intricate and complex. However, each element of their structure has been meticulously designed, carrying deep meaning and significance. To help demystify these architectural marvels, we have prepared a series of illustrations.

5 of the most sumptuous balls held at the Court of the Tsars

The Russian imperial court was renowned for its love of extravagant festivities and each monarch knew how to host a sumptuous ball with flair. These events were spectacles of surprises, captivating entertainment and, of course, elegant dancing. Join us as we unveil some of the most magnificent tsarist balls!

10 Russian public art works on display around the world

Russian artistic talent extends beyond the confines of museums and galleries, making its mark in parks, squares and various public spaces around the globe. In this feature, we spotlight 10 of the most remarkable public artworks by Russian artists, each a testament to their creative vision and cultural impact.

Why do Russians harass Grisha Perelman, the math genius?

Grisha Perelman, a renowned Russian math genius, is a unique national hero for his extraordinary intellect. He famously turned down a one-million-dollar prize from the Clay Mathematics Institute and now, in his 50s, leads a quiet life with his mother on the outskirts of St. Petersburg. However, his wish for privacy remains a challenge, as many struggle to honor his request to be left alone. 

Russian language

33 interesting facts about the 33 letters of the Russian alphabet

Journey with us from ‘А’ to ‘Я’ as we unveil intriguing facts about the 33 letters of the Cyrillic alphabet, which was developed in the 9th century by Greek brothers Cyril and Methodius for the Slavic world. Learn Russian letters with our witty illustrations!

Learn Russian with us

This year, we’ve started our own series of fun, short lessons for learning Russian, designed to guide you through the complexities of the language. Be it confusing verbs, suffixes or cases – we’ve got you covered. In addition, we offer tutorials – such as the one on how to order in a restaurant.

Curious about the meanings behind some weird Russian phrases? Check out our dedicated section where we decode and explain some of them.

10 English words that DON’T EXIST in Russian

The Russian language is incredibly rich and has many different expressions and words that don’t exist in other languages. However, sometimes, it surprisingly lacks equivalents for some seemingly simple English words. Intrigued to find out which words these are? Then click here!

10 must-read books by Russian female writers

A post-apocalyptic story that became a successful TV show, an autobiographical novel about surviving Stalin’s prison and a narrative akin to a “Soviet Hogwarts” for disabled kids… What else have Russian women authors written about over time? Available in both original Russian and in translations, these books are accessible to readers of all language proficiencies!