Ethno-Cultural Aspects of Siberian Regional Identity (Late 20th to the First Decades of the 21st Century)

Ethno-Cultural Aspects of Siberian Regional Identity (Late 20th to the First Decades of the 21st Century)

doi:10.17746/1563-0110.2025.53.2.126-133

O.N. Shelegina and G.M. Zaporozhchenko
Institute of History, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Nikolaeva 8, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia

Using the social constructivist paradigm, we analyze the model of Siberian regional identity, focusing on the ethno-cultural aspects, shaped by sociocultural practices relating to institutes such as museums and theaters and by integrated forms such as cultural projects, festivals, etc., constructing ethnic identity in the late 20th to the first decades of the 21st century. The role of landscape and ethnographic museums, which introduce natural and cultural legacy to the public, in modeling and translating collective and individual identity is highlighted. Theatrical performances in natural languages and ethnographic festivals contribute to the construction of regional identity and strengthen the idea of Siberia as part of the Russian state. We describe symbolic interpretations of Siberian images, enhanced by festivals, tourism, etc. Municipal authorities, regional cultural centers, and theatrical performances shape and propagate the image of “manifold Siberia”.

Keywords: Model of regional identity, social constructivism, Siberia, sociocultural practices, construction of regional identity, ethno-cultural aspect of regional identity