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Russia's Far North: Beyond the Polar Circle with Vladimir Ivanov

Russia's Far North: Beyond the Polar Circle with Vladimir Ivanov


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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

The seminar is dedicated to one of the most interesting destinations in a fascinating, yet lesser-known region of Russian Arctics. We’re going to virtually explore the various locations beyond the Polar Circle, analyzing their complicated history, nature, and arts as we transport ourselves to the extreme north of Russia.

We’ll begin our virtual journey at the ancient city of Archangel; a city that for centuries served as the only sea-port for the vast country of Russia. Birthplace of the Russian navy, the city is surrounded by villages famous for its folk crafts, such as Mezen painting (the inspiration behind painters such as Vasily Kandinsky). From Archangel, we will move on to the monastery of Solovky. We’ll learn how it was founded on a remote island in the White Sea in the fifteenth century and is still the most northern monastery in the world. We’ll also discuss how the monastery was the location of the first Soviet prison camp (GULAG) in the 1930s.

Next, we will move on to the industrial giant – the biggest Arctic city in the world, Murmansk. We’ll learn how this city is home to 10 Russian nuclear ice-breaker ships (one being a museum) and how the Allies sent military equipment for the USSR during World War II. At the end of the journey, we will visit the Yamal Peninsula, where a huge population of nomadic reindeer herders pursues their traditional lifestyle in the twenty-first century.

Led by St Petersburg based art historian and keen traveler himself, Vladimir Ivanov, this interactive seminar presents a historical and geographical overview of the Russian Arctics. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased knowledge of the history of the region and its significance for Russia and the world.

Holding an MA in Classics, Vladimir is a published author, exhibition curator, and acclaimed Context Tour Guide. He has made several guest appearances on podcasts with topics connected to the History of the Russian Revolution – as well as Photography.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 8 reviews
88%
(7)
13%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
J
John K (Washington, US)
Another Fascinating Place to Visit From Afar

Mr. Ivanov takes you to part of Russia and the world you've heard or read about but are unlikely to visit. Like all such places, they're fun to get to know.

T
T (Tempe, US)
Review

Excellent lecture that will give you new appreciation for places you may not be familiar with

B
Beverly (Burlington, US)
So interesting

I loved this peek into a part of the world I know nothing about. It was really great to learn about the peoples and the wildlife and would have appreciated even more.

E
Ellen
Far Out Far North

Made me want to visit the Far North!! Thoughtful and knowledgeable mix of history, culture and art focused on four cities/regions. Good follow up reading list. Vladimir is frustrated he’s losing his English due to lack of use this year, but he speaks clearly and well despite a decided accent. I’ll be back for more of his tours because his specialty is Soviet art.

S
Susan Gottlieb
A Fascinating Place to Explore

I knew absolutely nothing about Russia's Far North - Vladimir gave a wonderful presentation of the region, so many interesting sites to explore from wooden cabins to a monastery to a Nuclear icebreaker. A fascinating seminar.

Customer Reviews

Based on 8 reviews
88%
(7)
13%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
J
John K (Washington, US)
Another Fascinating Place to Visit From Afar

Mr. Ivanov takes you to part of Russia and the world you've heard or read about but are unlikely to visit. Like all such places, they're fun to get to know.

T
T (Tempe, US)
Review

Excellent lecture that will give you new appreciation for places you may not be familiar with

B
Beverly (Burlington, US)
So interesting

I loved this peek into a part of the world I know nothing about. It was really great to learn about the peoples and the wildlife and would have appreciated even more.

E
Ellen
Far Out Far North

Made me want to visit the Far North!! Thoughtful and knowledgeable mix of history, culture and art focused on four cities/regions. Good follow up reading list. Vladimir is frustrated he’s losing his English due to lack of use this year, but he speaks clearly and well despite a decided accent. I’ll be back for more of his tours because his specialty is Soviet art.

S
Susan Gottlieb
A Fascinating Place to Explore

I knew absolutely nothing about Russia's Far North - Vladimir gave a wonderful presentation of the region, so many interesting sites to explore from wooden cabins to a monastery to a Nuclear icebreaker. A fascinating seminar.