History of Russian culture

Most Russian historians divide the Russian culture into several periods:

Culture of Ancient Rus (989-1480)

The years of the Middle Ages in Russia are from the adoption of Christianity in 989 until the early 19th century. The period lasted longer in Russia than in Europe. Byzantine Empire heavily influenced Russian culture with the construction of cathedrals but Russia's size let pagan practices last for several centuries in rebellious principalities. The conversion brought with it translated literature which created a renaissance in Russian writing traditions. It also led to closer ties to European countries and the Roman empire which began influencing Russian architecture in the 11th century creating a synthesis of ideas and styles.

An invasion by Batu Khan (1237-1240) was the turning point in history of Russia. It established authoritarian rule with imposed principles of universal subordination and undivided authority, which drastically differed Russian state system and its politics from those of Western Europe from this time on. It took Russia until the late 13th century to recover economically. The early 14th century brought the northeastern lands under the leadership of a Vladimirian border fortress called Moscow which was in competition with Tver for another century. The mid-15th century saw a civil war for the position of Grand Prince in Moscow. Ivan III united Russia around Moscow and defeated the Golden Horde at the Great standing on the Ugra river in 1480 to give rise to the sovereign Russian state.

Culture of Muscovy (1480-1703)

Influenced by western ideas under Peter the Great.

Russian culture of 18th century (1703-1801)

Westernization of Russian culture through Peter I's reforms

Russian culture of 19th century (1801-1914)

Upper Classes in Russia spoke French, some even as their first language, which became a problem during Napoleon's invasion.

Golden Age of Russian Poetry and Russian LiteraturePushkin, Lermontov

Russian culture of 20th century

Silver Age of Russian Literature

Russian avant garde (1914-1932)

Silver Age of Russian Poetry

Culture of Communist enthusiasm (1917-1932)

Constructivism

Russian emigrant culture

The Gesher Theater‎ in Israel was founded by Russian emigres to bring Russian theatrical traditions to the Israeli public. [ Defending Identity: Its Indispensable Role in Protecting Democracy, by Natan Sharansky, 2008, pp 139ff. ]

Stalinist period (1932–1953)

Socialist Realism

Post-stalinist period (1953-1991)

With the death of Stalin, there was a new sense of optimism in the Soviet Union with a brief flowering of a more liberal, open culture.

Post-Soviet period (1991-present)

The Culture of Russia includes:
*Culture of the Soviet Union
*Culture of Russia
*Russian humour
*Soviet art

References