There is no denying that Russia is a country riddled with
controversy. Political corruption, powerful displays of military muscle and
some questionable human rights laws are just a handful of the polemic issues
that surround the country. I cannot condone many of Russia’s recent actions, be
it the nation’s haphazard military intervention in Syria or the stance on LGBT
equality. However, I would argue that the international response to these
issues has been shambolic, demonstrating a total unawareness of Russian culture
and customs. In short, the issues have been exacerbated by serious diplomatic
misjudgements.
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| A brooding Tomsk skyline |
In my opinion, relations with Russia are characterised by
misunderstandings and a lack of communication. But rather than debate the many
political controversies, I would prefer to focus on a cultural one. The notion
that Moscow and St Petersburg provide the bulk of Russian culture and the most
authentic ‘Russian experience’ is one that troubles me. In the same way that
there is far more to France than just Paris, Russia comprises a wealth of
cultural and natural beauty beyond its western metropolises. However, while
visitors to France have ventured from the rugged seclusion of Normandy to the
ostentatious exuberance of the Mediterranean south, some of Russia’s finest gems remain relatively undiscovered.
Russia offers remarkable variety. Given its size, this is
hardly surprising, but it is perhaps not widely acknowledged. Sochi, best known
for hosting the Winter Olympics in 2014, doubles up as a holiday destination on
the Black Sea. Siberia is famous for harsh temperatures and vast, snowy plains,
but the biggest threats in summer are the scorching sun and mosquitoes. The
Altai Mountains line the border to China, Mongolia and Kazakhstan with majestic
serenity, while the jagged, ominous landscape of the Caucasus reflects the
region’s political climate.
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| Lake Teletskoye backing onto the Altai Mountains |
Exploring Russia’s vast wilderness is challenging.
Ludicrously long distances mean that, realistically, a weekend break in the
Caucasus is not a viable option. Furthermore, rural Russia can be a peculiar
place and some knowledge of Russian is essential. In cities, there is a far
greater likelihood of finding English speakers to offer some assistance. However, there
is no definitively ‘Russian’ city. Some are products of attractive 17th
century architecture, while others are victims of rapid Soviet
industrialisation. Tomsk thrived, whereas Novosibirsk suffered. Yekaterinburg
sits proudly as the gateway to Siberia, whose reach extends to the Orthodox
architecture of Krasnoyarsk, the domed churches of Irkutsk and the far-flung
Golden Horn Bay of Vladivostok.
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| The River Yenisei slices through Krasnoyarsk |
Russia undoubtedly has many flaws. Political and social
issues are rightly scrutinised by the media, but culturally and geographically,
the country is diverse, varied and an enthralling place to visit. Embrace the tradition, embrace the culture and disparage the myths. Visit Russia.
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| One of Irkutsk's many domes |
