The transformation of the identity of the Karelian Isthmus of Russia

Abstrakti

I search for elements behind the current collective
experience(s) of the population of the Karelian
Isthmus in Russia. I examine the matter through the
changes in the common collective identity or identities,
and through continuity. Permanent features include
the location of the area on a national and cultural
boundary, and the nature of the Isthmus which
the occupational life of people is built on. Industrial
life on the Isthmus has recently gone through radical
changes, but in keeping with the characteristics
of the area. After the fall of the Soviet Union, the
emphasis of the industrial life on the Karelian Isthmus
has started to turn to tourism and recreational
activities instead of agriculture. Furthermore, historically,
the isthmus has been inhabited by Finno-Ugric
and Slavic groups. The ethnicity of the isthmus has
lately included new aspects from southern immigrants.
The building of the new collective experience
and new interpretations of history on the place of
the old Soviet identity has also been impacted by
the renaissance of religiousness in Russia, which has
introduced Russian Orthodox features to the area.
This is demonstrated by the numerous Orthodox
churches constructed in the area recently.