The Development of Russian Culture

Russia: The Development of Russian Culture

Russia's unique and vibrant culture developed, as did the country itself, from a complicated interplay of native Slavic cultural material and borrowings from a wide variety of foreign cultures. In the Kievan period (c. 10th–13th centuries), the borrowings were primarily from Eastern Orthodox Byzantine culture. During the Muscovite period (c. 14th–17th centuries), the Slavic and Byzantine cultural substrates were enriched and modified by Asiatic influences carried by the Mongol hordes. Finally, in the modern period (since the 18th century), the cultural heritage of western Europe was added to the Russian melting pot.

http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-38628/Russia

Changes in Russian Economy

After the fall of the Soviet Union, the Russian economy and lifestyle underwent dramatic changes. However, now it seems that Russians are getting used to the incorporation of Western ideas into their society.

"Da! To the Good Life," (elibrary)
http://elibrary.bigchalk.com/libweb/curriculum/do/document?set=search&groupid=1&requestid=lib_standard&resultid=4&edition=&ts=339371C20A6907161CD2148BC61C5192_1174329927643&urn=urn%3Abigchalk%3AUS%3BBCLib%3Bdocument%3B99253429

When one mentions Russia, many think of a snow-covered, vast land that is ruled by tradition and outdated beliefs. During Communist times, this image would have been relatively accurate, as it is well known that the rights and individual beliefs of Russians were restricted by the government. Yet, as of today, this is no longer the case. According to Liz Borod's "Da! To the Good Life," standard ideas of Russian culture have seemingly been wiped out in the past decade. Prominent international magazines, such as Vogue, Cosmo, and Glamour have hit the newsstands, and doubtlessly had an impact on the average Russian's lifestyle.

The obvious cause of this phenomenon is Russia's booming economy. Apparently, "For the past five years, it has grown an average of 6.5 percent a year." Due to this success, Russians seem to have more money than they know what to do with. "'There's no culture in Russia of saving or investing for the future..... So, as soon as Russians have money, they spend it.'" While it appears that Russians are happy with this newfound state, one cannot help but wonder what it will be like in the future. "Condé Nast plans to spend $5 million to promote Glamour. According to Condé Nast International chairman, Jonathan Newhouse, that's 'the most money ever spent in the history of the country' on a new launch." The fact that Russians spend outrageous amounts on such Western influences make the people seem somewhat desperate. If trends continue in this direction, the Russia today may be drastically different from the Russia that develops over the next 20 years. Rather than a robust country filled to the brim with history and unique culture, we may soon be looking at a country that has transformed into a modern and chic area equivalent to Paris.
(A.H.)

Ivan The Terrible

This is a famous painting from Russia's past. It was painted by Victor Vasnetsov in 1897. It depicts the Tsar Ivan the Terrible as a strong powerful leader before Russia fully developed into a somewhat civilized culture.