Let me lead you through the streets of Moscow

by Anni Pelmeni

Another square of Tverskaya street will be easy for you to spot – Pushkin square with Pushkin monument.

The poet #1 in Russia is of course Alexander Pushkin. Pushkin will be everywhere if you do any cultural or historical explorations of Moscow. There is of course Pushkin square in Moscow with the Pushkin monument. Pushkin square as we know it nowadays is the product of Stalin’s Grand Plan of Moscow’s reconstruction. Originally on this place used to be a monastery of Christ Passions and the square was called Strastnaya (aka Passions). In 1880 Pushkin monument was initially placed at the other site of Tverskaya street. It was only in 1950 that the monument was moved to its current location. There are many establishments in Moscow called after Pushkin: Pushkin cinema (as if there are movies during Pushkin lifetime) where the major premier take place; Pushkin Art Museum, Pushkin Drama Theater.

by Anni Pelmeni

Each big city has an unique atmosphere. It is not only a place where people live, it is also history preserved in stones and concrete. Politics and culture are interlinked in the old and new streets of the big cites. The propaganda and political system are reflected in the main streets where the power-related establishments are located. This is the facade of the regime, this is the means for intimidating, this is the self-reflection of history and current rulers. Someone has said that to judge the live style of people living hundred years into the future, one would just need to read a glossy magazine. To judge the political regime – one would just need to look at the façade of the city center.

My blog is all about Moscow which does have a turmoil history and has experienced multiple political paradigm changes. You are sure to find the traces of that history in the streets and buildings designs. Here I have made my first tentative hypothesis that there are 3 main trends in the nowadays Moscow streets life: the Kremlin, the Stalin’s Empire and post modern high buildings.

The Kremlin ever since 13 th century has been a symbol of monarchy, invincibility of Russian spirit and proud stance of Russian city. Moscow has never been conquered by force despite the multitude of war conflicts that took place in the feudal time. Later in 1812 Napoleon did enter Moscow after Russian army has retreated without a fight, but that did not ensure Napoleon’s victory, on the contrary it was the beginning of his downfall.

Stalin’s Empire style was supposed to represent to the rest of the world the power of Soviet regime and the high standards of Soviet life style. This architecture was created to inspire proud feelings in the hearts of Soviet people, to intimidate the enemies and to strike the allies with awe.

The post-modern creations of glass and concrete of the last 10-15 years are indeed the islands of incredible luxury in the seas of poverty. This is such a honest picture of Russia’s economic and political status quo. This is where the life beats in Moscow, this is where money flows and the major decisions are made. Wait couple of decade for this high-tech facade to become a history and they will also have a lot to tell.

Picture by Gerald

Moscow is not your typical European city. Moscow combines the traits of European merchant’s cities with a major commercial square – the Red Square was indeed a commerce place and it has a defense fort which is typical for medieval Europe. But Moscow also has Asian features with vast bazaars and public bathhouses.

What stories the streets of your city can share with you? To explore history vs politic of your city here