Themes

Processes of ethnicity amongst the indigenous peoples of the North were studied by Erich Kasten in relation to the Itelmen within the framework of a project financed by the German Research Foundation DFG, and were featured in lectures at the Freie Universität Berlin in the 1990s. Many themes and results that are presented on this website originate in these, as claims for self-determination and cultural reaffirmation during Perestroika concerned almost all social and cultural domains, which is shown, among others, at the example of the Itelmens. Similar developments were later discussed also for other peoples of the North at a conference at the Max Planck Institute in Halle/Saale.

The life memories of older people reflect how situations and changes in their immediate environment have been perceived and felt by them since early childhood. Such a subjective view of recent social developments thus complements socio-political historical writing, which is based on supposedly objective facts, although it is subject to the respective Zeitgeist. Since these life memories have been recorded in the respective indigenous languages wherever possible, these documentations also serve to preserve endangered languages. So far, examples are given here for Yukaghir and Itelmen.

In addition to the North, other historical and political discourses with a special reference to Russia and Eastern Europe are also presented here. This collection of texts, edited by Ulrich Kastern, contains the memories of survivors of the Ravensbrück Concentration Camp. More essays and documents provide the historical context of the testimonies of contemporary witnesses. Additional book publications can be accessed in the series contemporary history.

In view of the current situation in Ukraine, the Foundation for Siberian Cultures is particularly concerned to maintain and, as far as possible, continue to foster long-standing close ties with Eastern Europe and Siberia. This also concerns support for refugees and people living there who are in need.