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Most Popular Articles
on the Russian Life Website

Most viewed articles since tracking began January 2005.

  1. The Red Tsar The life of the Soviet Union's infamous dictator, Joseph Stalin, who rose to power on November 12, 1927.
  2. Peace, Land, Bread! This was the battle cry of the 1917 October Revolution(old calendar) that would change the history of Russia and affect the entire world.
  3. Portraits of St. Petersburg (con't)
  4. Dead Souls The serf system in early 19th century Russia and writer, Nikolai Gogol.
  5. Battle of Stalingrad One million Russia lives were lost, but, Hitler was turned back and Russia can be credited with changing the tide of WWII in Europe.
  6. Tea Time in Russia Tea was brought to Russia in the 1600s from China. Since then, the brew and its implements have become an enduring tradition of Russian society. The tea ceremony itself bonds families and communities
  7. Russian Trivia Quizes Introduction to a series of interactive quizes about Russia's history, events and people.
  8. Trans-SiberianTravel Very informative pages from Study Russia regarding various travel packages on the Trans-Siberian Railway. Site also includes important visa information.
  9. 2008 Presidential Contenders Handicapping the contenders to take over for Vladimir Putin next year.
  10. Does Russia Matter? Just how important is Russia in the world?
  11. Who Are the Russians? A look at the notion of "ethnic" Russians.
  12. Post WWII Years After the end of WWII, the Western Allies saw the Soviet Union as a serious common threat. Read about the onset of the Cold War and Stalin's death.
  13. Plight of Russia's Orphans The statistics regarding Russia's orphaned and/or abandoned children are quite disturbing with Americans making up the majority of foreign adoptive parents. Reforms have been implemented but do little to improve living conditions in Russia's orphanages. What does the future hold for these children?
  14. Ded Moroz Ded Moroz; Grandfather Frost; is the Russian counterpart to the Western Santa Claus and other Gift Givers worldwide. He and his assistant, Snegurochka, continue to delight children and adults alike. In 2000, Santa Claus traveled to Russia to meet Ded Moroz for the first time!
  15. Vodka: The Miracle Drug 20 things you never knew you could do with vodka...
  16. Doctor Zhivago and Khrushchev Find out what this son of peasants turned Premier of the Soviet Union had to do with an upper class writer and his epic novel.
  17. Russian Trivia Quiz 1
  18. Cell Phone Mania A look at the astonishing rise in cell phone use in Russia. One report indicates that over 60% of Russians now have cell phones, versus just 25% two years ago...
  19. Christmastide Tradition St. Nicholas, Babouschka, Christmas Eve festivities . . . leading to Christmas on January 7th.
  20. Marriage Customs A Modern Russian Wedding: The Art of Getting Married. A look at Russian wedding traditions, past and present.
  21. Ancient Peoples of the Russian Steppes Part IV of this feature
  22. Tea Time in Russia More tea, the samovar and tea recipe.
  23. Byzantine Catholic Church in Russia Examination of the history of this Christian tradition, which is in full communion with the Church of Rome.
  24. Leo Tolstoy Learn about the varied life of this Russian writer, born to nobility and author of "War and Peace" and "Anna Karenina".
  25. Zero in Russia In the May/June 2007 issue of Russian Life, Mikhail Ivanov's column on the use of "zero," "null," etc. in Russian slang got us wondering: just when and how was the concept and notation of zero introduced into Russian. We could find nothing in our printed references or anywhere online. So we polled some experts. Below we reprint two excellent replies we received.
  26. Russian Spas Russia's history of taking to the spas, in the shadow of military conflict.
  27. Women's Day? A look at the origins of International Womens Day (March 8), how it was celebrated in Soviet times, and how it is changing today.
  28. Death of a Dynasty Who really killed the Romanovs? Read about the survivors of the royal household.
  29. Wine Embargo Russia puts a cork in wine imports from Georgia and Moldova. Are the reasons political or otherwise?
  30. Plight of Russia's Orphans Part II of this article
  31. Nikita S. Khrushchev The political life, attempted reforms and ultimate fall of Stalin's successor. Khruschchev is known for de-Stalinizing the Soviet Union, but, also, for the Cuban Missile Crisis and failed, near impossible reforms within his own country. Kruschchev became prime minister on March 27, 1958.
  32. Chechyna; Land of Conflict Republic of Chechyna, Russia; ancient ethnic conflict in modern times.
  33. Prianiki for the Holidays Brief history of Russian prianiki (gingerbread) and a traditional recipe to enjoy during the holidays or anytime throughout the year; especially with a nice hot pot of tea!
  34. Russian Genealogy A comprehensive guide, with loads of links, for getting started searching for your family roots.
  35. Sex and the Future of Russian Society Abortion, HIV/AIDS and Russia's infant mortality rates are on the increase. At the same time, the nation's birthrate and population growth are dramatically decreasing with many children being adopted abroad.
  36. Russian Spas II Who goes to Russian spas, and why?
  37. Emancipation Edict of Alexander II English text of Tsar Alexander II's Emancipation Edict (March 3, 1861).
  38. Demographic Myths Much of the current debate on Russia’s demographic situation is nonsense. Russia is not going to disappear from the map because of its shrinking population. It’s not going to lose territory to the Chinese, it’s not going to be overrun by hostile armies, and it’s not going to be taken over by those swarthy immigrants from the South. Neither Russia nor the Russian narod are going the way of the Dodo any time soon.
  39. Blini Traditions of this, so called, Russian pancake and several authentic recipes.
  40. Space Race II? On the 45th anniversary of the first manned space flight, Russia lays out an ambitious space plan. 
  41. Russian Ladies in Space Soviet cosmonauts Valentina Tereshkova and Svetlana Svitskaya made history when they were the first woman in space and first woman to walk in space, respectfully. Elena V. Kondakova represents the new age of Russian Federation cosmonauts as a member of the US/Russian STS-84 crew.
  42. Hermitage Cats A look at the cats that guard one of the world's great museums.
  43. Alexander I and Napoleon's ill-fated trip to Russia. In the summer of 1812, Napoleon Bonaparte, Emperor of France, and his army marched into Moscow. This resulted in one of the turning point in Tsar Alexander I's reign. Napoleon began his retreat from Moscow on November 12, 1812.
  44. Is a New Cold War Brewing? Where we interview Sergei Rogov, a top Russian expert and government advisor, on the past, present and future of US-Russian relations.
  45. Easter Reborn Easter survived by stealth and cunning through the Soviet era. Now it is making a triumphant comeback in Russia as the country grasps religion anew.
  46. Russian Email Habits Why is it that Russians don't answer email?
  47. The Saami's Story The Saami people (Russian population: 1,800) struggle to survive as a small national group in Russia.
  48. Mealtime in Russia Find out what the traditional Russian mealtime fare is.
  49. Nikita S. Khrushchev Part III of this feature
  50. Matryoshka ~ Soul of Russia The history and traditions surrounding matryoshka; Russian nesting dolls; Russia's most sought after folkart souvenir.
  51. The Yeltsin Legacy As Russia readies for its first, post-Yeltsin presidential election, Yeltsin biographer Leon Aron offers thoughts on the Russian leader's legacy.
  52. Voloshin Poems Translator Constantine Rusanov has crafted thes wonderful English versions of 11 of Maximilian Voloshin's poems. They are reprinted here with permission. The copyright to the English versions remains with Mr. Rusanov. To see the English translations alongside the original Russian, download this PDF file.
  53. Maxim Gorky The turbulent life of this Russian author{1868-1936}, his experience with oppression and involvement in the Russian revolution make him one of his country's most loved and important writers. Gorky was born March 28, 1868.
  54. Supersonic Flight Meet the TU-144, Russia's achievement, albeit short lived, in supersonic flight. On Dec. 31, 1968, Russia's TU-144 supersonic airliner made its first flight, several months ahead of the Anglo-French Concorde.
  55. Ancient Peoples of the Russian Steppes Scythians, Sarmatians, Amazons; all ancient inhabitants of Russia's southern steppes. These Mesopotamic, nomadic tribes were feared warriors and accomplished horsemen who warded off the mightiest rulers including Darius and Alexander.
  56. Pulp Fiction for the Summer Looking for something Russian to read this summer? Here are our picks. For more reading ideas, follow this link for a list of all books we have reviewed in our department "Under Review."
  57. Jarkov Mammoth Finding the remains of the prehistoric giant mammoth in the far reaches of northern Siberia is not an unusual occurrence. Bones and tusks reveal themselves when the permafrost thaws. However, the discovery of an intact mammoth is something for scientists to get excited about.
  58. BAM Veteran Verbatim text of an online interview with Rashit Yahin. Mr. Yahin was born in 1936, was educated in Moscow as an engineer and worked from 1978 to 1990 on construction of BAM. From 1990 to 1994 he worked as head of the tourism department in the Severobaikalsk Railway Department of BAM. In December 1994, he suffered a stroke that paralyzed his right side. He now is largely confined to a wheelchair, but that has not stopped him working. He actively works to promote tourism to the Baikal region and arranges private and independent travel there (see end of article for contact info). The interview is presented in its entirely, without any redactions or corrections.
  59. Portraits of St. Petersburg Thirty years ago, Valentin Baranovsky began to take pictures of both everyday life and major events in his home town. This became a unique one-man artistic project to document three decades of St.Petersburg life. The photographs, to be presented in book form and through exhibitions, date from 1970 to 2000.
  60. Drinking in Russia Customs and traditions regarding the consumption of water, tea and vodka.
  61. Alexandra and the Romanovs The last Tsarina of Russia and her role in the fall of the dynasty.
  62. After Stalingrad (con't)
  63. From Devushka to Babushka, Non-Stop Russian offers a peculiar conundrum when it comes to addressing strangers. We tackle the issue head on.
  64. St. Basil the Blessed St. Basil the Blessed is both a well known Moscow landmark and cherished saint. Learn about the ten pillars of the cathedral and what it means to be a 'fool for Christ.'
  65. Russian Trivia Quiz 2
  66. Doukhobors of Russia Part III of this feature
  67. Kievan Rus' and the Church The origin of the Rurik Dynasty and introduction of the Orthodox Church.
  68. Andrey Rublev The author of the Old Testament Trinityicon; his life and other works.
  69. Music During the Soviet Regime Great composers of 20th century Russia. This feature includes four MIDI sound files of well-known works.
  70. Soviet Foreign Policy - Pt. 2 This installment begins with events leading up to Barbarossa, Soviet Russia's contributions to the defeat of Hitler, the Yalta Conference and defeat of Japan.
  71. Women Combat Aviators of the Patriotic War Told that the Rodina was not in so bad a shape that she needed girls to protect her, these future heroes were sent home to their mothers. Soon, they were called back and became a crucial element in the protection of their homeland and victory over Nazi Germany.
  72. Ancient Peoples of the Russian Steppes Part II of this feature
  73. Century of Rebellion; Years of Tsar Alexi After the Time of Troubles and the beginning of the Romanov Dynasty (1613), Russia saw a century characterized by rebellion and war.
  74. Nikita S. Khrushchev Part II of this feature
  75. After Stalingrad By 1942, Stalin figured the strength of the Nazi army was beginning to wane and that he, finally, would have a strategic advantage. Stalin planned to liberate Leningrad and establish strongholds at Sevastopol and Kharkov.
  76. 100 Young Russians to Watch The third in our series of profiles of 100 Young Russians to Watch. Link through the title of the article for a list of all 100 of the individuals.
  77. Russian Trivia Quiz 3
  78. Portraits of St. Petersburg (con't)
  79. 100 Young Russians to Watch What does it take to not just succeed, but to excel in Russia today? These ten young Russians--from a neurosurgeon to a broadcaster, from an art gallery owner to a legal reformer--offer distinctly personal answers to this important question. This is the eighth in our nine part series. Link through the title of the article for a list of all 100 of the individuals.
  80. Russian Pascha Easter is the most important celebration of the Russian Orthodox Church. Find out what constitutes a traditional Pascha meal and read the Patriarch's message.
  81. Anton Chekhov A brief look at the life and works of Russia's famous writer and dramatist.
  82. St. Grand Duchess Elizabeth How did the grand-daughter of Queen Victoria and sister to the Tsarina end up a martyred nun?
  83. Origins of the Slavic Cross The Cross is the universal symbol of Christianity, thanks to Constantine. The Slavic Cross is unique in that it has three, not one, crossbars. Learn the rich symbology of this symbol.
  84. The Battle on the Ice For the first time in over 100 years, the World Figure Skating Championships are taking place in Russia, home to the world’s best skaters. You won’t believe the back story...
  85. Russian Ladies of the Avant-garde More images of avant-garde works
  86. Kremlin Ghosts Hidden behind the walls of Moscow’s ancient fortress are phantoms and shades from centuries gone by.
  87. Russian Orthodox Christmas The Church's celebration of the Nativity is on January 7th; information about the Feasts of Christ's coming into the world and Scripture readings for the services and Liturgies.
  88. Gorbachev Turns 75 A look back at the heady Gorbachev era, a time of rationing and glasnost, perestroika and cooperatives, when everything seemed possible.
  89. Moving Pictures The masters of Russian and Soviet animation rank among the world's greatest artists of the genre. But not many outside the industry know their names or have ever seen their work.
  90. Fall in the Morning, Winter in the Afternoon The change from summer to fall invokes many rituals and holidays. The holiday of Pokrov is rich with traditions of marriage.
  91. Books, Virtually Where to find Russian books online, from full-text stories and novels, to real ink and paper books you can order from online stores. For links noted in the article, see: this page.
  92. The Forgotten Ones By some estimates, there are 2,000,000 orphans in Russia. We look at their lives and some of the things Russians are doing to improve them.
  93. White Ribbon Victory Do recent nationwide demonstrations in Russia signal a new faith in public action to foment political change?
  94. Weather Across Russia Check current conditions and forecasts for several Russian cities.
  95. Russian Ladies in Space Part II of this feature takes a look at Svetlana SavitskayaElena V. Kondakova
  96. 100 Young Russians to Watch The second in our series of articles on 100 Young Russians to Watch. Link through the title of the article for a list of all 100 of the individuals.
  97. Portraits of St. Petersburg (con't)
  98. Last Mic Standing Broadcasters free of state control are as rare in Russia as peach trees in Moscow. Ekho Moskvy Radio is a notable holdout.
  99. Demographic Woes Russia's population is in steady decline. So you would think it natural that the country would welcome immigrant workers. You'd think...
  100. Nazi - Soviet Nonaggression Pact - 1939 English text of the Nazi-Soviet Pact of August 23, 1939.