October 26, 2025

Who Doesn't Love a Good Map?


Who Doesn't Love a Good Map?
Any chance to look at old maps, we will take. The Russian Life files.

Mapheads, rejoice! At an October 23 meeting of the Russian Geographical Society, President Vladimir Putin stressed the importance of education in the fields of geography, history, and cultural heritage, going to far as to call for 2027 to be a nationwide "Year of Geography."

"Patriotism, a sense of belonging to the Motherland, and responsibility for its future are born from knowledge of its history, geography, and the cultural and natural heritage," said Putin, "Considering the contribution of our geographers of different eras to the strengthening of the state and the highest importance of geographical science, I ask the government to work towards the possibility of making 2027 the Year of Geography."

The Year of Geography would, according to Russian state media, likely include programs for children, as well as the opening of a geography museum.

But a Russian celebration of geography, especially one promoted by Putin, is not mere innocent cartophilia. As his quote makes clear, the purpose of promoting a knowledge and appreciation of Russian geography, especially among kids, is building a sense of patriotism.

As Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine continues, any avenue to building patriotism is welcome, even if it weaves through some yellowing maps.

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