DOI: 10.15507/2076-2577.011.2019.02.168-182
The Republic of Mordovia: historical description of image background
Desyaev Dmitry G.
Postgraduate student, Research fellow,
Research Center «Political Analysis of Territorial Systems»,
National Research Mordovia State University
(Saransk, Russia), exprise@mail.ru
Napalkova Irina G.
Candidate Sc. {History}, Associate Professor,
Department of General History, Political Science and Regional Studies,
National Research Mordovia State University
(Saransk, Russia), zamisi@yandex.ru
Introduction. The formation of the territorial image of the region popularize and present the territory in a positive light. The conditions available in the Republic of Mordovia for creating a successful image, especially historical-cultural and natural zones, allow creating a recognizable and attractive image of the Republic not only for the residents of Russia, but also abroad. primarily in the countries of the Finno-Ugric world, with which -cultural factor for interaction and cooperation. Building the image to a large extent is based on the historical aspect of the image background, which is inseparable from the rich Finno-Ugric culture and geographical diversity of the territory, while historical and cultural objects contribute to creating the attractive image of the region. History plays a fundamental role in creating a recognizable image, without it, it is impossible to build a meaningful view of the republic.
Materials and Methods. The main research approaches were the historical-evolutionary method, the hermeneutic and axiological paradigms, the systems approach, and the elements of the theory of dependence on previous development. Among the applied methods the authors used a focus-group study, a case study, and an expert survey. The materials of the survey «Republic of Mordovia: problems and prospects for the formation of the image of the region» were employed.
Results and Discussion. Mordovia has a long history, when Mordovian territorial units joined vast family of peoples living in Russia. The attainment of statehood by Mordovia in the 20th century was a significant step in preserving the distinctive culture and eventful memory of the region. Rich tourist and recreational potential, geographical location, natural resources, natural and water objects protected by the state, myths and legends, important historical events, preserved cultural and historical objects, folk traditions and customs have not lost their originality and can be a significant basis for the formation and promotion of a positive image of the Republic of Mordovia and can help to level existing negative stereotypes about the region as “territories of prisons and camps”, “provinces with a low standard of living, culture and education”, etc.
Conclusion. The existing image background of Mordovia can become the basis of a unique positive image of the region, turning it into a well-known and popular brand. Adequate building of a regional image by each of the subjects of Russia, in turn, will help create a positive view of the state itself in the international arena.
Key words: territory image; region; background; image potential; development strategy; Republic of Mordovia.
Acknowledgements: The research is conducted with assistance of the Russian Foundation of Basic Research and the Government of Republic of Mordovia, the project “Modern Region in Focus of the political imagology (on the example of the Republic of Mordovia)” project (No. 18-411-130012 r_a).
For citation: Desyaev DG, Napalkova IG. The Republic of Mordovia: historical description of image background. Finno-ugorskii mir = Finno-Ugric World. 2019; 2: 48–62. (In Russian)
