Yes to the “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” reference!
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Comment on Portrait of Imperial Russia by A. Nelson
I agree with Caroline about the theme of your post and about the compelling image of the melon vendor. This is one of those images that reminds us that the Russian Empire was just that — an empire comprised of many ethnic groups besides Russians and covering vast swatches of territory in Central Asia beyond Russia itself.
Comment on 1st stop: The Emir of Bukhara by A. Nelson
What a great idea to link to place descriptors on Google maps! Seeing how central Zindan was / is to the city of Bukhara really gives you pause. What do you think of the other posts that explore life in Samarkand and other places along the silk road?
Comment on Russia’s Great Divide by A. Nelson
I agree that the rural-urban divide is key to understanding the changes in Imperial Russia that lead to the revolutions in the 20th century. Check out Rachel’s post with a wonderful image of agrarian life and more reflections on the changes brought about by the emancipation of the serfs here: https://20thcenturyrussiarachelh.wordpress.com/2018/01/20/community-within-a-divided-country/
Comment on A Carpenter Tells All by A. Nelson
I agree with Dalton — Your discussion of the man in the photograph raises really interesting and important questions about ethnicity, empire, and religion in the early twentieth century. It’s intriguing to think about the linguistic differences between non-Russian ethnic groups in the empire — in this case, Uzbek (Turkish) and Dari (Persian). And I think Dalton raises an important question about the potential for religious and ethnic differences to cause conflict in times of stress (like World War I). (You did mean WWI in this post, right?) I really enjoyed reading this!
Comment on Three Generations by A. Nelson
I think you’re right — it’s unlikely that cultural influence worked only through clothing and not in the realm of ideas as well. You’ve given us lots to think about here — there’s definitely more to the photograph than meets the eye. For another perspective in a similar vein, check out Cameron’s post here: https://thensoviet.wordpress.com/2018/01/18/the-generation-gap-the-visualization-of-western-influence/
Comment on Blog 1 – Murmansk Railroad by A. Nelson
There’s so much here! What do you think about the scale of this undertaking? Petersburg to Murmansk is a long journey! 1,300 kilometers — and through a pretty formidable climate. I note that the photograph was taken in the summer, so while bugs were probably an issue, at least snow and wind were not. I’m going to say that it took “a lot” of effort to move the handcart, and that they mainly used it for short distances between stations.
Comment on The Melon Vendor by A. Nelson
What a compelling image you chose! Your vivid description of the melon vendor really captures the imagination. I wonder, though, about whether the photograph highlights a contradiction between traditional and more modern economic patterns, or if the melon vendor was the norm for early twentieth-century (pre-Soviet) Uzbekistan? (Also, great blog title!)
Comment on The Divine Penitentiary: Solovetskii Monastery’s Solemn History by A. Nelson
Monasteries and political prisoners — what a combination! I really appreciate how you’ve delved into the past (and “future”) of Prokudin-Gorsky’s photographs. And charting the monastery’s association with political repression — going back to Ivan the Terrible — really makes you pause.How do you think local residents regard the monastery now?
I’m so glad you found that terrific source in the Current Digest from Moskovkie novosti about the film Solovetsky Power. It’s a very compelling documentary — and it’s on YouTube! https://youtu.be/2MKp0WL8Fgk
Good job citing the source of your image. Also, I love the title of this post!
Comment on The Russian Cowboy and the Murmansk Railroad by A. Nelson
That’s great that Nhi is writing about the Murmask Railroad and found your post! I’m intrigued by the essay on the railways during the revolution you cite by Anthony Haywood. First of all — what a good find! Second — what do you think about Haywood’s argument — or rather the questions he asks about the role of the transportation system (and railroads in particular) in the revolutions of 1917?
