Points of Russia: Exploring the Land of the Tsars

Examining the Role of Newspapers and Magazines in Russia From cartoons to celebrity news, there is no shortage of ways to stay informed about all the current happenings and trends in Russia. Newspapers and magazines, in particular, play a major role in informing the public. But what is the history of news publications in Russia, and what kind of content do they contain today? Let’s explore the role of newspapers and magazines in Russia. Tracing the Origins of Newspapers and Magazines in Russia Newspapers and magazines started appearing in Russia as early as the 17th century, with the first printed newspaper, the Vedomosti, arriving in 1703. This was followed by the establishment of the first magazine in 1711, the Moskovskie Vedomosti. From that early date and throughout the centuries, news publications in Russia has been closely controlled by the government. This was especially true in the 19th century, during the Imperial dynasty of the Romanovs, when strict censorship was imposed o...

Examining the Increasing Influence of Urbanization in Russia In recent decades, the impact of urbanization in Russia has been immense. The country's cities are increasingly becoming the go-to destinations for many, with more and more people moving out of rural areas to pursue their dreams. In many ways, this has changed the nature of how people view and interact with their communities, and even their country as a whole. But what is it about the urbanization process in Russia that is leading to its increased popularity? Urbanization in Russia started in the late 19th century, with the country's industrialization. Since then, the population in urban areas has grown rapidly. By the turn of the 21st century, approximately 74% of Russia's population lived in metropolitan areas. This number has been steadily increasing since then, with recent studies predicting that by 2050, 87% of Russia's population will be living in cities. This trend of urbanization has had several impli...

Unravelling the Mysteries of Russian Customs Russia is a vast land with a rich and vivid culture. This culture is reflected in the Russian customs and traditions, which are full of symbols and meanings. Visitors may find themselves perplexed and curious trying to unravel the mysterious customs and traditions of this Slavic country. When travelling to Russia, one must expect that much of their journey will depend on understanding and navigating some of the local cultural practices. In this article, we are going to take a closer look at a few of the traditions and customs that visitors need to know about when visiting Russia. The Drinking Culture When asked about the drinking culture in Russia, most people know that vodka is the de facto alcoholic beverage. While vodka may be the most popular, it's far from the only popular alcoholic-of-choice. Beer is the second-most popular and is a source of pride for the country. Wines from the Krasnodar and Crimea regions, as well as other r...

Taking in a Ballet Performance in Moscow For many centuries, ballet has been a great source of pride and enjoyment in Russia — a tradition inextricably linked with the aristocratic elite of this fascinating country. Going to a ballet performance in Moscow is an unforgettable experience and one that anyone who is serious about culture should consider. So what can you expect if you make the excursion to the Bolshoi Theater? It's said that ballet was born in the Royal Court of the Tsars in the sixteenth century, but the ballet company of the Imperial Court was not established until 1738. It is in the magnificent Bolshoi Theater that ballet performances are usually held. From the moment you enter the theater you are drawn into the history and grandeur of the great ballets as you ascend the palatial staircase, reach the upper-level halls and find your seat with the resplendent chandeliers overhead. The performance itself is an experience of unparalleled beauty and grace. The music is...