Transformation of local identities in peripheral districts of large Post-Socialist cities (A case of Yasenevo, Moscow, Russia)

P. 147–147.

Alexander Mikhaylov, Varvara Molodtsova, Mariia Kveladze, Denis Kiryukhin

Territorial identity is considered to be not a static phenomenon, but a process. Its change in time depends on many factors, due to the particular structure of the local cultural landscape. Most of the districts located on the periphery of large post-Soviet cities demonstrate a low extent of residental involvement in representation of local identity (Borén, 2009). The lack of emblematic places with the prevalence of standardized architecture make them “placeless” in the eyes of residents (Vendina, 2013).

The purpose of our research is to study the manifestation of local identity in Yasenevo (a district in the south of Moscow, combining the typical aspects of urban periphery with huge hidden potential of local cultural landscape) and the impact of urban post-socialist transformation on it. The methods include a series of in-depth semi-structured interviews with residents.

The system of Yasenevo’s spatial representations includes already formed layers of internal identity associated with the unique planning structure of the area, the presence of two old estates, remoteness from the center of Moscow and a separate position between park areas, as well as some other aspects of local history. It has changed rapidly during the post-socialist transformations. The role of places of economic activity concentration, especially the key local center at the “Yasenevo” metro station has increased dramatically. Some material characteristics of the area turned into representational: despite the improved transport accessibility, Yasenevo continues to be perceived as an “isolated” urban entity (Carr, Servon, 2008; Hayden, 1997), and many residents living here since the 1970-1980s, still imagine the district as “young” although demographic statistics indicates high rates of population ageing.

Keywords: Post-Socialist transformations, local identity, vernacular regions, city periphery

Publication based on the results of: Комплексное культурно-географическое исследование удалённых городских районов как инструмент стимулирования локальных идентичностей и брендинга территорий (2019)

In book

CAT-ference 2019: 8th International Urban Geographies of Post-Communist States Conference: Book of abstracts

., 2019.