Culturocide in the Context of Russian Colonization of Crimea: Testimonies of Travelers in the First Half of the 19th Century

Abstract

The aim is to reconstruct the actions of the Russian Empire aimed at the destruction of ancient and Muslim cultural monuments as a means of legitimizing its presence in annexed Crimea, based on the interpretation of travelogue authors. 

Methodology. The research analyzes the Russian imperial policy towards colonized territories, particularly the Crimean Tatars, through the lens of the conceptual frameworks of M. Hechter and R. Suny. Special attention is given to the phenomenon of cultural genocide, examined within the framework of R. Lemkin’s concept. The analysis of European travellers’ accounts reveals the systematic nature of the destruction of Crimea’s cultural heritage by the Russian Empire. The destruction of mosques, aqueducts, and other historical sites is considered part of a broader strategy of subjugation and Russification of the region. 

Scientific novelty. This study contributes to the understanding of the scale and methods of cultural colonization in Crimea, using the destruction of Crimean Tatar cultural heritage as a case study. 

Findings. Based on an analysis of travelogues by travellers of the first half of the 19th century it has been established that Russian authorities implemented a series of violent measures aimed at asserting their dominance in the region. These measures included the destruction of public buildings and religious structures, the demolition of aqueducts and fountains, the desecration of graves, and the looting of ancient monuments. The deliberate destruction of cultural heritage sought to erase the historical memory of Crimea’s peoples and disrupt their cultural continuity. Given the scale and nature of these actions, the authors argue that they can be classified as exhibiting genocidal intent or even constituting genocide itself. The Tsarist regime sought to integrate the region into its construct of the Russian space, distorting history and filling the imperial void with its own myths and ideological constructs.