The transformation of the identity of the Karelian Isthmus of Russia

I search for elements behind the current collectiveexperience(s) of the population of the KarelianIsthmus in Russia. I examine the matter through thechanges in the common collective identity or identities,and through continuity. Permanent features includethe location of the area on a national and culturalboundary, and the nature of the Isthmus whichthe occupational life of people is built on. Industriallife on the Isthmus has recently gone through radicalchanges, but in keeping with the characteristicsof the area. After the fall of the Soviet Union, theemphasis of the industrial life on the Karelian Isthmushas started to turn to tourism and recreationalactivities instead of agriculture. Furthermore, historically,the isthmus has been inhabited by Finno-Ugricand Slavic groups. The ethnicity of the isthmus haslately included new aspects from southern immigrants.The building of the new collective experienceand new interpretations of history on the place ofthe old Soviet identity has also been impacted bythe renaissance of religiousness in Russia, which hasintroduced Russian Orthodox features to the area.This is demonstrated by the numerous Orthodoxchurches constructed in the area recently