Document between Russia and Japan, May 5, 1986.

Finding the remains of the prehistoric giant mammoth in the far reaches of northern Siberia is not an unusual occurrence. Bones and tusks reveal themselves when the permafrost thaws. However, the discovery of an intact mammoth is something for scientists to get excited about.

Republic of Chechnya and Russia; ancient ethnic conflict in modern times.

Dagestan Republic, the war with Chechyna and the battle for ancient Islamic homeland.

Check current conditions and forecasts for several Russian cities.

Part II of this feature

The origins, persecution and emigration to Canada of the Russian religious sect known as the Doukhobors. A direct result of Nikon's reforms and resulting Church schism, learn about their beliefs and culture.

The term Shaman is both a noun and a verb. It is from the Tungus language and is seen as saman or haman. The actions of the Shaman are, what western explorers referred to as, Shamanism. It is the oldest known demonstration of human spirituality.

Unique and enchanting folk art from the region of Transvolga.

Russia and Japan have yet to sign a WWII peace treaty. At the center of the dispute are four ancient volcanic islands, part of the Kuril Islands help by Russia and known to Japan as the Northern Territory.

A few starting points for exploring and understanding the rich culture of Sogdia, homeland of the protagonist in The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas.