Culture & Customs

Among “the Terrible’s” unfortunate wives, Maria Temryukovna, his second, is an interesting case.

An excerpt from Benson Bobrick’s new book, a memoir of his life and work as a writer.

An excerpt from the new translation of a novel by Karolina Pavlova (1807-1893), translated by Barbara Heldt.

In this issue's language learning page, we consider Russian songs about trees.

Known as “Russia’s Tibet,” the Altai region is vast, unpeopled, and brimming with energy centers.

How do you win over the village beauty who has a thing for animals? Kolya is determined to find out.

Mushrooms have always been a part of the Russian diet, going back to ancient times,

A telling photo from Voronezh's Central Market.

“Mother Russia” is much more than a stereotype. Everyone has opinions on it, Russian rock musicians included.

Presidents eating ice cream, kids reporting toy theft to police… summer is almost over, thank Allah. 

Readers send us their stories of interesting train journeys and interactions.

A former lawyer saves 233 lives, and a guy finds hell in Yaroslavl. Also, your next delivery guy might deliver on horseback.