Culture & Customs

Founded on bloodshed, a crossroads for exiles and a crucible of the Civil War, this Siberian city is now a model of diversity and perserverence.

Kartofelnaya zapekanka, a baked casserole with potatoes, onions and mushrooms, is the dish of choice for this issue's recipe page, which is part of our annual Russian Flavors section, focusing this year on potatoes.

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.

The life and works of this thirty-eight year old, single mother and wonderful artist.

Part II - Islamic rebels

Shashlik a la Tartar is the featured dish this issue, with a delectable plum sauce... No summer could be complete without it.

We went to this provincial town, just 80 km from Moscow, to visit the last residence of Tchaikovsky. We found several surprises.

Today, the wonderful, hearty and traditional recipes and meals of the Russian table can be attributed to the efforts of Russian women to provide sustenance and nurturing to their families.

Kaymak with wafers is the tasty dessert treat offered in this issue. It is an ancient Tartar/Mongol dish of carmelized cream.

Many cities grew up along Siberia's rivers as Russia expanded eastward. Here we look at two very provincial cities as part of our six part journey East Across Siberia.