May 01, 2016

The Master of Olkhon


About halfway along the western shore of Lake Baikal is Olkhon Island – the fourth largest lake-bound island in the world. And on Olkhon Island is the village of Khorontsy.

Just beyond the village is a dusty field, parched by the sun. And at the edge of the field is a one-story wooden building. The building has a garden, and in the garden an 86-year-old man – Vladimir Innokentiyevich Prokopiyev – is fussing over his potatoes.

The field, in actuality, is not just a field, but Khuzhir Airfield (in the Buryat language, Khuzhir means “salty land”). And one half of the wooden building is actually the airport terminal, while the elderly Prokopiyev lives in the other half with his wife, Gerolda Mikhailovna.


Digital Subscription Required

Get unlimited digital access for just $2 a month.

Don't have an account? signup

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955