faz.net
Museum to Stalin Associate Zhdanov Opens in Occupied Mariupol
A museum dedicated to Andrei Zhdanov, a Stalin associate involved in the Great Terror, opened in occupied Mariupol, Ukraine, on the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII, per President Putin's order; it replaces a local history museum's collection of Ukrainian cultural artifacts.
- What is the significance of opening a museum dedicated to Andrei Zhdanov in occupied Mariupol?
- In Mariupol, Ukraine, a museum dedicated to Andrei Zhdanov, a close Stalin associate involved in the Great Terror, has opened. The museum, a branch of St. Petersburg's Leningrad Siege Museum, features Zhdanov's recreated office and personal items. Its establishment was reportedly at President Putin's behest.
- How does the museum's creation connect to broader efforts to reshape historical narratives in Russia?
- The museum's opening is part of a broader Russian effort to rewrite history, glorifying figures responsible for past repressions. This aligns with recent revisions to Russia's state conception of memory, which downplays the scale of past purges and emphasizes national interests and defense. Zhdanov's persecution of artists like Akhmatova, Shostakovich, and Prokofiev is notably absent from this narrative.
- What are the long-term implications of this museum for historical memory and cultural identity in occupied territories?
- This museum, situated in a building that previously housed a Zhdanov museum before being repurposed, signals a systemic effort to promote a revisionist view of Soviet history. The removal of artifacts from a local museum to make way for this Zhdanov exhibit further highlights a concerted campaign to suppress alternative historical narratives and Ukrainian cultural heritage in occupied Mariupol. The future implications include a continued distortion of historical memory and the further erosion of Ukrainian cultural identity within occupied territories.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the museum opening as a fulfillment of Putin's wishes and a triumph of 'historical justice,' emphasizing the celebratory aspects of the event. The framing heavily favors the Russian perspective and downplays the negative aspects of Zhdanov's past, such as his role in the Great Terror. The use of quotes from Zhdanov's grandson reinforces this positive framing.
Language Bias
The article uses loaded language such as "brilliant minds" to describe individuals persecuted by Zhdanov, creating a contrast between his actions and his perceived intellectual capabilities. The phrase 'wahrhaftige Geschichte' (true history) is used without critical evaluation, implying an unquestionable narrative. The description of Zhdanov's museum as a 'Dracula museum' is a loaded comparison intended to evoke a negative response.
Bias by Omission
The article omits discussion of potential Ukrainian perspectives on the opening of the Zhdanov museum in Mariupol. It focuses heavily on Russian statements and interpretations, neglecting counter-narratives or critiques from Ukrainian citizens or cultural figures. The lack of diverse voices creates an unbalanced portrayal of the event's significance.
False Dichotomy
The narrative presents a false dichotomy between the 'true history' celebrated by the museum and what is implied to be a false or distorted history. This simplifies the complexity of historical interpretation and ignores nuanced perspectives on Zhdanov's legacy.
Gender Bias
The article does not show significant gender bias. While it mentions female writers persecuted by Zhdanov, it does so within the context of his broader repressive actions and doesn't focus disproportionately on gender-related aspects of their persecution.
Sustainable Development Goals
The opening of a museum celebrating Andrei Zhdanov, a key figure in Stalin's regime known for his role in the Great Terror and suppression of artists, directly contradicts the principles of justice, accountability, and respect for human rights. This action promotes a revisionist view of history, glorifying a perpetrator of state-sponsored violence and undermining efforts towards reconciliation and transitional justice. The removal of references to the scale of Stalinist repressions from official Russian documents further exacerbates this negative impact.