The evolution of the western view on Russian orientalism in the North Caucasus: the key features

Introduction. The problems of the processes of Russian Orientalism formation in the North Caucasus in the XIX century is an urgent topic for modern historical science. The main reason confirming its critical relevance is the insufficient research of the contribution of Russian public, political and military figures to the study of the region. The issue of the special role of Russian orientalism, which saw a unique region in the North Caucasus and demanded respect for itself, in achieving the task of successful integration of the region into Russia, has not yet found sufficient coverage in Russian science. A detailed analysis of the experiences of Russian orientalism in the North Caucasus, in addition to the theoretical one, contains significant political and ideological significance, since attempts to critically assess Russian policy in the Caucasus in the context of anticolonial discourse are gaining popularity in Western academic circles.

Materials and methods. The research is based on the analysis of texts by domestic and foreign historians. The main focus was on the research of Western authors who examined Russian policy in the North Caucasus. Retrospective, historicalgenetic and historical-comparative methods were used as methods of historical and political research. The author analyzes the evolution of Western views on the experiences of Russian Orientalism in the North Caucasus from the middle of the XIX century to the present day.

Analysis. As part of the study of Western literature, the author concludes that in the 19th century, the Western perception of Russian orientalism in the North Caucasus was biased. Reflection of Russian politics in the region was covered by Western figures mainly in a negative way, which was caused by the negative attitude of the West towards Russia and the need to confront a geopolitical competitor.

Results. Russian Orientalism in the North Caucasus is dominated by a different approach in the modern Western perception, based on the study of Russia’s contribution from the standpoint of the practical progress of the region and its integration into the global cultural context through the work of Russian writers and artists.

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