The Buddhist Temple in the Imperial City of Saint Petersburg. A Different Way of Cultural Integration

Abstract

This article intends to examine the founding and functioning of the Buddhist temple in Saint Petersburg at the turn of the 20 th century presented within the context of a cosmopolitan urban landscape. Moreover, it demonstrates the forms and aims of the sociopolitical activity of scholars originating from the Rozen School, which contributed to the emergence of the temple. As an example of specifically Russian orientalism, this scholarly activity enabled thinking in the categories of ethnic pluralism and principles of multiculturalism in the national policy of the Russian Empire in the discussed period, thus constituting one of the key elements which enabled the foundation of the temple.

Staged Otherness

“…Russia accepted many European ideas and technological innovations that emerged in the modern era, but as a rule it did not aim to imitate Western states, often condemning them or even developing alternative visions, including pan-Russian nationalism or Russian Orientalism (see Tangad 2019). The fact that the development of Russian identity was influenced by the country's position between Europe and Asia was a significant factor in this context.…”

“…Peter the Great, while visiting Western Europe in 1697-98, decided to make a modern Russian Empire and started developing a new capital and a new science for Russia. From the city's earliest years, Saint Petersburg was a multiethnic place where representatives of various backgrounds (European and Asian) met (Tangad 2019). The creation of a new city was celebrated by the tsar, and numerous kings, princes, and diplomats sent gifts to commemorate this outstanding event (e.g.…”