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Bestseller
BestsellerE-book
Author Igmen, Ali F.

Title Speaking Soviet with an accent : culture and power in Kyrgyzstan / Ali F. Igmen.

Publication Info. Pittsburgh, Pa. : University of Pittsburgh Press, 2012.
Baltimore, Md. : Project MUSE, 2012.

Item Status

Description 1 online resource (xi, 236 pages) : illustrations, maps.
text file
Series Central Eurasia in context
Central Eurasia in context.
Summary "Speaking Soviet with an Accent presents the first English-language study of Soviet culture clubs in Kyrgyzstan. These clubs profoundly influenced the future of Kyrgyz cultural identity and fostered the work of many artists, such as famed novelist Chingiz Aitmatov. Based on extensive oral history and archival research, Ali Igmen follows the rise of culture clubs beginning in the 1920s, when they were established to inculcate Soviet ideology and create a sedentary lifestyle among the historically nomadic Kyrgyz people. These "Red clubs" are fondly remembered by locals as one of the few places where lively activities and socialization with other members of their ail (village or tribal unit) could be found. Through lectures, readings, books, plays, concerts, operas, visual arts, and cultural Olympiads, locals were exposed to Soviet notions of modernization. But these programs also encouraged the creation of a newfound "Kyrgyzness" that preserved aspects of local traditions and celebrated the achievements of Kyrgyz citizens in the building of a new state. These ideals proved appealing to many Kyrgyz, who, for centuries, had seen riches and power in the hands of a few tribal chieftains and Russian imperialists. This book offers new insights into the formation of modern cultural identity in Central Asia. Here, like their imperial predecessors, the Soviets sought to extend their physical borders and political influence. But Igmen also reveals the remarkable agency of the Kyrgyz people, who employed available resources to meld their own heritage with Soviet and Russian ideologies and form artistic expressions that continue to influence Kyrgyzstan today."--Project Muse.
Bibliography Includes bibliographical references and index.
Contents Introduction: crafting Kyrgyzness -- Being "Asiatic" subjects of the empire -- The making of Soviet culture in Kyrgyzstan during the 1920s and 1930s -- The emergence of the Soviet houses of culture in Kyrgyzstan -- Celebrations in Soviet Kyrgyzstan during the 1930s -- Soviet theater in Kyrgyzstan in the 1930s -- Self-fashioning Kyrgyzness among women -- Conclusion: speaking Soviet the Kyrgyz way.
Local Note eBooks on EBSCOhost EBSCO eBook Subscription Academic Collection - North America
Subject Politics and culture -- Kyrgyzstan -- History.
Politics and culture.
Kyrgyzstan.
History.
Popular culture -- Kyrgyzstan -- History.
Popular culture.
Kyrgyz -- Cultural assimilation -- Soviet Union -- History.
Kyrgyz.
Assimilation (Sociology)
Soviet Union.
Minorities -- Government policy -- Soviet Union -- History.
Minorities -- Government policy.
Kyrgyzstan -- Intellectual life -- 20th century.
Intellectual life.
Chronological Term 20th century
Subject Soviet Union -- Ethnic relations -- History.
Ethnic relations.
Soviet Union -- Cultural policy -- History.
Cultural policy.
Chronological Term 1900 - 1999
Genre/Form Electronic books.
Electronic books.
History.
Added Title Culture and power in Kyrgyzstan
Other Form: Print version: Igmen, Ali. Speaking Soviet with an accent : culture and power in Kyrgyzstan. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania : University of Pittsburgh Press, ©2012 xi, 236 pages Central Eurasia in context. 9780822962069
ISBN 9780822978091 (electronic book)
0822978091 (electronic book)
1306555043
9781306555043
9780822962069 (paperback : alkaline paper)
0822962063