Belief

Shared narratives are a major part of any identity. Early cultures sought to explain the world around them and their own origins through folklore and mythology. Today, narratives remain strong as a way to convey morality and social mores as well as ways to make sense of an often complicated national past in order to form a cohesive national identity. Both religion and the state exert powerful influence over modern narratives through various education efforts. However, civil society also plays a large role in maintaining and developing narratives, especially as the Internet makes it increasingly common to have the voices of individuals and small groups amplified.

Filter the below articles for: Slavic, Turkic, Caucasian, Baltics, or other cultures.

Georgian Churches as Seen by American Students Abroad

For more than seventeen centuries, sacred architecture has stood at the heart of Georgian culture, shaping the country’s landscape, history, and sense of identity. Visiting holy sites in Georgia is an excellent and imperative way to truly understand Georgia’s identity, history, and sense of faith. Georgian churches are typically compact, stone-built structures crowned with conical […]

Read more
1 2 3 12