Unlearning the Soviet. De-colonisation of the Soviet spatial imaginaries.

• Applicant: Dr. Sofia Gavrilova
• Subject Area: Human Geography
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 566215725

The main scientific objective of the "Unlearning the Soviet"§is to approach how the development of the epistemological independence in the production of the geographical knowledge, and specifically the spatial imaginaries, relate to the construction of the new spatial and national identities in the former Soviet republics. The system of public and school geographical education, imposed in Soviet Union, have developed specific narratives, knowledge and imaginaries, mastering "peripheries", and their representation. In particular, the project examines whether the spatial imaginaries produced by the Soviet State towards "peripheries" persist in the new sovereign countries, which emerged after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, or have they been contested, and became part of building independence from the Imperial and Soviet past. The project aims to operates in Georgia and Tajikistan for three years and consists of two work packages. The results would advance our understanding of how the former Soviet states produce their national identities, of their approaches in de-sovietization and narratives on Imperial and Soviet past, how the "Soviet space" with ist hierarchies is contested today, and what the new imaginaries and spaces which are imposed to replace it.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Georgia, Tajikistan
• Cooperation Partners: Dr. Mariam Darchiashvili; Dr. Masnav Navruzbekov