The culture of Russian emigration is the pride of national history

The article reviews the history of the first “wave” of Russian emigration. The main terms that exist in modern emigration studies are analysed: “Russian emigration”, “Russian Abroad”. Russian emigrants should be understood not as ethnographic Great Russians, but as persons belonging to the Russian culture. The geography of the Russian Diaspora, the main centres (“capitals”) and the countries of settlement are considered. The article provides a justification for the “Russian Abroad” as a 20th century cultural phenomenon - a country without a territory. The chronology of the “waves” of Russian emigration is substantiated. The main educational institutions of the Russian Abroad are identified. The contribution of Russian representatives to world and national science and culture is shown. The classification of scientists of the Russian Abroad is given. It is proved that the main meaning of the life of compatriots was love for the Motherland and genuine patriotism. The high level of culture and science of the Russian Abroad and its influence on world history are demonstrated. The article is based on the author’s long-term research work.