Siberia and Soviet sinology: 1917-1945

Siberia has always been an important link in the system of Russian-Chinese relations. Specifically, Eastern Siberia thanks to geographical accessibility of the region is accounted for building international relationship during the first quarter of the Soviet history of Russia. Siberian sinology proved to be a very important factor. The 1917 Revolution triggered an acute interest in social sciences. Following this, a university was established in the capital of Eastern Siberia, Irkutsk. Professor N. D. Mironov, the initiator of oriental studies there, defined the goals and methodology of students’ education. In 1919, B. K. Pashkov, the alumnus of the Vladivsotok Eastern Institute, was invited to the Irkutsk University. He headed the Chinese Language Department and the Japanese Language Department, and also expressed support for the formation of the Mongol Language Department. He was ranked professor in 1923 and shortly after left back to Vladviostok. Ones of the first students were future famous sinologists G. B. Erenburg and A. P. Rogachyov. Increasing number of sinologists in Eastern Siberia was one of the primary goals of the Soviet state and Comintern. There was founded the Chinese department for the East Peoples Sector patronized by communist Sibburo and headed by M. M. Abramson. In 1921, G. N. Voytinsky and I. K. Mamaev came to Irkutsk, whereas F. E. Ilyashenko and K. A. Kharnsky came to Chita. There worked such prominent figures as Y. D. Yanson and the three Mosin sisters. The All-Russian Scientific Association of Sinologists opened its branches in Irkutsk and Chita. Professor B. D. Speranksy published his monograph The Chinese Republic. An Outline of State System and Management. The supporting factor of Siberian sinology was adequate access to consulate services in the region. In 1920-30s there was kept radio broadcasting in Chinese and the newspapers contained articles in Chinese. Consul Zhang Wei (张玮) was taking active part in research effort and public events of Siberia. A great sinologist A. V. Marakuev started his career in 1940 in Tomsk. In 1939-45, sinologists H. T. Fedorenko, S. G. Kara-Murza served in Red Army in Transbaikalia and continued their research at the same time. Thus, the first post-revolutionary years saw attempts to create a newer Russian centre of sinology in Eastern Siberia.