A New Tour Explores the Mystical Places of Yakutsk's Zaloga Microdistrict
Ancient Gulag Tour Initiated by Blogger Dmitry Mikhailov
In Yakutsk last Sunday, Dmitry Mikhailov — also known by his pen name Trimid — unveiled a new thematic tour dedicated to the Zaloga microdistrict. This tour, which has been several years in the making, combines historical fact with local urban legends to provide an immersive experience into the rich cultural and historic fabric of the area.
Historical Context and Preserved Buildings
Zaloga is one of Yakutsk’s older residential districts, developed during the Soviet era but with roots extending back to earlier periods of settlement in the region. The tour showcases beautiful aesthetic buildings with rich history, such as early Soviet-era apartment blocks, wooden Yakut houses, and community facilities, all offering a glimpse into the district’s past.
Urban Legends and Local Folklore
The tour also delves into the district's mythical side, with stories and legends that Dmitry Mikhailov documents. Participants will learn about the “Guardian Spirit” of Zaloga, Soviet ghost stories, and hidden tunnels, each adding a layer of intrigue to the tour.
The Man Behind the Tour
Dmitry Mikhailov is the author of the "Northern Mysticism" project and is known as a collector of urban legends. Last year, he became the first certified guide in Yakutia. His work emphasizes the need to preserve these historical structures and cultural narratives to maintain the unique character of Yakutsk’s urban identity.
If you are interested in more detailed accounts or specific stories from Mikhailov’s research, I recommend looking for his published works or exhibitions focused on Yakutsk’s urban history and culture.
The thematic tour by Dmitry Mikhailov explores the historical buildings in Zaloga's microdistrict, offering a glimpse into the district's past lifestyle, as well as showcasing early Soviet-era apartment blocks and wooden Yakut houses. Diverging from the historical context, the tour also reveals urban legends and local folklore of Zaloga, including stories about the "Guardian Spirit", Soviet ghost stories, and hidden tunnels, thereby incorporating an element of travel into the immersive experience.
