Transformation of the identity of the Siberian Poles: theoretical and historical-cultural aspects

The Polish diaspora in Siberia is the subject of scientific interests of both Polish and Russian scientists. Their research, sometimes conducted jointly, has so far focused on the study of the historical past of the "Siberian Poles". This article addresses the le ss studied problems associated with the development of the cultural identity of Siberian Polish diaspora - polonia in modern conditions. The strength and quality of national identity among the ancestors of the current "Siberian Poles" that appeared on this land in the second half of the XIX and early XX centuries were very different; they were still in the process of dynamic formation not only in Siberia, but even on the territory of Poland itself. Most Poles already had a strong national identity; their Polish identity was associated with active and conscious participation in the development of a common national culture and in realizing the goals formulated and set before the people by the national leaders. However, part of Polish society, mainly the peasant mass, had a more conservative identity, based on the repetition of traditional patterns and patterns, which local authorities cared about. Migrants to Siberia, both voluntary and involuntary, that is, brought here in exile by force, also differed widely by region of origin, by language, education, belonging to different social strata. The Russian authorities did not allow the formation of large clusters of Poles in Siberia - their compact residence in one place. It was one of the factors that contributed to the Russification of the "Siberian Poles". Quicker than others the Polish peasants who have turn out to be in in Siberia lost national identity due to the very nature of (cultural design) of this identity. In addition, the former local authorities who found themselves in Siberia in the new natural, socio-cultural and political conditions, they were unable to successfully act as leaders. The liquidation of most of the 60 Polish villages in Siberia (as supposedly "unpromising") during the Soviet period, as well as the increased mobility of the population in the USSR and modern Russia have led to the movement of a significant part of the "Siberian poles" from village to city, especially in such large cities as Omsk, Tomsk, Novosibirsk, where the majority of them lives today. Here were the descendants of exiled and voluntary settlers, descendants of nobles (shlyaxta), peasants, military personnel, officials and those who came to the USSR against their will as a result of political perturbations. Living side by side and cooperating with each other, first of all in the Polish social organizations formed in Siberia under the conditions of "Perestroika" Polish public organizations, the number of which is now measured by two tens, they contribute to the convergence and connection with each other completely different models of "Polishness" (ideas about their own identity), the carriers of which they are. Thus, a special, qualitatively new culture is formed, uniting people who call themselves: "Poles", "Poles -Russians", "Siberian Poles", "Siberians", "Russians with Polish roots". This diversity makes it possible for Siberian polonia to perform the functions of a bridge between cultures, connecting Poland with Russia today.

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