Kateryna Dysa

In this engaging discussion, historian Kateryna Dysa uncovers the origins of the myth that frames Kyiv as a Russian city, tracing its roots to 19th-century imperial propaganda. She explores how early Russian travelers viewed Kyiv through a superficial lens, focused on pilgrimage rather than history. Dysa highlights Nikolai Karamzin's pivotal role in promoting Kyiv's significance and the romanticized narratives that followed. Listeners will learn about the architectural misinterpretations and the varied comparisons made by travelers, alongside the emergence of Ukrainian counter-narratives.