Vsevolod Vasilievich Saсhanev as a Representative of the “Young Historians” in Exile

Abstract

The text presents a study of the biography of the Russian archaeologist, historian, ethnographer, and émigré Vsevolod Vasilyevich Saсhanev (1885–1940). The main focus lies on his scientific and public activities, as well as his challenging life during emigration. The author notes that Saсhanev’s contributions to science have not yet been fully appreciated, despite his significant achievements. The study is based on the recently discovered personal archive of Saсhanev in the State Regional Archive of Prague, which contains material covering the period from 1919 to 1940. Saсhanev’s biography is divided into two main periods: before emigration (1885–1920) and during emigration (1920–1940). Before emigration, he had been an active scholar involved in archaeological excavations, had taught at St. Petersburg University, and participated in the First World War. Saсhanev spent 20 years in emigration, first in Bulgaria and then in Czechoslovakia, where he continued his scientific work. His research focused on the folk culture of Eastern Slovakia and Carpathian Rus. Particular attention is paid to the description of Saсhanev’s personal archive, which includes a variety of documents, correspondence with notable émigrés, working material, and drafts. This archive provides a deeper understanding of his personality, scientific interests, and his life path. In conclusion, the author emphasises the importance of preserving the archives of Russian émigré scholars for future generations of researchers.