Eastern Journey 1890-91

Russian Geographical Society issues new edition of Nicholas II’s journey to the Far East

Earlier this week, a new Russian-language edition of a book dedicated to the 1890-91 Far East journey of the future Emperor Nicholas II, was published by the Russian Geographical Society. The three-volume set of books was presented to business circles, diplomats’ and journalists at the Russian House in Bangkok, Thailand.

The original three-volume “Journey to the East of His Imperial Highness the Sovereign Heir Tsesarevich Nicholas” was created by the orientalist and member of the Russian Geographical Society Prince Esper Esperovich Ukhtomsky (1861-1921), who accompanied Nicholas on his nine month journey.

PHOTO: Prince Esper Esperovich Ukhtomsky (1861-1921)

Recall that on 5th November (O.S. 23rd October) 1890, Tsesarevich and Grand Duke Nicholas Alexandrovich [future Emperor Nicholas II] embarked on a journey, which took him around the greater part of the Eurasian continent. The total length of the journey exceeded 51,000 kilometres, including 15,000 km of railway and 22,000 km of sea routes.

The map below depicts the Eastern journey of the future and last Tsar of Russia, which took him to Egypt, India, Ceylon (Sri Lanka), Singapore, Batavia (Jakarta, Dutch East Indies) Siam (Thailand), Saigon (French Indochina), Hong Kong, China, and Japan. It was during his visit to the Empire of Japan, that Nicholas was the target of a failed assassination attempt in Otsu.

On his return to Russia, Nicholas took part in opening ceremony of the Trans-Siberian Railway in Vladivostock. He then made his way across the Russian Empire, through Transbaikalia and Siberiam before arriving back in St. Petersburg on 17th August [O.S. 4th August] 1891.

During the nine month journey, Ukhtomsky kept a travel diary, recording daily the places and landmarks visited, meetings with kings, princes and government officials as well as historical and cultural research, including geographical and ethnographic observations. His vivid essays about the countries and peoples of the East at the end of the 19th century make a fascinating read.

The original Russian-languaged edition of the book was published in three volumes between 1893 and 1897 and brought the author all-Russian fame.

An English-language edition was also published in 1896. Volume One of Travels in the East Nicholas II Emperor of Russia when cesarewitch 1890-1891 is available to read online.

The republication of Nicholas II’s journey to the Far East is timed to coincide with the 135th anniversary of the visit of Tsesarevich Nikolai Alexandrovich to Siam in 1891,” – said Anastasia Timofeeva, Advisor to the Department of Expert, Analytical and International Activities of the Russian Geographical Society.

“The Tsesarevich’s’s journey became symbolic of the beginning of friendly relations between Russia and Thailand. It was during his visit to Siam, that the heir to the Russian throne was awarded the Most Illustrious Order of the Royal House of Chakri. In turn, the King of Siam Chulalongkorn (1853-1910) was presented with the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle First-Called. This helped to establish a trusting dialogue between the two countries. Today, the republication of this historic book, continues the joint historical and cultural heritage which helps to strengthen relations between the business and cultural circles of Russia and Thailand.,” she added.

There are plans to produce a Thai-lanaguage edition of the book, of which copies will be presented to both the National Library of Thailand and the Siam Society Under Royal Patronage.

PHOTOS: an exhibition dedicated to the history of the dynastic friendship between the Russian Imperial House and the Royal House of Chakri (the ruling dynasty in Thailand, was preparted for the presentation of the book

The republished book about the travels of Nicholas II to the East presents 700 illustrations that were handmade by the Russian military officer, painter and writer Nikolai Nikolaevich Karazin (1842-1908).

In addition, the book is illustrated with photographs of Vladimir Dmitrievich Mendeleev (1865-1898), the son of an outstanding Russian chemist.

In the book, you can find sketches and testimonies about Siam (Thailand), which allows a modern reader to see the country through the eyes of the expedition participants.

The updated edition of this publication is supplemented with name and geographical indications and a map of the journey. This makes the publication accessible to both researchers and a wide range of readers.

PHOTO: guests lead through the pages of the book Nicholas II’s journey to Far East

During the presentation, the organizers prepared an exhibition dedicated to the history of the dynastic friendship between the Russian Imperial House and the Royal House of Chakri (the ruling dynasty in Thailand, which has been in power since 1782).

The presentation was followed by a gala dinner, where the cuisines of Russia and Thailand met. The chefs of the two countries prepared an unusual menu. Guests were treated to borscht with coconut milk and shrimp, buckwheat porridge with tree mushrooms and other authentic dishes.

The organizers of the project were Rossotrudnichestvo and the Restaurant Group of Russia, founded by Alexei and Dmitry Vasilchuk. The event was held with the partner support of the Russian Embassy in Thailand. The cuisine of Thailand was represented by chef Phi Thip Pausila (Belle), and the Russian gastronomic school was represented by Alexander Railyan.

Tsar’s Gazebo to be restored in Krasnoyarsk

Posted on February 9 by Paul Gilbert

PHOTO: early 20th century image of the Tsar’s Gazebo in Krasnoyarsk

The restoration of the Tsar’s Gazebo, a significant historical object marking Nicholas II’s visit to the Siberian city n Krasnoyarsk in 1891, will soon begin. The gazebo once stood in the former City Garden Park (renamethe Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure in 1934). The work will take place during the current large-scale reconstruction and landscaping of the park.

The gazebo was erected in 1891 by a decision of the City Duma to mark Tsesarevich and Grand Duke Nikolai Alexandrovich, the future Emperor Nicholas II’s visit to Krasnoyarsk. The gazebo was constructed in the historical center of the city, on the left bank of the Yenisei.

The structure was built in the Neo-Russian style with rich folk carvings, colored tiles, hipped roofs[1] and turrets.

In 1913, the Norwegian polar explorer Fridtjof Nansen (1861-1930), who visited Krasnoyarsk, wrote: “We visited the city park, which is reputed to be the finest in all of Siberia. It was autumn time, and the flowers had already withered, but judging by the trees, coniferous and deciduous, one could imagine that in summer the park was a wonderful place for walking.”

PHOTO: Tsesarevich Nikolai Alexandrovich in Krasnoyarsk on 1st July 1891

Tsesarevich Nikolai Alexandrovich arrived in Krasnoyarsk on 1st July 1891, on his return journey across the Russian Empire to St. Petersburg, following his historic Eastern Journey (1890-91). He arrived on the steamship St. Nicholas[2], and solemnly welcomed by city officials with the traditional bread and salt[3].

During his stay, Nicholas Alexandrovich attended a Divine Liturgy in the city’s main Orthodox church, followed by a review of a local regiment. He was even gifted with a horse, which he later sold, giving the money to charity.

At 7 o’clock in the evening, a gala evening which consisted of a dinner and musical accompaniment in honour of the future Emperor Nicholas II was organized by the city’s nobility, in one of the elegant new pavilions constructed in the park.

During dinner, a speech was made honouring the reigning Emperor Alexander III and his family, a special toast was made to Tsesarevich Nicholas Alexandrovich. Guests were served exquisite dishes, which included taimen [aka Siberian salmon], quails and local game, caviar and various varieties of Dutch cheese, French truffles and German sausages.

After the departure of the future emperor, the pavilion received the unofficial name “Tsarskaya”. It was then occupied by the Public Assembly Club. In 1909, the building was leased to firefighters, who were also responsible for maintaining order in the park. And in the pavilion itself, a major renovation was carried out making it an all-season building. The income from renting the building also went to the upkeep and maintenance of the City Garden Park.

In the first years of Soviet power, the building housed the Rykov Club, then the city trade union council, and even later it was occupied by the administration of the park.

PHOTO: artist’s concept of the restored Tsar’s Gazebo in Krasnoyarsk

In a 1924 city plan, the gazebo is still visible among the greenery and from an aerial image from 1968. According to the State Protection of Cultural Heritage sites of the Krasnoyarsk Region, the gazebo was preserved on the city plans until 1968. It is generally believed that the gazebo was demolished during the reconstruction of the park and the expansion of the main alley around 1970. Sadly, by the end of the 20th century, neither the gazebo building no longer existed.

Reconstruction work on the new gazebo will include the installation of the foundation, basement and pavement, the installation of the roof, as well as interior finishing and electrical installation work.

The gazebo will be made of local timber. Particular attention will be paid to the quality of materials so that the new gazebo becomes an aesthetically attractive object that organically fits into the surrounding landscaped gardens. The project is expected to be completed by the summer of 2026.

NOTES

[1] A hipped roof, or hip roof, is a roof design where all sides slope downwards to the walls, creating a uniform and stable structure without gables.

[2] The steamship St. Nicholas decommissioned in 1927, and in 1960 was sent to the “ship’s graveyard. It was restored in 1970, and is today a museum, situated on the embankment of the Yenisei in Krasnoyarsk.

[3] When important, respected, or admired guests arrive, they are presented with a loaf of bread (usually a korovai) placed on a rushnyk (embroidered ritual cloth). A salt holder or a salt cellar is placed on top of the bread loaf or secured in a hole on the top of the loaf.