“Rare Upsurge of Patriotic Feeling Was Felt Everywhere”: Romanov Celebrations in Baku and Elisabethpol Governorates in 1913

Abstract

On the basis of new archival materials and periodicals the article examines the organization and process of celebrating the 300th anniversary of the Romanov dynasty in 1913 in Baku and Elisabethpol governorates. As the celebrations were nationwide, the local administration prepared for it with special care, not ignoring the distinctive character of the population in the area. According to the governors, county chiefs and town mayors, the residents participated in the celebrations with sincere interest. They believed that the said participation signified their gratitude to the Romanovs for their work in the Caucasia. The celebrations were held without problems, despite the concern of the provincial police and international and interdenominational strife of various layers and groups of the population. At the same time, the celebrative traditions established in the imperial center were partially adjusted in accordance with local cultural specifics.