Cultural Significance Research Articles

Architectural spatial distribution and network connectivity characteristics of ancient military towns in Southwest China: a case study of Qingyan Ancient Town in Guiyang

AbstractDue multiple influences, such as Tusi, Tunpu, and minority culture, Tunpu military towns in Southwest China have unique historical and cultural heritage. At present, the ancient Tunpu military towns are not widely known internationally. In order to understand the layout characteristics of Tunpu military buildings in southwest China since the Ming Dynasty, the spatial distribution and military attributes of Qingyan Ancient Town, a typical military town of Tunpu culture, are studied by using Thiessen polygons, fractal theories, and complex network methods. The findings indicate that architectural spaces in the six districts have high spatial self-similarity and low spatial complexity and are distributed in clusters primarily impacted by natural factors and supplemented by humanistic factors. The architectural space networks of the six districts have high stability, low vulnerability, poor balance, and high connectivity. They reflect its interior architectural layout, which is based on close cooperation between villagers and military, taking into account trade and cultural life. Differences in the functionality of buildings lead to differences in the connectivity of the spatial network of buildings; the hierarchical, graded, and differentiated characteristics of architectural spatial network connectivity are influenced by both nature and society. Non-military functions all serve or are subordinate to military functions. The spatial network connectivity of traditional settlement architecture reflects the interaction between nature and society. By studying a Tunpu military ancient town in the southwest, we can better understand the historical military activities, cultural connotations, social changes, and historical background of traditional settlements. The historical planning of the defence of traditional settlements both contributes to its cultural heritage and as an important reference and inspiration for modern planning and management.

Semantics and social dynamics of money: An anthropological study of cultural significance and economic transformations

Semantics and social dynamics of money: An anthropological study of cultural significance and economic transformations

ҚАЗАҚСТАНДАҒЫ ЭКОЛОГИЯЛЫҚ ТУРИЗМНІҢ НЕГІЗГІ БАҒЫТЫ РЕТІНДЕ АГРОТУРИЗМНІҢ ДАМУ БОЛАШАҒЫ

Ecotourism is the fastest growing and most sought after type of tourism in the world today. In turn, agritourism is a priority direction of ecological tourism. The demand for agritourism is constantly growing, so there is a need to develop this type of tourism in Kazakhstan. In recent years, active urbanization has led to the fact that urban residents are increasingly drawn to nature. The Republic of Kazakhstan has a huge number of prerequisites for the development of agritourism in its vast territory. Throughout Kazakhstan there are many villages with a rich cultural and historical heritage, in which people have been leading a traditional way of life since ancient times. The original culture, traditional way of life, local rural flavor combined with natural nature, picturesque landscapes, as well as diverse flora and fauna can be of interest to both foreign and Kazakhstani tourists. The development of rural tourism can benefit the countryside by protecting weak untouched landscapes, elevate the status of poor villages, increase the importance of nature and instill an ecological culture in the population. Resources for the development of agritourism in the Republic of Kazakhstan are available in all regions of the country, so the prospects for the development of this type of tourism in Kazakhstan are great. In the very near future, agritourism in Kazakhstan may become a sector of economic activity that creates conditions for the inflow of new funds into the rural economy, as well as become a tool for sustainable development.

The Honor of Women and <i>Belis</i> in Manggarai Traditional Marriage Customs

This study explores the functions and meanings of belis, a traditional dowry or bride price in Manggarai culture, within marriage ceremonies in Mbuit Village, West Manggarai. Employing a descriptive qualitative approach grounded in symbolic interactionism, data were collected through in-depth interviews with cultural informants, supported by observation and literature review, and analyzed using the Miles and Huberman three-step framework. The findings reveal that belis serves as a key cultural element, fostering social integration, promoting harmony, and preserving traditions in Manggarai marriages. Symbolically, belis represents the union of two families (social integration) and signifies an economic exchange. The study also highlights the challenges faced by families, particularly those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, in fulfilling the belis requirements, underscoring its deep cultural significance and the commitment it represents.

Revitalizing Heritage: The Role of Urban Morphology in Creating Public Value in China’s Historic Districts

In the context of historical districts becoming a key to the urban transformation and high-quality development of Chinese cities, this paper investigates the regeneration of historic environments in China, emphasizing the creation of public value through urban morphology. By analyzing five distinct case studies—Chengdu KuanZhai Alley, Shanghai TianZiFang Alley, Guangzhou EnNing Road, Taiyuan ZhongLou Street, and Beijing NanLuoGu Alley—this study explores the relationship between urban form and public value creation from 2000 to 2020. The research posits that the spatial attribute of “public nature” is central to the regeneration process, highlighting the importance of understanding how urban spaces can foster community engagement and social interaction. An evaluation system is constructed to assess the regeneration of historic areas based on spatial “publicness” and people’s perceptions, addressing the need for a more nuanced approach to urban planning. The findings reveal that effective urban regeneration not only preserves historical significance but also enhances the quality of public spaces, thereby contributing to social equity and cultural integrity. This study aims to provide valuable insights for urban planners and policymakers, advocating for a public value-oriented approach to the renewal of historic districts that balances economic development with the preservation of cultural heritage. The integration of public value concepts into heritage management is crucial for creating vibrant urban environments that resonate with community needs and aspirations.

Effectiveness of History and Cultures Curriculum for Students’ Parents and Preschool Teachers

This research explores the critical need to integrate history and culture into preschool education, an area often overlooked in educational policy discussions. Drawing from the insights of Chinese history and culture curriculum in primary, secondary, and university levels, this study addresses the deficiencies in preschool education reform and policy. The study emphasizes the value of incorporating historical and cultural by Lee, W. O., Hao, N., & Zhou, Q. (2020), highlighting aspects such as cultivating aesthetic taste, showcasing cultural characteristics, and fostering cultural inheritance. The paper delves into the significance of history and culture curriculum in preschool education, focusing on children's development, patriotism, social fairness and justice, cultural inheritance, and unity between heaven and man for a harmonious life. Based on Piaget's child development theory and Confucianism's foundational principles, it elucidates the importance of aligning preschool education with cultural and historical contexts. Given preschool children's limited understanding and cognitive abilities regarding history and culture, the study proposes methods for integrating these themes into pre-education. It advocates for policy reforms in preschool education, emphasizing curriculum guidelines that reflect philosophical, psychological, pedagogical, sociological, and anthropological dimensions. Through a case study at Grace School in Yichun City, Heilongjiang Province, China, employing survey methods and case analysis, the research outlines goals for preschool history and culture curriculum. It incorporates Confucian concepts such as "harmony without diversity" and "endless life" to guide curriculum design and implementation, addressing evaluation criteria and curriculum content (Bahtilla, M., & Xu, H. 2021). In conclusion, the paper stresses the necessity of enhancing theoretical research levels in preschool education history and culture curriculum, advocating for improved training and implementation strategies. It envisions a collaborative effort among families, schools, and communities to foster continuous cultural learning and development among children.

The Impact of AI and VR/AR Technologies on Yuan Blue-and-White Porcelain Art

Yuan blue-and-white porcelain, a treasure of Chinese ceramic art, is renowned worldwide for its unique artistic value and cultural significance. With the continuous advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, the artistic innovation of Yuan blue-and-white porcelain is experiencing new opportunities. AI technology not only improves the efficiency and quality of creation but also breaks through traditional physical limitations, enabling the creation of more diverse and creative artworks. By integrating augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies, AI provides new ways to display and interact with Yuan blue-and-white porcelain art. In non-physical artistic innovation, AI generates new designs through deep learning algorithms, breaking free from the constraints of traditional handmade processes and creating diverse works. Technologies like generative adversarial networks (GANs) can produce highly realistic Yuan blue-and-white designs, while convolutional neural networks (CNNs) can quickly generate design sketches, enhancing creative efficiency. AI can also optimize designs, improving the artistic quality and visual effects of the works.AR and VR technologies offer immersive experiences and interactivity for the audience. Through virtual exhibition spaces and AR applications, viewers can appreciate Yuan blue-and-white artworks as if they were physically present, enhancing interactivity and visual appeal. VR technology, through virtual exhibitions and other means, enhances the viewing experience and impact of the artworks. The application of AI technology in the non-physical artistic innovation of Yuan blue-and-white porcelain not only enhances creation efficiency and quality but also brings limitless possibilities to artistic creation. The combination of AR and VR technologies further enhances the visual appeal and interactivity of Yuan blue-and-white art. As technology continues to advance, AI will play an increasingly important role in the artistic innovation of Yuan blue-and-white porcelain, creating more splendid artworks.

Cultural Preservation and Identity: Exploring Strategies for Preserving Cultural Identity among Refugees, Migrants and Minority Communities While Promoting Integration and Social Cohesion

Abstract: The preservation of cultural identity among refugees, migrants and minority communities poses a serious challenge in the context of increasing global travel. This essay examines several tactics meant to support social cohesiveness and integration within host nations while still protecting cultural identity. This research identifies critical elements that support the effective preservation of cultural heritage by an extensive analysis of the body of existing literature. The study highlights the value of inclusive policies, community-driven projects, and educational programs in promoting a sense of respect and belonging across various communities. It also emphasizes how important intercultural communication and cooperation are to reducing cultural differences and promoting social harmony. This study offers a sound understanding of how cultural integration and preservation can coexist, ultimately leading to more inclusive and cohesive societies, by looking at successful models and potential roadblocks. Policymakers, social workers, educators, and community leaders who are dedicated to promoting social integration and cultural variety in a global community that is becoming more interconnected will find great value in these findings.

The Potential of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) In Enhancing Malaysia's Arts and Cultural Heritage Preservation

This study investigates the transformative potential of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) in revolutionizing the marketing of artworks by Malaysian visual artists, with a particular focus on promoting cultural heritage. NFTs, as digital assets secured by blockchain technology, offer artists innovative methods to monetize their creations while preserving authenticity and provenance. Despite their growing popularity, Malaysian artists face challenges such as limited knowledge and skepticism regarding the effective use of NFT technology. This research aims to identify strategies and best practices for incorporating NFTs into digital art marketing, particularly in the context of cultural heritage preservation. Through a combination of content analysis and semi-structured interviews with five experts, this study applies the soft laddering technique to explore the perceived benefits and challenges of NFTs. The findings highlight the significant potential of NFTs to enhance Malaysian artists' access to global markets and strengthen the preservation of cultural heritage. The study underscores the need for improved technological literacy and NFT utilization among Malaysian artists to maximize their presence and competitiveness in the evolving digital art marketplace.

Research on the design and image perception of cultural landscapes based on digital roaming technology

AbstractThe preservation and advancement of cultural heritage continue to present significant challenges, arising from conflicting objectives, concepts, methodologies, and limited resources. Image perception not only serves as an observational tool for cultural heritage but also as a research method to uncover deeper meanings and implications. To explore the complex dynamics of cultural heritage and address the risks of its deterioration, this study employed virtual engine software (Unity 2019) to create digital landscapes for immersive exploration. An image perception evaluation framework was established through field surveys and behavioral synthesis experiments across five key areas, including ancient tree ecosystems and architectural sites. Our findings revealed that participants showed the greatest interest in the ancient tree ecological area, indicating a strong attachment to historical continuity and natural progression. Heart rate variability (HRV) analysis further demonstrated that participants experienced positive emotional responses, suggesting that well-designed cultural landscapes can enhance mental well-being and uplift mood. Additionally, participants expressed a strong willingness to discuss the ancient tree eco-region, with image perception playing a crucial role in motivating information sharing and driving conservation efforts. This study introduces an innovative model—Design Practice, Immersive Experience, and Image Perception Evaluation—which offers a new perspective for the preservation and enhancement of cultural heritage sites.

Research on Non-heritage Cultural Innovation and Inheritance Based on AI Visual Technology in the Perspective of New Quality Productivity

Under the new quality productivity perspective, artificial intelligence (AI) visual technology provides new opportunities for the innovation and inheritance of non-heritage culture. The Grass Dragon of Lizhuang, as a unique cultural treasure of Lizhuang Town, Cuiping District, Yibin City, not only carries a profound historical and cultural heritage, but also shows the traditional wisdom and creativity of the Chinese nation with its unique art form and production process. In this paper, we will take the Grass Dragon dance of Lizhuang Town, Cuiping District, Yibin City as an example to explore how to use AI visual technology to promote the digital transformation and dissemination of non-heritage culture. The study first analyses the current situation of the innovative inheritance of non-heritage culture in the case of the Grass Dragon in Lizhuang, and then introduces the significance of the innovative inheritance of non-heritage culture based on AI visual technology in the perspective of the new quality productivity, as well as the measures of the innovative inheritance of non-heritage culture based on AI visual technology. Through case studies, the paper shows how these technologies can enhance public awareness and participation in NRH culture, thus promoting the protection and inheritance of NRH culture. Finally, the study points out the challenges faced in practical application and proposes corresponding solutions, emphasising the importance of the deep integration of technology and culture in the innovation of non-heritage culture. The study provides new perspectives and practical paths for promoting the combination of traditional culture and modern technology.

Monitoring soil salinization and waterlogging in the northeastern Nile Delta linked to shallow saline groundwater and irrigation water quality.

Soil salinization and waterlogging are critical environmental issues affecting agricultural productivity and cultural heritage preservation, particularly in arid regions. This study investigated soil degradation processes in the archaeologically and agriculturally significant northeastern Nile Delta of Egypt. The objective was to assess the severity of soil degradation and identify key drivers related to water resources and soil characteristics to aid in the development of management strategies. The research employed a multi-faceted approach, including hydrochemical analyses (of groundwater, irrigation water, and soil), water quality indices calculations, statistical analyses, and satellite data. The results revealed high levels of soil salinization in the northern and central areas, with 64% of soil samples classified as strongly and very strongly saline. Soil chemistry indicated salinization sources linked to sodium chloride dominance. Satellite data from Sentinel-2 images and SRTM digital elevation data showed widespread severe waterlogging in the northern lowlands. The Irrigation Water Quality Index (IWQI) values indicated that 87.5% of irrigation water samples posed severe restrictions due to high salinity and sodium hazards, which were mismatched with the low soil permeability observed in 81% of the collected samples exhibiting clay texture and covering most of the study area. Furthermore, shallow groundwater at depths of 0.5-3m with high salinity was detected, where total dissolved solids exceeded 20,000mg/L, and Na-Cl water types prevailed, indicating saltwater intrusion. A strong positive correlation (r > 0.83) was found between shallow saline groundwater and soil salinity. The combination of poor irrigation water quality, shallow saline groundwater tables, and low-permeability soils created a synergistic effect that severely compromised soil health and agricultural productivity. It also posed severe risks to the structural integrity of archaeological sites and buried artifacts through accelerated physical and chemical weathering processes. This necessitates an urgent mitigation strategy to combat soil degradation in this critical area.

CREATION OF SPECIALIZED MAPS AND REGISTERS OF OBJECTS UNDER ARTICLE 6, PARAGRAPHS 4 AND 5 OF THE LAW ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE BLACK SEA COAST

The specialized maps and registers are made for the purpose of documenting the spatial position and technical characteristics of the sites under Article 6, paragraphs 4 and 5 of the Law on the Organization of the Black Sea Coast. They also provide information for the development of development schemes and general and detailed development plans, protection of the natural landscape and the sea coast from erosion, abrasion and landslide processes, protection of the cultural and historical heritage, development of investment projects, awarding of concession or renting out sea beaches and solving other tasks.

Navigating the challenges of over-tourism: comparative insights and solutions from Petra and Karnak

ABSTRACT This study examines the impacts of excessive tourism on two distinct UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Petra in Jordan and the Karnak Temples in Egypt. These sites were selected for their unique archaeological value and the specific, contrasting challenges they face due to their geographical locations, cultural significance, and differing visitor management contexts. By employing qualitative methods, such as interviews, field observations, and document analysis, the research investigates the environmental, structural, social, and cultural consequences of over-tourism at both sites. The findings reveal that, despite their differences, Petra and Karnak share common issues, including environmental degradation, structural damage, social inequality, and cultural erosion, exacerbated by overcrowding, irresponsible tourist behavior, and inadequate management practices. The study highlights the need for targeted and context-specific solutions, such as improved crowd management, eco-friendly transportation, comprehensive waste management, and stronger community involvement in conservation efforts. By adopting these integrated and sustainable approaches, stakeholders can better mitigate the adverse impacts of tourism and preserve the historical and cultural integrity of these sites. This research provides a valuable contribution to the discourse on sustainable tourism management by offering practical, site-specific insights for heritage preservation.

Enhancing authenticity in historic districts via soundscape design

AbstractHistoric districts play an important role in urban planning and protection. While previous research on soundscapes has focused on acoustic comfort or preferences in these districts, the aspect of authenticity has been somewhat overlooked. Therefore, this study proposes a methodology for constructing soundscapes that enhance the authenticity of such districts. Using the grounded theory approach, we identified four key components for enhancing authenticity via soundscapes: the aim of soundscape design, physical and cultural characteristics of soundscapes, the effects of soundscapes, and the influence of spatial characteristics on soundscapes. A theoretical framework was developed to illustrate the enhancement of authenticity in historic districts via soundscapes. To verify the applicability and advancement of the proposed framework, it was compared with methodologies and steps obtained from previous soundscape research in historic districts. This study underscores the significance of soundscape design in creating authenticity in historic districts, thereby contributing to the development of soundscape design in historic districts and offering sustainable solutions for the protection and renewal of urban cultural heritage.

Study on the Transmission and Inheritance of Red Culture in College Student Groups from the Perspective of Marxist Practice Theory

The report of the 20th Party Congress points out: "Education is a major plan for the country and the Party. The root of educating people lies in establishing morality. Fully implement the Party's education policy, implement the fundamental task of establishing morality, and cultivate socialist builders and successors with all-round development of morality, intelligence, physical fitness and aesthetics." Marxist practice theory is an important part of Marxist philosophy, emphasizing the fundamental role of practice in the process of understanding and transforming the world. Red culture condenses the unswerving revolutionary will of the communists and their sincere and persistent sentiment for the people, and centrally embodies the characteristics of China's advanced culture. This paper argues that society and colleges and universities should, under the guidance of the Marxist concept of practice, guide contemporary college students to inherit the red culture, lead them to harvest beliefs and draw strength from real historical events, and cultivate them to set up noble moral sentiments to better serve the society and realize the value of their lives.

Cultural geography meets architectural typology: a mixed-methods study of traditional Bayu dwellings in Southwestern China

ABSTRACT Traditional Bayu dwellings in China’s mountainous regions embody a rich yet underexplored architectural heritage, characterized by unique cultural and regional attributes. This study addresses the gap by investigating the architectural typologies, spatial distribution, and cultural influences of these dwellings. Employing a mixed-methods approach within the framework of cultural geography, the research integrates qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Data collection was conducted in three phases: (1) field surveys and documentation of 67 heritage-listed dwellings and 164 traditional villages; (2) collection of geographic data using GIS tools, including Digital Elevation Model (DEM) analysis; and (3) comprehensive literature review of historical and cultural records. Data analysis utilized statistical methods, including second-order cluster analysis, and spatial analysis with ArcGIS. The findings identify four primary dwelling types and delineate four architectural cultural zones shaped by geographical segregation, economic exchanges, and ethnic interactions. This study contributes to a broader understanding of the architectural culture and regional characteristics of the Bayu region, offering valuable insights for cultural heritage preservation and informing sustainable development strategies.

The Faculty of Sociology in the Russian sociological education system: 35 years of leadership.

This article reflects the achievements of the Sociology Faculty of Moscow State University, which has been a recognized leader in the Russian sociological education system for over 35 years and trains professional sociologists who are in great demand in the modern labor market. Over the past 5 years, 1,287 Russian students (816 bachelors and 471 masters), as well as 368 foreign students, whose influx is constantly growing, have received a start in professional life. The author notes that the feature of learning is a harmonious combination of fundamental and applied knowledge, theoretical and empirical skills, which is typical for classical university education. In its educational and scientific activities, the Faculty of Sociology of Moscow State University relies on a combination of fundamental scientific knowledge and empirical skills that allow students to be not only practitioners capable of processing and analyzing data, but also theorists who understand deep social processes. The education system of the Faculty of Sociology is constantly being modernized to meet the challenges and requirements of modernity. In this regard, special attention is paid at the Faculty of Sociology to the introduction of new educational technologies, including the network form of educational programs, project-based learning, distance learning technologies, and e-learning. The article presents in a systematic form the achievements of the departments of the Faculty of Sociology, as well as the results of the scientific activities of the entire faculty, which are reflected in numerous monographic publications, publications of articles, as well as in reports at international and all-Russian conferences. Many monographs published by faculty members have become bestsellers. Among them: a monograph by N.G. Osipova and S.O. Elishev “Revolutions and coups d’etat: theory, history and practice”, a monograph by N.G. Osipova and S.O. Elishev “Historical Russia: territories and prospects”, monographs by S.O. Elisheva “Sociology of Religion in Imperial Russia” and “Imperial Statehood — the fate and mission of Russia”, a collective monograph by the staff of the Department of Modern Sociology “Social inequality in the modern world: new forms and features of their manifestation in Russia”, collective monographs of the Department of Economic Sociology and Management “The older generation in post-industrial realities” and “Artifacts of organizational culture”. The Faculty of Sociology of Lomonosov Moscow State University takes an active part in the joint development of the Innovative Scientific and Technological Center of Moscow State University “Vorobyovy Gory”, contributed to the launch of negotiations between the INTC of Moscow State University and major representatives of the real sector of the economy. He pays great attention to the preservation of the cultural and historical heritage of Russia, the popularization of traditional values for the Russian mentality. A landmark platform for the implementation of this direction was the Vvedensky Stavropol Monastery “Optina Pustyn”, in the spiritual and educational center of which professors of the faculty N.G. Osipova and S.O. Elishev gave public lectures. The author highlights in detail the directions of international cooperation of the Faculty of Sociology and activities that help attract applicants.

RİZE – İKİZDERE AND ÇAMLIHEMŞİN SURVEYS

Rize, strategically situated in the eastern Black Sea region, has historically served as a crossroads for numerous civilizations and cultures. Despite the region's significance, systematic historical and archaeological research began only in the 1990s. These early studies, which spanned several research seasons, were instrumental in uncovering Rize's rich historical heritage. To further explore this heritage and shed light on its history and archaeology, surveys have been conducted since 2022 in the İkizdere, Çamlıhemşin, and Hemşin districts of Rize Province, authorized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. This article provides a comprehensive assessment of the findings from the 2023 surveys in the İkizdere and Çamlıhemşin districts. In İkizdere, research encompassed various neighborhoods, including Çağrankaya, Çarşı, Gündoğdu, Güney, Kirazlı, Yeşilyurt, and Zafer, as well as villages and highlands such as Ayvalık, Bayır, Cevizlik, Demirkapı, Güneyce, Gürdere, Ihlamur, Ilıcaköy, Şimşirli, Tulumpınar, Yağcılar, and Yeralma. In Çamlıhemşin, surveys were carried out in the villages of Sıraköy, Ortaklar, Yazlık, Mollaveyis (Ülkü), Şenköy, Meydan, Şenyuva, Yolkıyı, Yaylaköy, and Ortan, along with their associated highland areas. This research led to the identification of numerous historically significant sites, including the Çikares Settlement, Tekneler Settlement, Yumurtadağ Obsidian Centre, Kale-i Bala, Kale-i Zir, Güneyce Bridge, Andulli Bridge, Şebek Bridge, Trovit Plateau Stone Road, Ortanköy (Goboş) Bridge, Çilanç Bridge, Şenyuva (Çinçiva) Bridge, Yağcılar Historical Houses, Başyayla Rock Depictions, Numanoğlu Mansion and its tamgas, Çolağan Locality Wall Depictions, Karmik Plateau Wall Depictions, Trovit Plateau Wall Depictions, Kozizoğlu Mansion and Wall Depictions, Mollanç Behlül Mansion and Wall Depictions, Kurdoğlu Mansion and Wall Depictions, Meydan Village Wall Depictions, Güneyce Hacı Sheikh Mosque, Şimşirli Village Middle Neighborhood Mosque, Yağcılar Village Konak Mosque, Kurusaha Mosque, and Şenköy Mosque.

War, art, and sanctions: social network analysis on the NACP’s databases of sanctioned Russian individuals and art collectors

AbstractUntil March 2024, Ukraine’s National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP) was tasked with maintaining databases of individuals sanctioned for their support of Russian military action in Ukraine and monitoring works of art owned by these individuals to prevent their being sold in violation of sanctions. The present study gathered data from the NACP’s War & Sanctions and War & Art databases through a combination of web scraping and API requests. These data were then examined using measures of network analysis (including degree centrality, eigenvector centrality, and clustering coefficient), which allowed the visualisation and statistical analysis of the network of Russian elite. This research is the first that has conducted scientific analysis on these datasets. Investigation determined that the social network of individuals in the upper strata of Russian society is vast and moderately centralised, with over a dozen clusters around influential Russian oligarchs, politicians, and celebrities. It also determined that art collectors have a more central role in this network than non-collectors of art. The network exhibits a clear presence of hubs and nodes with high degree centrality and a high degree-betweenness centrality correlation, indicating that information can flow quickly and efficiently. However, the network’s dependence on a few key individuals could constitute a vulnerability, with the extraction or isolation of these figures potentially disrupting the network’s function and coordination. This research also identified inconsistencies in the imposition of sanctions, creating grey areas that could allow the continued trade of cultural goods, potentially bypassing international restrictions.