‘From Buryatia to the Caucasus in One Evening’: HSE University–St Petersburg Students Hold Fair of Nationalities of Russia
Where does the Mistress of the Copper Mountain live? How can the national cuisine of Tatarstan surprise you? What does the Stone Town near Perm look like? HSE University–St Petersburg hosted a fair which brought together representatives of various nationalities of Russia. Komi-Permyaks and Urals, Pomors, Karachais and Balkarians, Buryats and Tatars shared unique features of their cultures, presented their national dishes, and took international students on an interactive journey around Russian regions.
The year 2026 has been declared the Year of National Unity in Russia. As a big international family and a university that supports cultural exchange, HSE University–St Petersburg holds events throughout the academic year to unite students from across Russia and around the world.
At the Fair of Nationalities of Russia, guests could dive into the history and culture of various regions. Using a quiz, Komi-Permyaks introduced the guests to the Perm region. Karachais and Balkarians showcased the national costumes: papakhas, colourful hoods and sheep-fur coats. Urals immersed the participants in the atmosphere of tales by Pavel Bazhov: The Mistress of the Copper Mountain and The Malachite Casket. At the workshops, students learned to make rag dolls, paint bookmarks with ethnic patterns, and play the balalaika.
Olga Gaidova
According to Olga Gaidova, Director of the International Student and Alumni Centre, such events bring together everyone who comes to study at HSE University from different Russian regions and other countries.
'HSE University–St Petersburg shares the values of peoples: strengthening inter-ethnic harmony, friendship, and mutual understanding, as well as maintaining cultural diversity. For us, it is important to ensure that international students have a smooth adaptation process. When arriving at HSE University–St Petersburg, some students have only scrappy knowledge and stereotypes about Russia and the people who live here. That is why we always recommend that they use any opportunity to learn more about our country, see different cities and regions, and travel. This advice is most relatable for those students who are planning to connect their lives and careers to Russia after graduation. The Fair of Nationalities of Russia is an important event for getting to know our country,' highlighted Olga Gaidova.
Masood Khudadad, first-year student of the Master's programme 'International Business in the Asia-Pacific Region,' came to study at HSE University–St Petersburg from Pakistan.
'HSE University–St Petersburg is an open university with an international atmosphere. It is surprising how many different ethnic groups and small nations live in Russia. I took part in the quiz about Perm and learnt more about the culture of Tatarstan. I've been to Kazan and tried their national food, which is very similar to Pakistani cuisine,' shared the student.
Anastasia Dementeva is a fourth-year student of the Bachelor's programme 'Foreign Languages and Intercultural Communication in Business' at HSE University–Perm. Now, she is undertaking an internship at the International Student and Alumni Centre at HSE University–St Petersburg.
'My region is very interesting, but there are certain stereotypes about it because of mass culture. At the stall, our team tried to show the authentic history of Perm and its outstanding natural landmarks—the Usvinsky Pillar and the Stone Town. We didn't expected such excitement: a lot of students came up to us, curiously asked about the city, and took part in the quiz,' she said.
Vitaly Korolyov, chief specialist at the Integration and Adaptation Unit of the St Petersburg House of Nationalities, highlighted the importance of cooperation with HSE University–St Petersburg for enhancing international ties.
'We are working on the integration and adaptation of international students. We help them to get to know St Petersburg and our country. Intercultural dialogue helps us remember our roots and mutually enrich ourselves. In April, the St Petersburg House of Nationalities is holding the "Multifaceted St Petersburg" creative contest for foreigners—we also invite international students of HSE University–St Petersburg to participate,' said the expert.
The Fair of Nationalities of Russia finished with vibrant performances from a studio of traditional Kursk music and the Uklad family folklore club. To the tune of folk songs, participants did a circle dance that left a lasting impression on the international students. The guests also had a chance to learn other national dances. At the end of the event, the students were treated to the traditional cuisine of various Russian nationalities.
