What is the 'Russian cultural code'?

What is the 'Russian cultural code'?

From The Global Jigsaw by BBC World Service

November 27, 2025 · 32 min

About this episode

The episode explores the significance of the 'Russian cultural code' and its impact on national identity through various cultural expressions.

Why the traditional kokoshnik headdress is en vogue in Russia, and how it has become a poster image for the Kremlin’s vision of national identity. When President Putin talks not of tanks but of tiaras, it’s a signal that symbolism matters. We unpick the dress code of the Russian “patriot” to explore a deeper idea at the heart of everything from fashion and music to entertainment and literature. We go on a mission to decode the “cultural code” that, in the eyes of Russia’s leaders, makes the nation unique - and morally superior. Contributors: Veronika Malinboym, Yulia Volovik Producer: Kriszta Satori Presenter: Krassi Ivanova Twigg Music: Pete Cunningham

People in this episode

Hosts: Kriszta Satori, Krassi Ivanova Twigg

Guests: Veronika Malinboym, Yulia Volovik

Topics covered

  • Russian culture
  • national identity
  • symbolism
  • fashion
  • music
  • entertainment
  • literature

Keywords

  • kokoshnik
  • cultural code
  • patriot
  • symbolism
  • national identity
  • fashion
  • Putin

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Kremlin

Places: Russia, Russia’s leaders

More episodes of The Global Jigsaw

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Global Jigsaw podcast page.