
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
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