Academic Colonialism And Colonization Of Siberia: Histories And Legacies Of Daniel Gottlieb Messerschmidt - The First Academic Explorer Of Siberia

Keywords: Siberia, Daniel Gottlieb Messerschmidt, Russia, colonialism
Session Type: Virtual Poster Abstract
Day: Monday
Session Start / End Time: 2/28/2022 11:20 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/28/2022 12:40 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 45

Abstract

During the rule of Peter the Great, the Russian conquest and colonization of Siberia entered the stage of the first European scientific expeditions that were sent to the region. Paying special attention to the first such expedition led by D.G. Messerschmidt, this research examines how the deeds and discoveries of these expeditions for Western science served as a tool of Russian colonization. Despite the pioneering significance and the large amount of information collected, the Messerschmidt expedition receives relatively little attention and research both in Russia and abroad. Analyzing the information collected by him and subsequent expeditions, examining his data acquisition methods and the use of this information and methods by the Western scientists and the Russian colonial empire, it is possible to draw attention to an important milestone of the Russian colonization of Siberia. It can also help to understand how Siberia turned from a perceived "terra incognita" for the Russians into more integrated and highly valued part of Russia.