History of urbanonyms the city of Yakutsk as an indicator of memory policies

This article analyzes the renaming of streets and squares in Yakutsk within the context of socio-political discourse. Urban toponyms, particularly street and square names, are not only navigational elements but also a reflection of historical, cultural, and political processes. In Yakutsk, as in many other cities in the Russian Federation, urbanonyms have repeatedly changed depending on the political situation. This article examines the historical background to urbanonym changes, current debates surrounding their renaming, and the positions of various population groups. Particular attention is paid to the ideological aspect of the issue and its influence on the formation of urban identity. The purpose of the study is to identify the degree of politicization of the issue of urbanonym renaming in Yakutsk and to analyze current views on this issue. The study is based on an analysis of scientific literature, archival materials, media publications, and sociological data. Methods of historical analysis, content analysis of discussions on social media and in the media, and the method of interpreting the results of public opinion surveys are used. The study revealed that in the pre-revolutionary period, street names in Yakutsk most often reflected their functional purpose or geographical features. In the 1920s and 1930s, many streets were named after figures associated with the civil war in Yakutia. In the post-war years, the trend of perpetuating the names of Soviet heroes continued. Currently, the issue of renaming streets in Yakutsk remains relevant and politicized. Society is divided between those who support and those who oppose the changes, with the former more often appealing to national identity and historical justice, while the latter focus on practical difficulties and respect for the past.

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