Master Plan of Novgorod the Great 1150th Anniversary Celebration

(adopted by the Federal Organizing Committee on the preparation for and carrying out of Novgorod the Great 1150th anniversary on July 28th, 2006)

What we, Russians, are is the merit of the Novgorodians living in the earliest days of the Russian history.
D.S. Likhachev

Introduction

In 2009, Novgorod will mark 1150 years since it was first mentioned in 859 in the most ancient national annals — the Russian Primary Chronicle. From the very outset till the present days, Novgorod has been embedded as “the father of Russian cities” in the national memory.

Likewise, modern Russian historians view the city as the birthplace of the Russian state which grew out of the tribal union of Ilmensky Slaves, dating back to the mid-9th century. At that time, the North-West of Russia, whose rivers connect the Baltic, the Black and the Caspian Seas, became an area of active transit trade between Europe, the Arabian East and the Byzantine Empire. The central point of the northern part of these trade routes including the notable route “from the Varangians to the Greeks” was located at the head of the Volkhov. As stated in the chronicles, it is the head of the Volkhov, the present-day Novgorod’s location, is where Prince Rurik — the forefather of the grand princes’ and tsars’ dynasty governing Russia up until the end of the 16th century — was invited by the coalition of Slavic and Finno-Ugric tribes in 862.

From the very infancy, the Russian state created by Rurik and its descendents in the 9th to the 10th centuries had two centers: Novgorod and Kiev. The centers had different political orientations. Novgorod was more inclined to the Baltic region, while Kiev sided with the Byzantine world. The archaeological research conducted in these most ancient Russian centers proved the cities to have different lifestyles and modes of home building. Furthermore, the Novgorodian birch bark letters provided ample evidence of the substantial differences between the dialects of the Novgorodians and the Kievans.

As opposed to Kiev and other principalities of Southern Russia, from the very beginning, the prince’s power in Novgorod was governed by the contract (ryad) and for the most part restricted to judicial and military functions. Subsequently, this peculiarity of the Novgorod life developed into the custom to invite and dismiss princes at the discretion of the Novgorodians. It also gave rise to such forms of the local self-government as the Veche, election of posadniks, tysyatskies and even Archbishops. From the second half of the 12th century, the government of the city and its vast lands was gradually acquiring republican forms, and Novgorod was becoming one of the most economically developed and influential regions in Europe.

The location of Novgorod on the main trade routes between the South and the North, the West and the East determined the welfare of its citizens. And, the city’s extensive dealings with other countries laid the foundation for the richest culture evolved under a great variety of Eurasian influence. This means not only moral and material but also political culture, the culture based on the high-level education and openness of the city.

Novgorod is known as one of the original centers of the Christianization of the Russian lands, with the oldest eparchy in the country. During the period of the Christian church schism, the eparches of Novgorod distinguished themselves as successful advocates of the Orthodox and were thus consecrated to the Order of Archbishops. The Novgorodian Archbishops had a special headgear, called white klobuk, which was carried to Novgorod from Constantinople in the 14th century. Today, it is a distinguishing sign of the Russian Patriarchs. Novgorod the Great is also widely known to have played a highly important role in defending the north-western frontiers of Russia in the 13th to the 14th centuries. Its successful fighting against the Crusades and withstanding the Swedish expansion and Lithuanian raids enabled the country to retain not only its independence but also the Orthodox as the official state ideology and the basis of the national consciousness.

Furthermore, the city is the oldest center of the Russian education. In 1030, the first school in Russia was opened here by Yaroslav the Wise. This initiative prompted the wide spread of literacy among the Novgorodians, which is certified by many birch bark letters. In the 11th to the 12th centuries, after several decades of the Christianization, the population of Novgorod was nearly 100 % literate. The texts of more than 950 birch bark letters found in Novgorod suggest that the Novgorodians maintained lively business correspondence with each other, drew up debentures, testaments and exchanged love letters.

Novgorod is also associated with the roots of the Russian science, that is, the mathematical treatise on the calculation of the Christian calendar written by the monk Kirik in 1136.

In the mid-13th century, Novgorod escaped the Mongol devastation, thus preserving not only its population but also the whole culture and a pure Russian language. All these attributes were in great demand during the reunification of the Russian principalities under the dominion of Moscow. In the 14th to the 15th centuries, Novgorod became a member of the Hansa — the largest trade union in Europe composed of trading guilds from North European countries. Along with trading post in London, Brugge and Antwerp, the Hansa had two foreign representative offices in the medieval Novgorod: a German post and a Gothic post.

In the late 16th century, Novgorod entered the age of the utmost almost century-long economic and social crisis. During the Time of Troubles, from 1611 to 1617, Novgorod was totally desolated by the invasion of Swedish troops. Upon signing the Peace Treaty of Stolbovo, regarded as humiliating for Russia, Novgorod became a city-fortress — a guard of the North-Western Russian frontiers, with practically all economic resources used for enhancing the defensive capacity of the city. Nevertheless, Novgorod continued to be one of the country’s spiritual centers. This is where the Patriarch Nikon set his reforms in motion, and Pheophan Prokopovich carried out the enlightening activities.

Compared to the age of the Novgorod Republic, Novgorod in the period from the 18th to the 20th century can’t boast many bright moments and personalities. At the same time, its history then is associated with such distinguished people as A.A. Arakcheev, A.I. Gertsen, S.V. Rakhmaninov, N.A. Nekrasov, G.I. Uspensky, M.Yu. Lermontov and others. In the course of the Great Patriotic War, Novgorod and the Oblast suffered grievous losses getting deprived of not only the economic potential and architectural monuments but also the indigenous people. The city was revived in the 1940s to the 1960s to become the embodiment of the ancient Russian history again. But, it still requires another series of restoration works which will allow to reveal the total of its cultural and historical richness and incorporate its invaluable monuments into the modern life of Novgorod the Great and Russia.

In 1992, under the decree of UNESCO World Heritage Committee Session XVI the unique historic and cultural monuments of Novgorod the Great and its surroundings were inscribed to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

In 1999, the ancient name Novgorod the Great was given back to the city.

Today, Novgorod the Great and Novgorod Oblast are an economically developed region in the North-West of Russia. It is found attractive by investors and partners not only from the adjacent Russian regions but also from other countries. The natural potential of Novgorod Oblast sustaining its economic and cultural development is derived from the deep-rooted historical traditions, the historical and cultural heritage and the rates of the economic growth.

In 2009, Novgorod the Great will mark the 1150th anniversary. This is believed to become a large-scale spiritual and political event of national and international significance. Three years left before that shall be devoted to the preparations for the festivities in honor of the city’s foundation. Every year within this time, on the eve of the Day of the City, there shall be a session held to summarize the results of the preparatory activities undertaken for the reporting period. The shortage of time and money needed for implementation of all the envisaged plans and projects force the city to ask the federal center for help, since the city can’t cope with the difficulties on its own. Nonetheless, with the President and the Government of the Russian Federation supporting the event, with the people being well aware of the significance of our history and understanding the national meaning of the event intended to highlight the richness, the unique character and greatness of Russia – with all this we can claim that the forthcoming anniversary will leave up to the highest expectations, and the preparatory activities will receive adequate support.

This master plan has been developed pursuant to Decree No. 84 of the President of the Russian Federation “On the 1150th anniversary of Novgorod the Great foundation”, issued February 8, 2006, and in accordance with Ordinance No. 373 of the Administration of Novgorod Oblast “On the team of and the Organizing committee on the preparation for and carrying out of Novgorod the Great 1150th anniversary”, dated October 17, 2005. The purpose of the master plan is to organize a range of activities and events commemorating the anniversary of Novgorod the Great as the event of national significance.

1. Fundamental principles of the Master plan

The major projects of the development of Novgorod the Great are described in the Plan of the Social and Economic Development of Novgorod the Great for the period 2006 – the 1st half of 2009.

Key lines of activities related to the 1150th anniversary of Novgorod the Great:

1. Development of the economy and promotion of the image of Novgorod the Great. As important constituents of the city’s image, the history and culture make the city and Novgorod Oblast more attractive for business people in terms of investment. The 1150th anniversary of Novgorod the Great is to become another incentive for investors to contribute to the vigorous economic sectors of the region and to launch new investment projects.

2. Development of the economic sectors directly linked to the organization of the city’s 1150th anniversary. The anniversary festivities are to boost the international marketing in the sphere of the cultural events by making them a tourist product and enhancing business activity in the sphere of culture and tourism.

3. Increase in cultural awareness, education and spirituality of the Novgorodians. The 1150th anniversary of Novgorod the Great is to improve the cultural and spiritual climate of the city. The anniversary festivities can foster development of the citizens’ culture, children’s aesthetic education and establishment of new cultural values of Novgorod the Great.

4. Renovation, reconstruction and restoration of historical and cultural monuments. The program shall include projects of comprehensive restoration and reconstruction of monuments located in the core of Novgorod the Great, foremost the areas and monuments of the Novgorod Kremlin, Kremlin Park and the Yaroslavovo Dvorische. This complex of monuments and areas makes up the face of Novgorod the Great and will serve as the venues of the anniversary festivities.

5. Development and redevelopment of the city: staged construction and renovation of public utility facilities, educational institutions, community, healthcare and sports facilities; development of transportation infrastructure including redevelopment of roads and bridges; modernization and adaptation of the existing airport to the requirements of civil aviation. The purpose of these works focused on the public facilities and cultural heritage sites of Novgorod the Great and its environs is to improve the life of the citizens and to increase the number of tourists.

The achievement of these goals will boost the economy, promote the positive image of Novgorod and foster its social development in terms of cultural awareness, education and spirituality of the citizens. Furthermore, it will certainly play part in improving the health, living standard and life quality of the population. Provided due attention is paid to the preservation and restoration of the city’s heritage sites and social infrastructure, and the planned preparations for the anniversary festivities are fulfilled in a timely and step-by-step manner, the celebration is sure to live up to the international standard and provide mighty impetus to further development of the city as the historic center of the present-day Russia, an open, and modern, and safe European city.

2. Basic provisions

2.1. In view of the significance of the event, the celebration of Novgorod the Great 1150th anniversary will take place from June till September, 2009, with the primary festivities scheduled for September 19 to 21, 2009.

2.2. For the purpose of preparation for and carrying out of Novgorod the Great 1150th anniversary, it is deemed necessary to:
- involve in correspondent programs and projects the city's enterprises and organizations, regardless of their legal status or hierarchy rank; business community and non-profit public associations, citizens of Novgorod the Great and Novgorod Oblast;
- enable everyone to voice their proposals or ideas concerning the anniversary and to take active part in the preparations for and celebration of the anniversary;
- for the planned activities to be provided with the needed resources, to launch an advertising and publicity campaign and the production of art wares and souvenirs related to the anniversary;
- decide on the venues of the festivities with regard to their role in the history and culture of Novgorod the Great; and to use parks, squares and the Volkhov embankment as stages of mass activities;
- implement projects of comprehensive improvement and renovation of the anniversary venues;
- make a list of the city's critical transportation and social infrastructure facilities including but not limited to roads, bridges, airports, public utility facilities, education and healthcare institutions, community and sports facilities, and to quantify the work required for their reconstruction, building, restoration and/or capital repair;
- design a program of the festivities. In view of the venues location, the invited guests and participants, to select appropriate activities of the city and Oblast significance. The selected activities shall be easily accessible to all people, including veterans, the handicapped, the poor, children and the young;
- If needed, to carry out construction, repair and restoration work in the selected venues, including but not limited to restoration and renovation of historical, architectural and cultural monuments, general improvement and landscaping of areas, decorative lighting design. Foremost, it applies to the Volkhov embankment and bridges, the sites and monuments of the Kremlin, Kremlin Park and the Yaroslavovo Dvorische;
- involve in the redevelopment of the city tenants and building owners, land-users and organizations in charge of practical use of the lands occupied, industrial enterprises and military bases;
- along with other preparations for the anniversary festivities, upgrade and/or renovate the equipment and facilities of educational, sports, cultural and healthcare institutions;
- encourage creative unions, non-profit public associations, professional or amateur creative and artistic companies to take part in the design and development of the celebration program.

3. To-do list on preparation for the anniversary

3.1. For a great number of various participants to be involved in the preparation for and carrying out of the anniversary festivities, it is planned to:
- invite economic entities, profit and non-profit organizations, public associations and the clergy, citizens of Novgorod the Great and Novgorod Oblast to participate in the preparation for and carrying out of the anniversary by sending them formal addresses;
- invite Mayors of the sister-cities of Novgorod the Great and the heads of the subjects of the North-Western federal okrug to participate in the preparation for and carrying out of the anniversary by sending them formal addresses;
- invite other representatives of the subjects of the Russian Federation to participate in the preparation for and carrying out of the anniversary;
- for the Governor of Novgorod Oblast to hold a news conference with representatives of business, scientific and cultural communities, bank officials and mass media. This news conference is to open a large publicity and advertising campaign on preparation for the anniversary.

3.2. For the purpose of the city’s general redevelopment, improvement and preparation of the venues, it is planned to:
- decide on the venues of the festivities and to estimate the quantity of work required for construction, restoration, renovation and improvement thereof;
- carry out construction, repair and restoration work, including but not limited to renovation, reconstruction and restoration of the monuments of historic and cultural heritage, with foremost regard to the monuments of the Novgorod Kremlin and the Yaroslavovo Dvorische – the sites hosting the celebration;
- carry out work required for preparation, improvement and renovation of the city facilities and areas including but not limited to the city’s parks and gardens, the Volkhov embankment and waterfront, street and road network, highways and the public transportation as well as the modernization of the airport, the development of MEP infrastructure and outdoor lighting system;
- carry out work required for restoration and renovation of the façades of the buildings located in the anniversary venues and the central part of Novgorod the Great;
- carry out work required for clean-up and improvement of the city’s streetscape and the facades of buildings, for artistic and advertising decoration thereof and for landscaping of streets, parks, gardens, courts and other public places of Novgorod the Great.

3.4. In order to make the life of the citizens more comfortable, to increase the quality and affordability of social, cultural and educational services and to create a healthy and people-friendly environment in the city, it is planned to:
- carry out works required for construction and redevelopment of healthcare, social protection, educational and community institutions and facilities (the laboratory facilities and the dormitory of Novgorod State University, a sports center with a rink of artificial ice and a swimming pool, opening of the regional oncologic dispensary and others).

3.5. To organize the design and implementation of educational and cultural programs.

Among other events, the program of the anniversary shall include:
- solemn inauguration of memorials, monuments and establishments of cultural significance symbolizing the anniversary of the city;
- public theatrical performances, festivities, pyrotechnics shows, folk open-air celebrations, trade fairs, exhibitions, artistic contests and festivals held in honor of Novgorod the Great 1150th anniversary;
- international theater festivals;
- concert programs, water pageants and festivities, cultural events featuring popular arts masters and creative/artistic companies from Russian cities and foreign countries;
- various exhibitions in libraries, museums and salons, excursions across and to historic and memorable sights of Novgorod the Great;
- exhibitions and fairs organized by industrial enterprises of Novgorod the Great and Novgorod Oblast;
- sport competitions and fitness events held as part of the celebration of the anniversary;
- different All-Russia and international conferences and symposiums dealing with regional history, art history, culture and science on the whole;
- cultural exchange of creative companies, exhibitions and cultural programs between Russian cities and foreign cities.

3.6. For the purpose of publicity and advertising of the anniversary:
- to launch an Internet site dedicated to the 1150th anniversary of Novgorod the Great foundation. The site is to present all necessary information related to the progress of the preparations for and celebration of the anniversary;
- to engage broadcasting companies for creation of TV and radio programs about Novgorod the Great and preparations for its anniversary;
- to organize a competition for design of the symbols of the anniversary and to use the winning ones in all lines of the preparation for and celebration of the anniversary;
- to make arrangements for issue and production of goods, stamps, medals, coins and other commemorative things inscribed with the anniversary symbols;
- to make arrangements for issue of special certificates of merit and thank-you letters for honorary guests and citizens of Novgorod the Great.

4. Management and funding

4.1. The preparations for the 1150th anniversary of Novgorod the Great are to be financed from the federal, regional and municipal budgets as well as extrabudgetary sources.

4.2. It is deemed reasonable to open a special bank account for fundraising making it easier for investors, individuals, charitable and other organizations to contribute money to the anniversary-related projects.

4.3. It is deemed reasonable to raise funds from Novgorod-based enterprises and organizations for financing anniversary-related construction, restoration and redevelopment projects as well as public cultural events and economic activities.

4.4. The plan of work required for preparation for and carrying out of the anniversary and the program of city and regional events shall be reviewed, amended, if necessary, and newly approved upon annual survey of the work undertaken for the previous period. The plans and programs worked out shall be used as the basis for quantifying the volume of the required funds and developing a financing plan in accordance with the budget of the Russian Federation, the budget of Novgorod Oblast and Novgorod the Great for the given term and the prospects of extrabudgetary financing.

4.5. In order to provide the Master plan with a regulatory basis, it is necessary to work out a plan of joint activities with the Duma of Novgorod Oblast and the local government authorities of the municipal entities of Novgorod Oblast.

Summary

Novgorod the Great anniversary is an event of great significance for Russia. The city of unique cultural and historical heritage, Novgorod is the memory of our Motherland, a city whose value system is very much in accord with the values chosen to guide Russia on its modern way.

With the rich centuries-long history behind, the present-day city is considered the birthplace of the Russian state and democracy, the repository of the millennial Russian culture and the most ancient center of the Russian Orthodox.

For the Russian people, Novgorod the Great must become the national Mecca, the visit of which can strengthen or restore the feeling of pride for the history of the nation and the country. This are the primary reasons why the event is granted the national status and patronaged by the President and the Government of the Russian Federation.

The forthcoming anniversary is expected to become a turning point in the city’s social and economic development, to establish a good footing for the city to evolve into a large tourist Russian center and a modern European city.