On the Meaning and Purpose of Myths in Soviet History

To kick off the series, the Museum Berlin-Karlshorst invites you to the following evening event:

The Meaning and Purpose of Myths in Soviet History

as part of the series

History in Conflict. Soviet Myths

on Tuesday, 6 October 2026, at 7 pm

at the Museum Berlin-Karlshorst

with

• Dr Irina Scherbakova and
• Prof. Dr Klaus Gestwa,
• Dr Jörg Morré (moderator)

Myths shape our memory of history – and can be deliberately exploited for political interpretations. To mark the launch of the series ‘History in Conflict: Soviet Myths’, this event will examine the role of historical myths in Russia and the Soviet Union.

How do such myths arise, how do they evolve, and how are they appropriated by state-led historical policy? What significance do they hold, particularly in the Putin era?

Irina Scherbakowa and Klaus Gestwa will discuss historical continuities, political instrumentalisation and the impact of myths right up to the present day.

Please register at kontakt@museum-karlshorst.de.

Admission is free.

Further events in the series ‘History in Conflict: Soviet Myths’:

10 November 2026 | 7.00 pm

Holding out until victory and beyond. The ‘Great Patriotic War’

11 December 2026 | 7.00 pm

The country needs heroes. ‘Panfilov’s Men’ or how victory is recounted

12 January 2027 | 7.00 pm

From victor to victim. The ‘Genocide of the Soviet People’

13 February 2027 | 7.00 pm

‘The liberation of Europe from fascism’. What could possibly be wrong with that?

14 March 2027 | 7.00 pm

Marking the victory. The storming of the Reichstag building

• Simultaneous interpretation will be available on selected evenings.