The Karelian Research Centre RAS was represented in the competition by three nominees: “Livvi Villages from A to Ä: A Dictionary of Populated Place Names” (D.V. Kuzmin, I.I. Mullonen, E.V. Zakharova; Publisher: KarRC RAS) and “Kurkijoki: Archaeology, History, Culture” (S.I. Kochkurkina, M.I. Petrova; Publisher: KarRC RAS) – both prepared by specialists from the Institute of Linguistics, Literature and History KarRC RAS, and “Enlightening Journeys of Karelian Baby Animals” from the Institute of Geology KarRC RAS.
The main award In the Karelia=Karjala category was given to the book from the KarRC RAS Editorial and Publishing Department “Livvi Villages from A to Ä: A Dictionary of Populated Place Names”. The authors of the dictionary are scientists from the Institute of Linguistics, Literature and History KarRC RAS Denis Kuzmin, Irma Mullonen, and Ekaterina Zakharova, with Irma Mullonen as the editor.
This dictionary, containing over 650 names of places populated by Livvi Karelians, traces the history of each place name over five centuries, starting from the mid-16th century, based on historical sources and maps. Each dictionary entry provides the Russian and Karelian names of the settlement. It also offers an explanation of the name’s origin, making it possible to reconstruct the names of founders and first inhabitants of many villages and to uncover some parts of the local history and geography.
- The publications in the competition are designed for a wide readership. Our dictionary, too, despite its scientific component, was made primarily in response to people’s inquiries. At the institute, we are often asked questions like “What does the name of my village mean?”. This book is meant as an answer to such questions, – explained Irma Mullonen.
The scientist announced an upcoming third book in the series, on place names of the Zaonezhye area.
The winner In the Light of Science category is the book “Kurkijoki: Archaeology, History, and Culture” from the KarRC RAS Editorial and Publishing Department. The authors of the book are scholars from the Institute of Linguistics, Literature and History KarRC RAS, Svetlana Kochkurkina and Marina Petrova, with Svetlana Kochkurkina as the editor-in-charge.
The authors recount the history of the village of Kurkijoki, lying on Lake Ladoga shore, first mentioned in 1396. Before the arrival of the Novgorodians, these lands were inhabited by ancient Karelian tribes, and Kurkijoki was one of the core areas where Karelian culture was forming. The book summarizes many years of research in the archaeology, history, and culture of Kurkijoki and its surroundings, providing detailed information on the economy, crafts, military equipment, and clothing of the Medieval period.
A special diploma in the Classy Book category for a creative approach to popularizing Karelian geology for children through the book “Enlightening Journeys of Karelian Baby Animals. New Adventures: Science for the Youngest” was awarded to Sergey Svetov, Director of the Institute of Geology KarRC RAS. The book was authored by Sergey Svetov and artist Anna Danilova. It is the second edition presented by the co-authors, where they use the comic book format to tells children about curious geological destinations in Karelia.
- Children study the history of Karelia at school – the civilization, the history of use. Yet, the earlier history, the geological events associated with Karelia were left out of the school curriculum. The idea was to concoct adventures so that children would want to retrace the route of the comic book’s characters. All the sites are within easy reach; children can ask their parents to show them everything in real life. What matters here is the joy of discovery, the sense of belongingness, – noted Sergey Svetov.
The scientist reminded that the project has been going on since 2022, when the first part of the comic book was released, which was also recognized with a Republic of Karelia Book of the Year award. There are plans to create a third part of the book.
In addition, a special diploma for popularizing the Karelian runo-singing heritage in the Karelia = Karjala category was awarded to Maria Kundozerova, Senior Researcher at the Department of Folklore and Literature Studies Section of the Institute of Linguistics, Literature and History KarRC RAS, for the “Karelian Runo Songs: The Water World” calendar.
Congratulations to the winners and laureates of the Republic of Karelia Book of the Year – 2025 competition!
