Vologda Honors Ivan the Terrible with New Monument
The northwestern Russian city of Vologda has officially unveiled a towering 9-meter bronze statue of Tsar Ivan IV, widely known as Ivan the Terrible. The monument, situated on Kremlevskaya Ploshchad near the Vologda Kremlin, was formally presented on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, coinciding with Russia's National Unity Day.
The initiative for the statue came from Vologda region Governor Georgy Filimonov, who has been a vocal proponent of commemorating the 16th-century ruler. The statue was created by sculptor Mikhail Krasilnikov, who previously designed an 8-meter monument to Soviet dictator Josef Stalin.
Governor Filimonov Praises Tsar's Legacy
During the unveiling, Governor Filimonov lauded Ivan the Terrible, describing him as an 'expander of Russian lands' and a 'cultural and symbolic marker of Vologda'. He further characterized the tsar as a 'symbol of the Russian world', a 'powerful warrior, autocrat and conqueror'. Filimonov connected Ivan's conquests, such as the Kazan Khanate and the Astrakhan Khanate, to 'Orthodox missionary work' and a 'dynamic, somewhat harsh and, in a good sense, an aggressive movement forward'.
Filimonov's support for controversial historical figures is not new; he previously backed a statue of Stalin and his office is reportedly adorned with portraits of Soviet-era leaders including Stalin, Lenin, Lavrenty Beria, and Felix Dzerzhinsky.
Ivan the Terrible: A Complex Historical Figure
Ivan IV, who reigned from 1547 to 1584, was the first Tsar of Russia and is remembered for both significant territorial expansion and brutal repression. His rule saw the centralization of royal authority and the expansion of Russian territory into regions like Siberia. In Vologda, Ivan the Terrible ordered the construction of key landmarks, including the St. Sophia Cathedral and the Vologda Kremlin.
However, his reign is also infamous for the 'oprichnina', a period marked by state terror, mass executions, and the establishment of a secret police force. The Great Russian Encyclopedia describes the oprichnina as a period when 'autocratic power took the form of a terrorist despotism'. Historians note his brutal tactics and mass repressions, which included the persecution of boyars (noblemen). The Russian word 'Grozny', often translated as 'Terrible', can also convey meanings such as 'formidable' or 'awe-inspiring'.
Ongoing Debates on Historical Memory
The unveiling of the statue in Vologda highlights ongoing discussions within Russian society regarding the interpretation of its historical figures. While some view such monuments as celebrating national strength and territorial growth, others emphasize the need for a nuanced understanding of figures associated with state-sponsored violence and repression. The timing of the unveiling on National Unity Day underscores a broader effort to commemorate figures that symbolize national cohesion and patriotism, despite their controversial aspects.
5 Comments
eliphas
The idea of Ivan as a 'symbol of the Russian world' might resonate with some, emphasizing strength and expansion. However, for many, the 'Terrible' part of his name is justified by his repressive rule, which makes a monument like this inherently controversial and a subject of ongoing historical debate.
paracelsus
Finally, a monument to a strong leader who unified Russia. This is national pride!
eliphas
It's important to remember all aspects of history, even controversial figures like Ivan IV. However, putting up such a towering monument without acknowledging his dark side feels like an incomplete and potentially dangerous narrative, especially given the current political climate.
paracelsus
This statue ignores the 'oprichnina' and the countless victims. History shouldn't be whitewashed.
eliphas
Recognizing historical figures for their impact on nation-building is understandable, but the article itself highlights his 'terrorist despotism'. There's a fine line between commemorating history and appearing to endorse the more brutal aspects of a ruler's actions.