Abstract
The Russian community in South Tyrol, an autonomous region in Northern Italy, dates back to the XIX century. Wealthy classes discovering the benefits of the local climate and thermal waters not only sojourned, but moved permanently to the region. In order to safeguard cultural and religious continuity, the community soon established a Russian foundation as well as physical landmarks such as a dedicated library and one of the oldest orthodox churches in Italy. The almost 150 year-old tradition of the South Tyrolean Russian community has been historically retraced (e.g. Marabini Zoeggeler, 1997; Marabini Zoeggeler, Pruccoli, & Talalay, 2017). However, qualitative sociological investigations aimed at understanding the values which hold such communities together are still lacking. An exploratory study has therefore been conducted in order to fill this gap, identifying shared values, traditions and beliefs that create a sense of common belonging among its members. Semi-structured in-depth interviews with members of the Russian community served as methodological tool to explore 1. what constitutes the Russian community in South Tyrol, 2. the role of orthodox faith for the community’s identity, and 3. how its members interact with each other, both in the region and - thanks e.g. to digital media - beyond. Against the backdrop of an increasingly globalized and fragmented world and fast technological developments, the specific example of the Russian community in South Tyrol helps to better understand how migrated communities maintain unity and cohesion. (References: Marabini Zoeggeler (1997). Die russische Kolonie in Meran. Hundert Jahre russisches Haus “Borodine”. Edition Raetia ; Marabini Zoeggeler, Pruccoli, Talalay (2017). La Merano dei Russi. Alpha Beta).