The authors of the book recount the history of Kurkijoki (meaning ‘crane river’ in Karelian), a settlement on Lake Ladoga shore. Medieval Russian written sources refer to it as Kir’yazh or the Kir’yazh Pogost. The first known record dates back to 1396. Before the arrival of Novgorodians, these were the lands of ancient Karelian tribes, and the Kurkijoki settlement was one of the centers for the formation of Karelian culture. Its prosperity was aided by its geographical location at the crossroads of trade routes.
The book came out in 2025
In her study, archaeologist Svetlana Kochkurkina concludes with high probability that the Korela tribe formed on the Karelian Isthmus in the 1st millennium AD, with the Baltic-Finnic population at its core.
As the authors themselves say, "the mission of the book is to foster the historical memory of the origins of the Karelian people and the unique monuments of its culture, which have survived only here, on the shores of Lake Ladoga".
Doctor of Historical Sciences Svetlana Kochkurkina is a reputable researcher of Finno-Ugric archaeology. According to Natalia Khvoshchinskaya, Leading Researcher at the Institute for the History of Material Culture RAS, she "was one of the first to have summarized and critically assessed the works of her predecessors in the attempt to resolve the question of the origin and ethnogenesis of the Karelian people, to involve information from various written sources, data from related historical disciplines, and, relying on her own field surveys, to outline the area inhabited by medieval Karelians and comprehensively picture the development of their material culture”.
For many years, Svetlana Kochkurkina conducted archaeological excavations at the Village of Kurkijoki, where she discovered and studied four hillforts. The publications of her findings were of purely academic nature. Over time, many of these publications have become bibliographical rarities, creating a need not only to revisit them and systematize the research results, but also to demonstrate the significance of these sites and explain, in simple terms, why and how they were excavated.
– I was already done with monographs, having resolved to write no more books and focus on scientific articles instead. Yet, I could not get rid of the sense of being obliged to people of Kurkijoki and its surroundings. For many years, they assisted me in the excavations. Adults and schoolchildren, employees of local enterprises came by to work there – some for a day or two, others for longer. I thought I must find a way to thank them. The idea emerged to write this book. Along with telling about the research results, it also acknowledges the assistance I was given and includes publications from the Lahdenpohja district newspaper Prizyv and local poets’ verses inspired by our work, – shared Svetlana Kochkurkina.
Fragment of a page with photographs
An important outcome of the scientific expeditions, efforts of volunteers and local authorities has been the establishment of the Kurkijoki Local Lore Center for the sake of preserving sites of historical, cultural, and natural heritage.
The text is adapted to a wide readership, with scientific terminology reduced to a minimum. The book has already garnered feedback: many excavation participants have written to the authors, thanking them for publication.
According to Svetlana Kochkurkina, the published book is also interesting from another perspective. The Republic is actively preparing to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the Christianization of Karelians. However, a brief note in the historical chronicle does not provide full clarity as to where and how exactly Karelians were baptized.
– I believe the entire historical and archaeological background suggests that even if Kurkijoki was not the exact location of the baptism, it was still somewhere nearby, in the borderlands, in this part of the Karelian Isthmus. The border with Sweden ran across this area; there constantly occurred clashes, in particular with tribes from across the border, over fishing grounds. This was also the reason for building hillforts to serve as fortresses protecting the local population. Small garrisons were stationed there, while people mainly lived in open settlements, – said Svetlana Kochkurkina.
The scientist also plans to publish another book, dedicated to Sortavala, with the working title "Archaeology and History of the Northern Ladoga Region". "I've conducted interesting excavations in this area as well. Colleagues have already supported me in this endeavor", – added the archaeologist.
The forthcoming edition will include previously unpublished materials on two archaeological sites studied by Svetlana Kochkurkina. The new book is also going to be written in a popular science style and will be accessible to all readers interested in the history and culture of the Ladoga region.
Photos: A. Makarov, I. Georgievsky / KarRC RAS
