Growing up in Abakan Russia
Growing up in Abakan, Russia, the capital of the Khakassia Republic, offers a mix of urban Siberian life and nearby wilderness. As a regional center with a population of about 170,000, it features developing infrastructure like schools and parks, while being known for its 14-meter Eiffel Tower replica, significant Green areas, and deep-rooted Shamanism traditions.
Urban Environment: Located in southern Siberia, modern Abakan is a hub for education, featuring Khakass State University and developing infrastructure, making it a functional, albeit remote, city for families.
Culture & Environment: The area is characterized by a mix of cultures, with strong influences from the native Khakass people and Russian traditions, featuring both modern amenities and proximity to the Altai mountains.
Contrasting History (The Lykovs): Notably, the surrounding remote regions of the Abakan Range were famously home to the Lykov family, Old Believers who lived in total isolation for 40 years, completely unaware of the modern world until 1978.
Daily Life: For many children in the region, life involves navigating harsh, cold winters, appreciating the extensive green spaces in the city, and having access to, or being surrounded by, the vast Siberian landscape.
