“Vladivostok. Pamyatnik Sergei Lazo.” That’s the title on a photograph from 1972. This photograph shows a monument to Sergei Lazo. Let’s explore the story behind the \u0421. \u0413. \u041b\u0430\u0437\u043e Plaque.
Before 1917 Russia had around 3000 monuments. Most were dedicated to Alexander II. This wave of monument building linked to the 50th anniversary of the abolition of serfdom in 1911. After the October Revolution demolition increased. The Bolsheviks weren’t the first to remove monuments. The Provisional Government started it in the summer of 1917.
After the October Revolution demolition gained momentum. Some monuments were replaced. New monuments reflected the political situation. Lenin understood this. He had collections of monuments including ones on foreign pedestals. Sometimes old pedestals held new revolutionary figures.
The \u0421. \u0413. \u041b\u0430\u0437\u043e Plaque has ties to Vladivostok. It also connects to V.S. Zavoiko. Zavoiko was a Russian admiral and military governor of Kamchatka.
Opened in 1908 the monument underwent changes. In 1922 the Red Army occupied Vladivostok. Plans emerged to remove Zavoiko’s figure. Sculptors saved the figure by hiding it. They concealed it in a wooden box. It remained until 1938 when it was removed.
On August 12 1945 a monument to \u0421. \u0413. \u041b\u0430\u0437\u043e was opened. It stood on the old pedestal. Figures of tsars and their servants were removed.
In 1920 Irkutsk was occupied by the Red Army. The emperor’s figure was removed. In 1954 a tall concrete spire was installed. It honored the pioneers of Siberia.
In 2003 the Alexander III monument was restored. It returned to its original appearance. This plaque links to a broader history of monuments in Russia. It reflects changing political tides. The \u0421. \u0413. \u041b\u0430\u0437\u043e Plaque is a reminder of a complex past. It reflects revolution and shifting ideologies.