“It's like an island”: the image of Tatarskaya Sloboda among the locals

Abstract

One of the outcomes of urban space utilization is the emergence of local vernacu- lar narratives about it. Relying on such narratives, I examine the subjective perceptions of the residents of Tatarskaya Sloboda in Tomsk regarding the urban space where their daily lives unfold. The structure of the article is determined by overlaying the collected interviews on elements of the urban environment. Accompanied by research commentary, the article describes the residents’ perceptions of Tatarskaya Sloboda’s space characteristics, borders, as well as the streets and alleys used as pathways. The analysis of interviews and mental maps allows us to conclude that the primary source for constructing the vernacular image is not only associations and memories related to Tatarskaya Sloboda but also, to a significant extent, the presence of everyday practices associated with its space.