The Struggle for Symbolic Space: The Choice of the Patron-Spirit of the City of Kazan

In the article, concept of “genius a place” is defined as historical or mythological character particular importance for locality, possible applicants role in Kazan are considered, political and social mechanisms that determine nomination one another applicant identified. The authors suggest not certain static, formed, integral image. population heterogeneous, various groups its constituents — administrative managerial elite intelligentsia, conservatives liberals, Russians Tatars have their idea what should look like. Researchers come to conclusion an embodied group sociocultural ideal, struggle conflicts taking place symbolic form partly prevent transformation existing intergroup contradictions into real ethnosocial ethnopolitical conflicts.