Evolution of the factors that led to the liquidation of settlements in the Murmansk region in 1939–2023

Abstract

 Using the example of the Murmansk, the paper considers the character of the processes of settlement liquidation from 1939 to the present is considered. Various reasons for the abolition of settlements in the region in different historical periods have been identified. The first years after the formation of the Murmansk region were characterized by the process of merging of the settlements being liquidated with another one that was higher in status, and the preservation of the residential territory. Later this resulted in the exclusion of the settlements from the accounting data. The main reasons for the abolition of settlements in the Murmansk region are given, which include the withdrawal of residential territories for the construction of hydroelectric power station infrastructure, the loss of economic importance of settlement-forming enterprises due to the exhaustion or the economic inexpediency of extracting and processing of resources (forest or mineral), and the reorganization of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. The process of depopulation and abolition of settlements depends on socio-economic factors and reflects the trends in the economic development of the country. Systematized information is presented reflecting the factors of liquidation of settlements with details about the reasons each of the character of this process in different periods. Synthesized data reflecting the current state of the abolished settlements are presented. For the most part, these are non-residential areas with ruined residential and non-residential buildings. Liquidated ancient Pomor’ settlements are widely used for the purpose of summer holidays in the country. A trend is detected for regular cultural events being held on their territory and for their inclusion in tourist and sightseeing routes.