The object of this study is the identity of large Russian urban formations, while the subject of the analysis is the identity of the Siberian city of Tomsk, which received the status of a historical settlement of federal significance in 2010. In the course of sociological research conducted in the period 2023-2024, it was found that the processes of stagnation in the field of preservation of architectural and urban monuments lead to the loss of the historical context of the central part of urban development. The main focus is on the perception of authentic wooden heritage by residents and tourists. The analysis of modern construction projects is carried out taking into account expert assessments and public opinion. The interest of business structures in restoring the historical environment is revealed, while at the same time the need to develop effective mechanisms of state support is emphasized. A special place is occupied by the results of the implementation of the program "House for a ruble", focused on conservation. The research methodology is based on urban planning analysis and a set of applied methods of the humanities, including sociological research, interviewing, conducting public hearings, analyzing documents, studying local media materials and monitoring social networks. These methods allowed us to consider the understanding of identity in aspects applicable to the city and its environment. As a conclusion of this study, it can be pointed out that the identity of Tomsk is an important component of national security in the field of preserving the historical memory of the West Siberian region. The authors reveal the concept of urban identity based on current surveys and studies confirming the importance of preserving material history for the formation of urban identity and self-awareness of citizens. It should be emphasized that wooden architecture of the XVIII–XIX centuries in Tomsk still remains a part of everyday life, continuing to fulfill its original function — residential buildings. This quality is recognized as the basis of urban identity, significant for residents, necessary for the formation of a unique student city environment and important for the development of the tourist infrastructure of the region. Urban identity is shaped by everyday life and ordinariness, not by museums and museum complexes. The study raises the question of the need for comprehensive measures.
Voronina et al. (Thu,) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: