Cultural Identity in the Lands of Ukraine in the 9th–12th Centuries: From Ethnic Heterogeneity to Cultural Synthesis

The purpose of the article is to investigate the process of cultural identity formation in the lands of Ukraine during the 9th–12th centuries and to reveal the mechanisms of cultural synthesis that emerged based on ethnic heterogeneity. The research methodology involves applying a range of approaches: analytical for critical evaluation of historical sources, primarily the Tale of Bygone Years; interdisciplinary for comprehensive study of archaeological, linguistic, and literary evidence; systematic with the use of a whole spectrum of methods (historical, cultural, comparative, hermeneutical, theoretical generalisation) for thorough research on the evolution of the concept of ‘Rus’ and intercultural interactions. Scientific novelty. For the first time in Ukrainian cultural studies, a comprehensive analysis of the transformation of cultural identity from ethnic designation to territorial-political essence has been conducted. Conclusions. The research demonstrates that during the 9th–12th centuries, a unique cultural model formed on the territory of modern Ukraine, characterised by the ability to synthesise various traditions while preserving its own identity. The cultural processes of this period laid the foundations for the further development of Ukrainian identity, defining its key features: openness to intercultural dialogue, adaptability, and preservation of cultural distinctiveness. Analysis of primary sources reveals that ethnic heterogeneity became not an obstacle but a catalyst for state formation, creating a dynamic system of cultural exchange and synthesis that significantly influenced subsequent centuries of Ukrainian cultural development within the European family of nations.