The controversy didn't end here. Once discussions about the burial began, in 1993, the cities of Moscow, St. Petersburg and Yekaterinburg all vied for the honor. Moscow, because she is the current capitol, St. Petersburg because she was the Tsarist capital and Yekaterinburg, the site of the execution. Each wants to take advantage of the expected tourist and pilgrimage trade the burial site will receive. It is important to understand that a great deal of the debate is due to a new Russia, searching for her identity.
Symbols are an important element of any culture.
Many feel that the Tsarist dynasty is not an appropriate symbol of modern Russia. For others, this burial will offer closure to a painful evolution in their country's history and open wider the door to a new future. Because it is likely to be a major media event, we will get a glimpse at Russian ceremonial and, to a degree, religious rites. Most importantly, we will, hopefully, learn more about how the Russian people feel about this event and why. In a related story, the original gravesite of the Romanov household was bombed early last week, on February 23rd.