Building of Iconic and Common Images of Arctic Cities (the Case of Arkhangelsk)

Each city has a unique set of images that affect the self-identification of its inhabitants, as well as shape the perception of those who do not live in it and evaluate it from the outside. Given the increased geopolitical and national interest in the Arctic region in the 21st century, this work focuses on images associated with Arkhangelsk, the unofficial capital of the Russian North, which embodies the features of many other Arctic cities. The study collected data from a variety of sources, including works of art, media, historical records and administrative databases, which were referenced during cultural events and public discussions between 2014 and 2024. Using the methods of sociological, anthropological and geographical analysis, these images were divided into iconic and common ones. The paper presents the most significant images of Arkhangelsk and analyzes their manifestations, that is, the structure of the symbolic landscape.