7 Photos of the Russian Revolution in Tomsk

The Russian Revolution in 1917 (8 March - 8 November) overthrew the Tsarist autocracy and led to the establishment of the Soviet state. One of the strongest Bolshevik organization outside of Moscow was in Tomsk.

During the Revolution there were massive demonstrations organized by the Bolsheviks for the Soviet power. The center of these demonstrations and riots were at the University's building (now: Tomsk State University) and at the now called Lenin Square. Two photos of the collection are showing these places.

The photographer remained unknown, but most likely he was a Hungarian prisoner of war, as the 40 percent of the 600,000 Hungarian POW were held at this area (Tomsk, Omsk, Krasnoyarsk). The Hungarian POWs in Tomsk were the most active pro-Bolshevik group among them and many of the leaders of the Hungarian Soviet Republic in 1919 were imprisoned here, among others Béla Kun and Ferenc Münnich.

The photographs are showing revolutionary gatherings, one is in front of the University, most of the people are in uniform, someone holds a placard with the word "земля" (soil) written on it. Other photos were made on the streets of Tomsk, picturing the Cathedral of the Epiphany at the now called Lenin Square, showing traditional wooden houses of the peasants, and the river port.

.