Moscow Present Times

From Moscowiki

During the 1990s Russia has changed greatly. The country rushed into capitalism, trying to repair an omission and to catch up with the rest of the civilized world. The outcome was not always positive. As a result of numerous economical reforms, a wealthy elite, called “New Russians” appeared, but at the same time the majority of the population is living under the poverty line. Russian Orthodox church, almost illegal in the Soviet Union, is facing a revival of interest among the people.

Over the last ten years Moscow life has been jetting. Countless bars, restaurants and nightclubs illuminate Moscow streets with their neon-signs in the evening, giving the impression that Russians are always ready to party.

Moscow mayor, Yury Luzhkov, seems never to be tired, always busy building, constructing, opening, presenting etc. He initiated the reconstruction of the historical centre of the city; churches and other architectural monuments destroyed in 1920s and 30s (Kazansky cathedral, Voskresensky Gates of Kitay-gorod, Cathedral of Christ the Saviour) are being rebuilt. The city was also generally renovated in honour of Moscow’s 850th anniversary in 1997. In the newly erected buildings the style of modern international “tekhnicism” is neighbouring with attempt of reviving Old Moscow architectural tradition.