Krajobrazy wiejskie na wyspie Olchon

Abstract

On the basis of direct field observations and analysis of archival and present-day cartographic materials, aerial photos and satellite images specific features of rural landscape on Olkhon were presented – a case study of village Kharantsy. This locality has been known since the 19th century as a Buryat Ulus, and since the beginning of the 20th century it has been a village, mainly inhabited by the Buryat population. This population is mainly into, similarly to the past, fishery and cattle breeding. Currently tourism starts to play more and more important economic role. Therefore it is a village without adjacent agricultural terrains, understood as farming. It is characterized by the occurrence of buildings, referring to traditional regional architecture, connected with open landscape. New recreation architecture (tourist accommodation, villas, recreation complexes) does not harmonize with traditio-nal one-storey buildings from the past century; it does not become part of uniform architectonical complex of the Buryat villages. Specific feature of village Charancy landscape is the complete lack of high vegetation. It is connected with location in the steppe zone and tradition of Buryat villages as well.