Belgrade: The White Emigration in Serbia in the Wake of the Russian Revolution

Overview

After the Bolshevik revolution, between 1 to 2 million people left Russia over three years. Up to a hundred thousand ended up in the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes. This influx of people certainly wasn't trivial for a country with a small population. Russian emigration certainly left a very notable mark in the capital city of Belgrade. Was it a good or bad mark? Let's walk around, observe and figure it out for ourselves. Why did most Russian emigrants settle here? What are Nansen passports and why are they being mentioned again today? How did Serbia dare to do what even stronger countries never would - to host a fully-trained and even partially-weaponised army of another country? Let’s find out! And while we do, let's try to solve a challenging question - how would you organise such an army in exile in a way that it would not: - overthrow anyone, - conquer parts of the country, - or starve to death. That's what makes it such a wonderful country! Join us!