Russian Stereotypes about Different Countries - South Caucasus Trio and Moldova

 

One can sum up Russian stereotypes about Caucasus trio of Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, as somewhat of a flavor group. Moldova is not in the Caucasus and has more in common with Baltics than with South Caucasian nations, but Russian stereotypes about it are much closer to the Caucasus.

These former USSR republics are often associated with prosperity and various warm weather things, that are normally not available in core Russian Land. Exotic fruits, vine, art and music. Compared to Russia, their climate is milder and warmer. It allows them to produce fruits and other things that cannot grow in Russia itself.

However, that interest in exotic things, this region produces, does not extend into respect towards people who inhabit it. There are plenty jokes and stereotypes about Caucasian people and Moldovans. Probably more than of any other area of former USSR.

There is perhaps the theme that these lands are good, but people who inhabit them are weak, goofy and undeserving of such bountiful land.

Another thing, that unites Caucasus with Moldova is beaty of land. There are plenty of poems about picturesque landscapes of Caucasus. Moldova is also stereotyped as beautiful and fertile land where everything grows in abundance. In reality, nowadays Moldova and Caucasus hardly prosper, but stereotypes still portray them as lend from which there is plenty to take.

On other thing is that these three countries are vaguely associated with eastern mystique and ancient wisdom. If Baltics are example of western organization and way of life, then Caucasus is an example of the alternative eastern way. Most of this ancient wisdom likely originated from Iran (Persia), but it is through these countries that Russia got access to that. In this role it somewhat blurs with Central Asia as these stereotypes are never pinpointed on any one of either Caucasian or Central Asian contry.

Georgia

Georgia possibly gets the worst of stereotypes. Russian stereotypes portray Georgians as both very rich and very stupid as the same time. In addition to also portraying them as gay and cowardly. As I mentioned before there are probably more jokes about Georgians than about any other people.

Another stereotype about Georgians connects them to organized crime. Not all Georgians are criminals, but top gangsters are always Georgians. The term "thief-in-law" is often used to describe them. 

All that make people envious of the wealth, fortunate inhabitants of "sunny" Georgia enjoy. In reality in 90s Georgia was one of the most destitute post-Soviet states.

Azerbaijan

Stereotypical Azeri sells mandarin oranges on open markets. They sell other fruits as well. This association of Azeris with fruit trade is the most enduring in Russian mentality.

Azeris are often known as passionate salesman. Trait not very respected by Russians, but not especially hated either.

Most jokes about Azeris also revolve around trade and oranges.

In reality Azerbaijan has a lot of oil and the only one who prospers in the Caucasus.

Armenia

Armenia gets somewhat better reputation, compared to the rest of the group. Armenians are considered competent, witty and knowledgeable people, who can ask uncomfortable questions and get to the truth.

Armenians are also associated with humor. However, there are not so many jokes about them, so much as attributed to them. Evgeny Petrosyan is not actually Armenian, but people in Russia think he is. His surname is Armenian sound, but it's a stage name and not his real surname.

While French would take issue with Armenian "Cognac", in USSR they are widely known as Cognac manufacturers. Armenian Cognac had mixed reputation even in USSR, but that still got Armenians some good renown.

Moldova

Moldova is not in Caucasus, but still decided to include it here as stereotypes about Moldovans closer to those of Caucasian people than to Baltics. Alternatively, I could have given it a separate article on its own, but it would be a very short one.

Stereotypes about Moldova portray it as land of plenty where everything grows in abundance and people have nothing to want for. That could be more wrong for this poorest in Europe country. However other stereotypes, I list in this series, are also not representative of the truth.

In contrast Moldovan people are often considered Gypsies as much as their Romanian counterparts. 

However, Russia does not view Gypsies in purely negative light. Russians think that Gypsies have their strong points and even some wisdom. Some "traditional gypsy songs" are loved by people and even sung on parties. These are not originated from Moldova at all, even if Moldova has its own good music.

That in turn translates into some good will towards Moldovans.