St. Petersburg Agglomeration Identity: features of identity formation and policy

Abstract

The article focuses on the formation of the St. Petersburg agglomeration and, as a result, the identity of residents living on its territory. The modern development of large cities is accompanied by the blurring of the boundaries between the city and the suburbs. A new space is being formed, which includes the territories of various administrative units. The purpose of the article is to identify the features of the St. Petersburg agglomeration identity and the specifics of identity policy in its formation. St. Petersburg identity is considered both as an urban, as a regional, and as an agglomeration, as it is formed on the basis of the historical and cultural heritage of St. Petersburg, which plays a decisive role in residents' awareness of their collective territorial identity. Both state institutions, in particular the Administration of St. Petersburg, and civil society institutions, primarily urban protection, environmental, educational, scientific, and cultural, take part in identity politics. The creation of creative public spaces plays its role, creating an attractive image of a modern city. At the same time, the inactive nature of the activities of state institutions is noted, which are often content with the fact that the magic of the city forms the identity of Petersburgers. It is concluded that it is necessary to coordinate the activities of government structures and citizens in the formation of both urban and agglomeration identity necessary for the successful development of the territory.