Esperanto’s Journey in Russia: A Tale of Triumph and Tragedy

The Birth of Esperanto in Russia

Esperanto, the international auxiliary language, was first invented in 1887 by L.L. Zamenhof, but its journey in Russia was particularly nuanced. Despite initial doubts from Tzarist censors, the early 20th century was a fertile period for the language in Russia. Courses and clubs proliferated across the country, and annual national congresses were supported by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce. The friendship of Esperanto speakers and the Russian authorities lasted until the outbreak of the Russian Revolution in 1917.

The revolution brought a significant shift. Many Esperantists enthusiastically supported the changes, believing that their language could serve the proletariat. One particularly vocal advocate was the energetic and ambitious Ernest Drezen. He managed to convince the new regime that Esperanto would be an essential tool for global communication during the anticipated proletarian revolution. The Esperanto movement received extensive support from the Soviet authorities, making it thrive.

The Rise and Fall of SEU

The Sovetrespublikara Esperantista Unio (SEU) was officially founded in 1921, adhering to the organizational principles of the Bolshevik Party. Numerous young and talented Esperantists joined the association, creating a strong and active collective. However, to continue receiving state support, SEU had to sever its relations with the World Esperanto Association (UEA), perceived as a neutral bourgeois organization. Instead, SEU worked with the Sennacieca Asocio Tutmonda (SAT), a non-neutral proletarian Esperantist organization.

SEU's members were encouraged to join SAT, aiming to maintain their idealistic goals within a more aligned structure. The political climate continued to shift under Stalin. By the 1930s, Soviet society was suspicious of anyone connected with foreign countries. Esperantists, despite being loyal communists, faced severe persecution. Many prominent Esperantists were executed, including Yevgeny Mikhalski, Vladimir Varankin, and Ernest Drezen. Torture and mass arrests were common, leading to the suppression of the Esperanto movement.

Triumph and Tragedy

Triumph was evident in the early days, with the Esperanto movement thriving in Russia. However, tragedy ensued with the Russian Revolution and the subsequent political repression. While the early enthusiasm for Esperanto as a tool for global communication was genuine, the harsh realities of Stalin's rule led to the undoing of much of this progress.

The story of Esperanto in Russia illustrates the complex interplay between political ideology and linguistic ideals. While the language had the potential to foster international understanding and unity among workers, the rise of totalitarianism brought about its decline and suppression.

For further reading on this topic, see:

Ulrich Lins, "La danera lingvo. Studo pri la persekutoj kontra Esperanto." (First edition: Gerlingen, 1988; Revised edition: Rotterdam, 2016)

Readers interested in the detailed accounts of Esperanto's journey through Russian society can explore these sources for more comprehensive insights.