Editor’s Note: Sadie Roraback-Meagher is a deputy opinion editor for the Daily. Roraback-Meagher co-wrote this article with someone outside of the Daily’s staff.
Since at least the ’60s, the Russian, Slavic and Central Asian house, formerly known as the Russian House, has served as an essential cultural hub for Tufts students. From eating pierogies while playing board games to belting out Russian karaoke, the house has provided Jumbos with a unique opportunity for daily immersion in Russian and various Eastern European cultures, forging lifelong friendships and having fun. In an effort to foster a more united community passionate about Slavic culture, the residence will be changing its name to the ‘Eurasian House’ — and we would love for you to join us in this new chapter!
The Eurasian House is intended for students interested in the Russian language as well as the countries and cultures of Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia who want to live alongside their Slavic-enthusiast peers. Whether you’re from a post-Soviet state, hope to hone your Russian skills or just want to connect with others over a bowl of borsch, then the Eurasian House is the home for you.
As a member of the house, you’ll not only find a community, but you will also play an important role in the broader Tufts celebration of Slavic culture. In the past, the house has hosted events open to all, including film screenings and tea ceremonies, enabling students to deepen their knowledge of Slavic culture and bond with peers. The house also provides students with the chance to perfect their culinary skills by learning how to make delicious pelmeni and blini. If you’re interested in helping organize events to celebrate Eastern European and Central Asian culture, then we strongly encourage you to apply. Anyone who wants to contribute to — or revel in — the knowledge of Slavic culture will be welcomed in this house.
With the adoption of the name Eurasian House, we hope to create a more united community that prioritizes friendship and learning. We recognize that Russia’s war in Ukraine has understandably made many hesitant to celebrate anything associated with Russia. While the Eurasian House remains sponsored by the Department of Russian and Eastern Studies, we want to make it clear that the program and house do not support or endorse the actions of the Russian government. In fact, the Russian program has organized events to support Ukraine, such as hosting a concert of traditional Ukrainian folk music with all proceeds going to help Ukrainians.
Given that Tufts unfortunately does not offer any Slavic languages besides Russian, the Eurasian House can serve as an outlet for such learning to take place. We hope the house will be filled with the melodic sounds of Ukrainian, the twanginess of Polish and the softness of Bulgarian. We want students from all backgrounds to feel welcome and motivated to expand their knowledge of Eastern European and Central Asian cultures in a supportive and inclusive environment.
The Eurasian house is meant to be a home — one where all students, regardless of who they are, can find a sense of community. If you want your housing experience at Tufts to be especially meaningful, then we encourage you to apply on SIS by Oct. 22 at 5 pm.
