"Soviet Secret Bunkers" book
2021
In 2021, historian Dmitry Yurkov created a book that provides the most complete description of the history of Soviet fortification in the 1930s-1960s. All the information in it is collected from archival sources (more than 500 documents from 11 archives). The most significant objects were reconstructed based on archival descriptions, on the basis of which I created detailed illustrations.
2021
In 2021, historian Dmitry Yurkov created a book that provides the most complete description of the history of Soviet fortification in the 1930s-1960s. All the information in it is collected from archival sources (more than 500 documents from 11 archives). The most significant objects were reconstructed based on archival descriptions, on the basis of which I created detailed illustrations.
This is one of the first works to use declassified archival materials. It provides a solid overview of Soviet special fortification, an engineering discipline for designing and constructing hardened protective structures. Covering the 1930s-1960s period, the book begins with the first air and civil defence HQs before moving onwards to the World War II and Post-war periods, including construction of the special transportation systems in Moscow commonly referred to as “Metro-2". Some related topics such as continuation of government and continuation of operations are also discussed.
Special fortification structures are among the rarest and most mysterious elements of the modern urban environment. These well-protected underground facilities once ensured peaceful skies above us. Today, they are being declassified en masse, and some are even being turned into museums.
Dmitry Yurkov’s book is the result of extensive historical and archival research into how and why these unusual structures were created in Moscow and other regions of the Soviet Union. The publication is intended for a wide range of readers interested in contemporary history and urban underground spaces.
Dmitry Yurkov’s book is the result of extensive historical and archival research into how and why these unusual structures were created in Moscow and other regions of the Soviet Union. The publication is intended for a wide range of readers interested in contemporary history and urban underground spaces.
Opening illustrations of each chapter depict buildings and underground structures that correspond to the historical periods described in the book.
