Why does Russia hate Moscow?

Last week, Romir research center published the results of the poll conducted in August of this year. Sociologists were trying to find out the attitude of Russian people towards Muscovites. The majority of Russians dislike those people who live in the capital of the country. This has been a tradition in the country for ages. Where do these sentiments come from?

"We polled 1,500 people from Russian cities with the population of 100,000 and higher. The poll was conducted in all federal districts of Russia. The people were asked the following questions: "How would you treat a stranger if you were told that he or she is a Muscovite?" Lyubov Saratova, the press secretary of Romir said.

The people obviously split in their opinions. Many respondents said that they could only careless whether a person lives next to Red Square or not. Nine percent said that they respect Muscovites. The number of ill-wishers is larger. Every tenth Russian dislikes Muscovites.

Interestingly enough, the economically active part of the Russian population in Russia's most developed regions shares worst feelings towards the residents of Moscow. Muscovites are disrespected in Siberia (15%), in the south of Russia (14%), in the North-West and in the Ural federal districts (12% each).

Sociologists even made a description of Muscovites' adversaries. They are presumably the people in their thirties (31-35), who take high social positions and work as qualified specialists.

"I actually expected more negative attitude towards Muscovites. However, it appears that our people are better than than they seem to be. Anyway, the poll only proved how large and differentiated our country is," psychologist Andrei Milekhin said.

Below you can find opinions expressed from prominent Russians and foreigners.

Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, the President of Ingushetia:

"Those data are absurd! You asked the wrong questions. Moscow is the most hospitable city of Russia. I would not oppose Moscow to the rest of Russia. One has be to cautious about it."

Vitaly Klitschko, world champion in boxing, a native of Kyrgyzstan, a citizen of Ukraine:

"I always visit Moscow with pleasure, because me and my brother we have many fans here. In Moscow, we feel home. I would like Wladimir to fight Alexander Povetkin on Luzhniki arena in Moscow."

Lyubov Sliska, vice speaker of the State Duma, a native of the city of Saratov:

"I am on great terms with all Muscovites whom I had a chance to meet. It is stupid to dislike people just because they live in Moscow."

Vladimir Golovnev, film director, the city of Omsk:

"The notion of "Muscovite" has lost its integrity. It has been washed out. The capital has turned into a conglomeration of very different people, and it is hard to have a certain attitude to the city now."

Ilya Reznik, poet, native of Leningrad:

"When I lived in Leningrad, there was a tradition to disdain Moscow. We thought that Moscow was like a village. When I moved to the capital, my attitude to the city and to its residents changed. This city changes rapidly; it moves with the times."

Klara Novikova, actress, a citizen of Ukraine:

"It's all about television, which shows the good life of Muscovites, as they enjoy expensive restaurants and night clubs. This picture has nothing in common with real life, but the people in Siberia just sit and think: "Muscovites are in clover, bastards." In sober fact, Muscovites are intelligent and responsive people."

Arseny Zaigralov, marketing expert, Saratov:

"I often go to Moscow for business, but if I ask someone to show me the way, most people usually respond that they are not from Moscow. I believe that they lie because they simply don't want to answer. Provincial people are not among favorites for many Muscovites. For me, Muscovites are not friends."

Andreas Albes, deputy chairman of the Moscow office of Stern magazine, Germany:

"I am absolutely fine with Muscovites. They are a little bit rude, but they always know what they want. How can I loathe them if my wife is a Muscovite?"