Great Russian Encyclopedia: A Comprehensive Reference Work
The Great Russian Encyclopedia (GRE), known in Russian as Bolshaya rossiyskaya entsiklopediya (БРЭ), stands as a universal reference work designed to capture the breadth of human knowledge from a Russian perspective. Developed as the successor to the Great Soviet Encyclopedia, this massive undertaking aimed to provide a modern, academic foundation for general knowledge in the post-Soviet era.
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Origins and Development
The creation of the GRE was formalized in 2002 when President Vladimir Putin signed presidential decree №1156. This mandate placed the project under the auspices of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), ensuring that the content met rigorous academic standards. The project was led by Yury Osipov, the president of the RAS, who served as the editor-in-chief. To maintain high quality and accuracy, the editorial board comprised more than 80 members of the RAS.
Publication History and Structure
The encyclopedia was published by the Great Russian Encyclopedia, JSC, between 2004 and 2017. The complete edition consists of 36 volumes in total. The process began in 2004 with an introductory volume dedicated specifically to Russia, which spanned 1,008 pages. Following this, 35 subsequent volumes were released between 2005 and 2017, covering the alphabetical range from "A" to "Яя" (Yaya). While the introductory volume was exceptionally large, the other volumes averaged approximately 768 pages each.
The RAS originally intended to publish updated versions of the encyclopedia every five years, though there were indications that these updates might transition from print to digital formats after the initial edition.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Editor-in-Chief | Yury Osipov |
| Total Volumes | 36 |
| Publication Period | 2004–2017 |
| Publisher | Great Russian Encyclopedia, JSC |
| Language | Russian |
| Official Website | bigenc.ru |
Key Facts
- Total Scope: 36 volumes published between 2004 and 2017.
- Academic Oversight: Managed by the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS) with an editorial board of over 80 members.
- Volume Size: The "Russia" volume contains 1,008 pages; others average 768 pages.
- Legal Basis: Established via presidential decree №1156 in 2002.
- Digital Transition: Materials are being transferred to Ruwiki following the project's suspension.
Suspension and Liquidation
Despite its academic success, the project faced severe financial challenges in recent years. On June 17, 2024, the project was officially suspended due to the discontinuation of funding from the Russian government. By October 2024, the encyclopedia's materials began being transferred to Ruwiki.
The decline culminated in a December 2024 decree to liquidate the autonomous nonprofit organization "Great Russian Encyclopedia" by October 20, 2025. To facilitate this closure, the Russian government allocated over 300 million rubles in September 2025. These funds are designated for debt repayments, layoff payments, and the settlement of unpaid salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the editor-in-chief of the Great Russian Encyclopedia?
The editor-in-chief was Yury Osipov, who also served as the president of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS).
How many volumes make up the complete edition?
The complete edition consists of 36 volumes, including one introductory volume dedicated to Russia and 35 alphabetical volumes.
What happened to the project in 2024?
The project was suspended on June 17, 2024, because the Russian government discontinued its funding, leading to the transfer of materials to Ruwiki.
When will the organization be fully liquidated?
The autonomous nonprofit organization "Great Russian Encyclopedia" is scheduled to be liquidated by October 20, 2025.
How was the encyclopedia funded during its liquidation?
In September 2025, the Russian government allocated over 300 million rubles to cover unpaid salaries, layoff payments, and debts.