In the beginning, this was an empty place... Place-related narratives in Timofeyevka, Siberia

The current article focuses on the place-related narratives collected in Timofeyevka village (Novosibirsk Oblast, Russian Federation), which was established in 1895 by emigrants from eastern Latvia (Latgale). The aim of the article is to discuss the reasons for the creation and functions of these narratives, at the same time attempting to grasp the significance of referring to the specific place. The material has been subdivided and characterised in detail in four groups according to its genre affiliation: personal and collective experience stories, memorates and legends. The article is based on material collected in Timofeyevka during the fieldwork of 2004 and 2006.