# Imperial St. Petersburg University

> one of the twelve Imperial Universities of the Russian Empire (1819-1917). In 1914 it was renamed the Petrograd University.

**Wikidata**: [Q28729082](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q28729082)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Petersburg_Imperial_University)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/imperial-st-petersburg-university

## Summary
Imperial St. Petersburg University was a major higher education institution and one of the twelve Imperial Universities of the Russian Empire. Established in 1819 and located in Saint Petersburg, it operated under this title until 1917. In 1914, the institution was renamed Petrograd University, and it was eventually succeeded by Saint Petersburg State University.

## Key Facts
- **Inception**: Founded on February 8, 1819.
- **Location**: Saint Petersburg, Russian Empire (Coordinates: 59.9427, 30.298).
- **Classification**: Instance of a university and one of the twelve Imperial Universities of the Russian Empire.
- **Dissolution**: The entity was dissolved, abolished, or demolished in 1917.
- **Successor**: Replaced by Saint Petersburg State University.
- **Name Change**: Renamed "Petrograd University" in 1914.
- **First Rector**: Michail Balugjanski (served 1819–1821).
- **Notable Rector**: Pyotr Pletnyov served as rector from 1840 to 1861.
- **Archival Record**: Organizational archives are identified by fund number "ф. 14".

## FAQs
### Q: When was Imperial St. Petersburg University founded?
A: The university was founded on February 8, 1819, in Saint Petersburg, Russian Empire.

### Q: What happened to the university in 1914?
A: In 1914, the university was renamed Petrograd University.

### Q: What is the modern successor to this institution?
A: The Imperial St. Petersburg University was replaced by Saint Petersburg State University following the end of the imperial period in 1917.

### Q: Who was the first rector of the university?
A: Michail Balugjanski served as the first rector from the university's inception in 1819 until 1821.

## Why It Matters
Imperial St. Petersburg University served as a cornerstone of higher education in the Russian Empire for nearly a century. As one of only twelve Imperial Universities, it represented the highest tier of academic achievement and state-sponsored research during the modern period. Its establishment in 1819 marked a significant development in the educational infrastructure of the empire, moving beyond the founding of older academies to create a structured university system in the capital.

The institution is historically significant for its continuity and evolution through major political changes. Surviving through the 19th century, it adapted to the shifting landscape of the early 20th century, undergoing a name change to Petrograd University in 1914. Its existence laid the groundwork for the current Saint Petersburg State University, ensuring the preservation of academic tradition and knowledge transfer across different eras of Russian history. The university's rectors included prominent figures such as Emil Lenz and Pyotr Pletnyov, indicating its role as a hub for intellectual leadership.

## Notable For
- **Imperial Status**: Recognized as one of the twelve elite Imperial Universities of the Russian Empire.
- **Historical Continuity**: Operating from 1819 until the revolutionary changes of 1917.
- **Leadership**: Hosting notable rectors such as Pyotr Pletnyov (1840–1861) and Emil Lenz (1863–1865).
- **Archival Heritage**: Maintaining a distinct historical record identified as Fund 14 in archival collections.
- **Geographic Significance**: Being the primary imperial university located in the capital city of Saint Petersburg.

## Body

### Founding and Location
Imperial St. Petersburg University was established on February 8, 1819. It was situated in Saint Petersburg within the Russian Empire. The precise geographic coordinates of the institution are 59.9427 latitude and 30.298 longitude. It is classified as an academic institution for further education and falls under the category of "imperial universities of the Russian Empire."

### Administration and Rectors
The university had a succession of rectors who guided the institution throughout the 19th century. Key leadership tenures documented in the records include:
- **Michail Balugjanski** (1819–1821)
- **Yevdokim Zyablovskiy** (1821–1825)
- **Antoine Jeudy Dugour** (1825–1835)
- **Pyotr Pletnyov** (1840–1861)
- **Emil Lenz** (1863–1865)
- **Karl Fedorovich Kessler**
- **Petr Grigorʹevich Redkin** (1873–1876)
- **Andrey Beketov** (1876–1883)
- **Ivan Andreyevsky** (1883–1887)

### Transition and Succession
The university operated under its imperial charter until the early 20th century. In 1914, its name was changed to Petrograd University. This entity ceased to exist in 1917 (dissolved, abolished, or demolished). It was subsequently replaced by Saint Petersburg State University.

### Identity and Documentation
The institution is known by multiple aliases, including "Saint Petersburg Imperial University," "Императорский Санкт-Петербургский университет," and "Petrograd University." It is described in the Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary. The university's archives are cataloged under the ID Q134606105 with the fund number "ф. 14".

## References

1. Source