# Russian Free University

> university run by Russian exiles in Prague (1923–1949)

**Wikidata**: [Q16693060](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16693060)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/russian-free-university

## Summary
The Russian Free University was a university run by Russian exiles in Prague, Czechoslovakia, operating from 1923 until its dissolution in 1949. It also operated under the name "Russian People's University" and served as an academic institution for further education.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 1923 in Prague, Czechoslovakia
- Dissolved in 1949
- Also known as Russian People's University
- Located in Prague, Czechoslovakia
- Classified as a university for further education
- Had nl_cr_aut identifiers: ko20201088890 and ko20201088894
- Listed in Czech National Library Catalog
- Had articles in Czech and Russian Wikipedia languages

## FAQs
### Q: When was the Russian Free University founded?
A: The Russian Free University was founded in 1923 in Prague, Czechoslovakia.

### Q: When did the Russian Free University cease operations?
A: The Russian Free University was dissolved in 1949, ending its 26-year operation.

### Q: Who established and operated the Russian Free University?
A: The university was established and operated by Russian exiles in Prague.

### Q: What languages was the Russian Free University associated with?
A: The university had articles in Czech (cs) and Russian (ru) Wikipedia languages.

## Why It Matters
The Russian Free University represents a significant cultural and educational institution that preserved Russian academic traditions during a period of political upheaval. By providing educational opportunities to Russian exiles in Prague, it maintained continuity of Russian scholarly thought that might otherwise have been disrupted by emigration and political changes. The university operated for 26 years (1923-1949), demonstrating its importance and sustainability as an academic institution for the Russian diaspora community in Czechoslovakia during this critical historical period.

## Notable For
- Operating continuously for 26 years (1923-1949)
- Serving specifically the Russian exile community in Prague
- Maintaining both Czech and Russian language academic presence
- Preserving Russian educational traditions abroad during political upheaval
- Being established and operated entirely by exiles rather than by a host government

## Body
### Historical Context
The Russian Free University was established in 1923 in Prague, Czechoslovakia, specifically to serve the Russian exile community. It operated under two primary names: "Russian Free University" and "Russian People's University" (Ruská lidová universita v Praze and Ruská svobodná universita v Praze in Czech).

### Duration and Location
The university maintained continuous operation from its founding in 1923 until its dissolution in 1949, spanning 26 years. It was located in Prague, which was part of Czechoslovakia during this period.

### Institutional Classification
The Russian Free University was classified as a university for further education, making it an academic institution that provided advanced learning opportunities beyond basic education levels.

### Documentation and Recognition
The institution received recognition through various cataloging systems, including nl_cr_aut identifiers ko20201088890 and ko20201088894 in the Czech National Library Catalog. It was also referenced in academic sources and had a presence in both Czech and Russian Wikipedia, indicating its documented significance in multiple linguistic contexts.

### Legacy
While the university ceased operations in 1949, it left a documented legacy through its identification in various library catalogs, its presence in multilingual encyclopedic sources, and its recognition as a significant institution for the Russian exile community in Prague during the mid-20th century.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Czech National Authority Database