Stalkerism

This is a form of industrial tourism and urban exploration involving visits to abandoned, often inaccessible or guarded sites such as industrial facilities, military bases, residential buildings, hospitals, and other unattended structures. The term "stalkerism" originates from the novel "Roadside Picnic" (1972) by the Strugatsky brothers, where stalkers were individuals venturing into forbidden zones in search of artifacts. In the 1990s, a movement of enthusiasts exploring abandoned places emerged in the post-Soviet space, laying the foundation for the development of stalkerism as a practice. With the advent of the internet and the popularity of the computer game S.T.A.L.K.E.R. in 2007, interest in stalkerism significantly increased, especially among young people. The practice encompasses various directions, such as diggering (exploring underground structures), roofing (visiting building rooftops), infiltration (entering guarded sites), and post-pilgrimage (visiting abandoned religious structures). Stalkerism often involves risks, including physical dangers, legal consequences, and potential exposure to hazardous substances. Despite these challenges, it attracts participants with its atmosphere, opportunities for exploration and self-expression, and the unique aesthetics of abandoned places, making it a distinctive form of tourism and cultural practice.