What terms refers to the collection of Soviet prison camps in Siberia often used to house dissidents and political prisoners?

The term that refers specifically to the collection of Soviet prison camps in Siberia, where dissidents and political prisoners were frequently held, is "Gulag." This system of forced labor camps was established during the Soviet era, particularly under Joseph Stalin, and it was notorious for its harsh conditions and the imprisonment of a vast array of individuals, including political opponents, intellectuals, and others deemed threats to the state.

The Gulag system represented a critical aspect of Soviet repression, using internment as a means to maintain control over the population. It not only served as a punitive measure but also exploited forced labor for various economic projects. The legacy of the Gulag continues to influence discussions about human rights and political repression in historical and contemporary contexts.

While Kolyma refers to a specific region in Siberia known for its particularly brutal labor camps, it is a subset of the larger Gulag system. Exile represents a broader category of punishment, often involving forced relocation rather than imprisonment in a camp. Labor camps can be seen as a general term that may describe various facilities that employ forced labor but do not encompass the full historical significance of the Gulag and its overarching role in the Soviet penal system.