Which term refers to the collection of Soviet prison camps in Siberia often used to house dissidents?

The term "Gulag" specifically refers to the government agency in the Soviet Union that administered forced labor camps during the Stalin era, as well as the camps themselves. These prisons were predominantly located in Siberia and were notorious for their harsh conditions and the political repression of individuals deemed undesirable by the state, including dissidents, intellectuals, and political opponents. The Gulag system embodies a significant aspect of Soviet history, representing the extremes of authoritarian rule and the systemic oppression faced by many citizens.

Other options like Kolyma refer to a specific region in the Soviet Union known for its particularly brutal labor camps but does not encompass the entirety of the prison camp system. Westerplatte is a historical site in Poland known for the defense against Nazi forces at the onset of World War II and is unrelated to the Soviet prison systems. Purgatory refers to a concept in various religious beliefs about a state of purification after death and is not connected to the context of Soviet political repression. Understanding the Gulag's implications helps illuminate the oppressive mechanisms of state control during the Soviet era.