In the process of historical development of any people there were moments when a certain ethnic group separated and thereby create separate cultural layer.In some cases, these cultural elements co-existed peacefully with their nation and the world at large, in others - fought for an equal place in the sun.An example of such a militant ethnic group can be considered a stratum of society, as the Cossacks.Representatives of the cultural group have always been a special perception of the world and very sharp religiosity.To date, scientists can not figure out whether this is a layer of ethnic Slavic people separate nation.History of the Cossacks date back to the distant of the XV century, when European states are mired in internecine wars and dynastic upheavals.
etymology of the word "Cossack»
Many modern people have a general idea of what the Cossack - a warrior or a type of warrior who lived in a particular historical period and fought for their freedom.However, this interpretation is dry and quite far from the truth, if we consider more and etymology of the term "Cossack".There are several basic theories of the origin of the word, eg:
- Turkic ("Cossack" - a free man);
- the word comes from Kosogs;
- Turkish ("Kaz", "Cossack" means "goose");
- the word comes from the term "Kozara";
- Mongolian theory;
- Turkestan theory - that is the name of the nomadic tribes;
- in the Tatar language "Cossack" - a soldier in the army of the avant-garde.
There are other theories, each of which is a completely different explains the word, but you can select the most rational core of all definitions.The most common theory is that the Cossack was a free man, but armed, ready to attack and fight.
historical origin
begins History of the Cossacks in the XV century, namely in 1489 - the first mention of the term "Cossack".The historical homeland of the Cossacks is Eastern Europe, and more specifically, the area of so-called Wild Field (today's Ukraine).It should be noted that in the XV century, the area was called neutral and not treated as Russian kingdom, and to Poland.Basically territory "Wild Field" was subjected to constant raids of Crimean Tatars.The gradual settling on the land of immigrants from Poland and the Kingdom of the Russian influence on the development of a new class - the Cossacks.In fact, the history of the Cossacks from the moment when ordinary people, peasants, and begin to settle in the land of the Wild field, thus creating their own self-governing military units in order to fend off the attacks of Tatars and other nationalities.By the beginning of the XVI century Cossack regiments turned into a powerful military force, which created great difficulties to neighboring states.
Create Zaporizhzhya Sich
According to historical data, which are known to date, the first attempt at self-Cossacks was made in 1552 by Prince Volyn Vyshnevetsky, better known as Baida.
It is for the means to establish a military base, the Sich, which was located on the island of Khortytsya.It flowed all life of the Cossacks.Location is strategically convenient as Sich pass overlaps the Tatars from the Crimea, and is in close proximity to the border of Poland.Moreover, the geographical location of the island has created great difficulties for the assault Sich.Khortytsia Sich did not last long, because in 1557 it destroyed, but until 1775 these were built on the strengthening of the same type - on river islands.
attempts to subdue the Cossacks
In 1569 is formed a new Lithuanian-Polish state - Rzeczpospolita.Naturally, this long-awaited union of both Poland and Lithuania was very important, and free Cossacks on the borders of the new state acted against the interests of the Commonwealth.Of course, such strengthening is an excellent shield against the Tatar raids, however, they were completely controlled and not considered with the authority of the Crown.Thus, in 1572 the king of the Commonwealth Sigismund II Augustus issues a wagon, which regulates hiring in the service of the crown 300 Cossacks.They were written in the list, the registry, which led to their name - Registered Cossacks.Such divisions have always been in full combat readiness to quickly beat the Tatar raids on the borders of the Commonwealth, as well as to suppress recurrent peasant revolts.
Cossack uprising for religious and national independence
From 1583 to 1657, some leaders of the Cossack uprisings in order to free themselves from the influence of the Commonwealth and other states that tried to subdue the earth is not yet formed in Ukraine.
The strongest desire for independence began to emerge among the Cossack class after 1620, when the hetman Sahaidachny together with all Zaporozhye army Kiev joined the fraternity.This action marked the unity of Cossack traditions of the Orthodox faith.
Since then, the battle of the Cossacks were carrying not only liberating, but also religious.The growing tension between kazatstvom and Poland led to the famous national liberation war of 1648 - 1654's, led by Bohdan Khmelnytsky.In addition, should be allocated no less significant uprising, namely the rebellion Nalivaiko, Kosinski, Sulima, Pavlyuk and others.
Decossackization during the Russian Empire
After an unsuccessful war of national liberation in the XVII century, and the beginning of the Troubles military power of the CossacksIt has been significantly undermined.In addition, the Cossacks had lost the support of the Russian Empire after the transition to the side of Sweden at the Battle of Poltava, in which an army of Cossacks led by Ivan Mazepa.As a result of this series of historical events in the XVIII century begins Decossackization dynamic process that reached its peak during the reign of Empress Catherine II.In 1775 it was eliminated Zaporizhzhya Sich.However, the Cossacks were given a choice: to go its own way (live an ordinary peasant life), or start hussar, dragoon regiments than many took advantage.Nevertheless remained a significant part of the Cossack troops (about 12 000), which did not accept the proposal of the Russian Empire.To ensure the safety of its former boundaries, as well as in any way legitimize the "remnants of the Cossack", at the initiative of Alexander Suvorov was created Black Sea Cossack troops in 1790.
Kuban Cossacks of the Kuban Cossacks
or Russian Cossacks appeared in 1860.It was formed from several military Cossack units that existed at that time.After several periods of Decossackization these military units became part of the professional armed forces of the Russian Empire.Kuban Cossacks were based in the North Caucasus (the territory of modern Krasnodar Krai).The basis of the Kuban Cossacks was the Black Sea Cossack Host and Caucasian Cossack army, which was abolished as a result of the Caucasian War.This military force was established as a border force to control the situation in the Caucasus.The war on this territory was over, but the stability is constantly threatened.Russian Cossacks have become an excellent buffer between the Caucasus and the Russian Empire.In addition, representatives of the troops have been involved in the Great Patriotic War.Today, the life of the Kuban Cossacks, their traditions and culture are preserved through formed Kuban Cossack Army Society.
Don Cossacks Don Cossacks is the most ancient Cossack culture that emerged with the Zaporozhye Cossacks in the middle of the XV century.The Don Cossacks were located on the territory of Rostov, Volgograd, Lugansk and Donetsk regions.Name troops historically linked with the River Don.The main difference between the Don Cossacks from other Cossack formations that it developed not just as a military force and as an ethnic group, which has its own cultural characteristics.Don Cossacks Zaporozhye actively cooperated with many battles.During the October Revolution the Don army founded their own state, but the centralization of its territory, "White movement" led to the defeat and the subsequent repression.Hence, the Don Cossack - is a person who belongs to a particular social formation, based on the ethnic factor.Culture Don Cossacks preserved in our time.On the territory of modern Russia is home to about 140,000 people who write their nationality as "Cossack".
role of the Cossacks in the global culture
Today story, life of the Cossacks, their military traditions and culture are actively studied by scientists all over the world.Undoubtedly, the Cossacks are not just military forces, and a separate ethnic group, which for several centuries has built its distinctive culture.Modern historians are working on recreating the smallest fragments of the history of the Cossacks, in order to perpetuate the memory of this great source of particular Eastern European culture.
