Studying of the history of the Samara Region from the XVI to the early XX century: a historiographical review

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to summarize the intermediate historiographic results of the study of the history of the Samara Region (pre-revolutionary period). The study is based on the historiographic sources, i.e. monographs, collective works, scholarly articles, conference materials, as well as textbooks and popular science publications on the history of the Samara region. On the base of the historiographic analysis of these works, the authors distinguish several stages of studying the history of the Samara region, characterize the main trends in the development of regional history studies, and identify the changes in thematic priorities and methodological approaches to studying regional history at each of these stages. The history of studying the Samara Region is reviewed in the context of formation of historical education system and research institutions in Samara, the development of the local history movement, the appearance of periodicals on local history, and the organization of scholarly conferences on regional history. The authors prove that, at present, the development of new research methodology has allowed regional science to reach a qualitatively new level, to proceed with the creation of generalizing works and encyclopedic publications on the history of the region; a significant role in coordinating this work belongs to the historians of Samara University. Studying the history of the Samara Region has become interdisciplinary in its character; the cooperation of representatives of various humanitarian specialties, historians, and local history experts is an important condition for inspiring the readers with interest and love for the history of their homeland. In the final part of the article the authors outline possible prospects for the further development of regional history.