Comparative Historical Method Research Articles

Виноградарство и виноделие в Дагестане (XVIII – начало ХХ в.): традиционные технологии и аграрная обрядность

Целью исследования является выявление зональных особенностей возделывания винограда и его переработки, а также анализ традиционных обрядов, связанных с виноградарством и виноделием. Использованы архивные источники, опубликованные законодательные акты и литературные сведения. Определены способы выращивания винограда, религиозно-магические представления и аграрные культы, связанные со сбором урожая и традициями изготовления домашнего вина. Выявлены правовые коллизии, запрещающие употребление крепких напитков. Установлено, что разведение винограда в Дагестане имеет зональные особенности: в горах виноград размножали саженцами, прививками, черенками и отводками, на равнине – на деревьях, кольях, в расстил и лежачей лозой, а также аллейным и проволочным методами, привнесенными армянскими и грузинскими виноделами. Статья является первым исследованием виноградарства и виноделия на региональном уровне, предпринятым с позиции этнографической науки. The aim of the study is to identify zonal characteristics of grape cultivation and processing, as well as to analyze traditional rituals associated with viticulture and winemaking. Archival materials; statistical data; testimonies of Russian officers and travelers of the 19th century; works of historians, ethnographers and specialists in the wine industry were studied. The methodology is based on the use of the historical-comparative method and the method of historical reconstruction. Using these methods, endemic grape varieties and traditional methods of cultivating them were identified, ancient recipes for making homemade wine were restored, and agricultural rituals associated with harvesting and traditions of making homemade wine were described. The role of terrace farming is emphasized as one of the main factors in the development of viticulture in the mountain-valley zone of Dagestan. Legal conflicts resulting from the ban on the consumption of strong drinks were identified. It was established that endemic grape varieties were grown in the mountains for their own consumption, wine production and its exchange for agricultural and livestock products; There were two types of wine produced: boiled and unboiled. The main centers of winemaking in Dagestan were identified, located in the mountain-valley zone (the villages Gimry, Zubutli, Gotsatl, etc.), on the plain (the city Kizlyar and its environs) and in Southern Dagestan (the city Derbent). The history of the formation of wine production in these urban centers was analyzed. As the study showed, the main reasons for the decline of viticulture in the mountains were land shortages and religious prohibitions related to the consumption of wine. Local rulers at the legislative level introduced a ban on the consumption, production and sale of wine; the ban on the use of alcohol was often part of the local system of customary law (the so-called adats). It was established that the cultivation of grapes in Dagestan had zonal features: in the mountains, grapes were propagated by seedlings, grafting, cuttings and layering; on the plain, on trees, stakes, spread and lying vines, alley and wire systems introduced by Armenian and Georgian winemakers. In addition, the cultivation of grapes in the region depended on natural and climatic conditions – endemic varieties were grown in the mountains, imported varieties were grown on the plains. The work is the first study of viticulture and winemaking from the perspective of ethnographic science, and is intended to revive interest in the autochthonous varieties of Dagestan grapes and their cultivation, taking into account zonal characteristics.

ANTHROPOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO THE STUDY OF CRIME: HISTORY AND CURRENT STATE

The purpose of the study is to identify the relationship between anthropological approaches to the study of crime and the possibility of their application in modern criminology to prevent crime. Materials and methods. The methodological tools correspond to the goals and objectives of the study and include the use of a dialectical-materialistic method of cognition, due to which it was possible to consider the subject of research in development, taking into account its interrelationships with historically changing legal phenomena. The comparative historical method as the main method allowed the authors to analyze the development of the institute of criminal anthropology and its patterns. The methods of formal logic, such as description, comparison, analysis and synthesis, made it possible to fully disclose the criminological and legal aspects of the phenomenon under study. The applied private scientific methods, such as comparative legal, formal legal and structural-functional ones were used to determine the interrelationships and interdependencies of the studied phenomena, as well as to make the necessary generalizations and conclusions. The results of the study. The relevance of this topic is due to the fact that today there are controversial issues regarding the anthropological approach to the study of crime. However, thanks to anthropological research, the study of the causes of crimes was initiated, which shed light on the appearance of deviant behavior of a person, which gave a great impetus to the development of criminology as a science. The anthropological aspect of crime has given answers to many questions about the causes of crime, and also marked the beginning of the race to find the truth: are criminals born or made? The anthropological theory in criminology is evaluated and assessments are given on the application of certain anthropological knowledge to crime prevention in the modern world. The importance of criminal anthropology in the system of crime prevention measures is substantiated. Conclusions. It is concluded that the anthropology of crime has generated ideas and views on the causality of crime as a result of the interaction of biological factors and surrounding realities and conditions that affect progressive or regressive development. It is noted that criminals have brain disorders, instability, genetic mutations, pathologies of their behavior and mental disorders that push them to commit crimes or act as the only solution in a stressful situation, since such people simply do not have a chance to arouse thought in a different way.

МОТИВ ЖЕНИТЬБЫ БОГАТЫРЕЙ В ЭПИЧЕСКОЙ ТРАДИЦИИ ТЮРКОЯЗЫЧНЫХ НАРОДОВ

This article examines the motive of marriage in the heroic epics of the Turkic-speaking peoples with a special focus on the plot basis and compositional structure of the motif within the framework of the epics version, which is common to a number of Turkic ethnic groups. The novelty of the results obtained lies in the fact that we systematically investigated the issues of the place of the motive of marriage in the epic works of the Turkic-speaking peoples, the function performed by it, the internal plot and compositional structure of this motif in the evolutionary development of the general plot, issues of poetization, the presence of echoes. The purpose and tasks of the study are to analyze the prerequisites for the emergence of the motive of the hero's marriage in the epic tradition of the Turkic-speaking peoples, the use of various customs in it, to carry out a comparative analysis of the problems of plot and composition in the motive of marriage, the use of artistic means. In our work we used comparative typological, genealogical, problem-themed, historical and literary methods. Methods of analysis and synthesis are also used. As a result of the research, it was revealed that since ancient times our ancestors solved all the difficulties and hardships of nomadic existence, relying on the deep content of the national cultural heritage filled with nomadic philosophy, because it was in it that the traditions and customs of our people, the strength of their mind, the postulates of spiritual and moral behavior were enclosed. At the very core of folk customs and traditions are the problems of creating a family, choosing spouses, and getting married. The presence of mixed ancient religious concepts in the motive of marriage is also determined, the fact that these concepts complement each other to a certain extent indicates a rather significant parallelism in the prerequisites for the emergence and methods of poetization in the motive of marriage in the epic works of the Turkic-speaking peoples. The study found that the indigenous genetic affinity of the Turkic-speaking peoples is observed in the community of poetic artistic means. In addition, the semantic and symbolic aspects of the motive of marriage in the context of the epic tradition and the historical development of society were investigated and determined.

THE USE OF MEDIA SPACE OPPORTUNITIES IN THE WORK THE MUSEUMS OF ARCHEOLOGY AND EDUCATION

The article examines examples of using media technologies in museums of archeology and education. The authors emphasize that the use of media technologies in museums of archeology and education can significantly increase the accessibility of knowledge on ancient history and archeology and attract a new audience. However, it is necessary to take into account that such an approach may be ineffective without proper preparation and organization. An analysis of the advantages and disadvantages was carried out. Factors influencing the increase in interest in ancient history and archeology in Central Kazakhstan, including the quality of training and education, have been identified. The results described in the article are based on a survey of more than 600 university students on their level of awareness of the historical and cultural heritage of Kazakhstan. The summary assessment, by analyzing the opinions of respondents published on the Internet in museum podcasts and storytelling, allows us to conclude about the high sociocultural, motivational, and educational potential of this content in the cultural and educational work of the archeology museum and in educational activities. Thanks to multimedia technologies, the «museum-student» dialogue has intensified on a long-term basis, which has become an additional incentive for excursions to the Museum of Archaeology.
 Materials and methods of research: The authors of the article used data from a sociological survey they conducted of 194 university students who studied in Kazakh and 439 students who studied in Russian. The anonymous interview included ten questions revealing the respondents’ attitude toward the historical and cultural heritage of our country, the degree of their awareness of the discoveries of archaeologists in Central Kazakhstan, and their participation in museum activities. Statistical methods made it possible to analyze the data from these interviews and use them when introducing media technologies in the museum. To select material when compiling scripts for museum podcasts, an integrated and systematic approach, the analysis-synthesis method, and the principles of logic were used. A detailed historiographical analysis of more than one hundred and fifty scientific sources contributed to the formation of quality content. The comparative historical method made it possible to specify information on the selected topic about the cultural heritage sites of Central Kazakhstan. Thanks to the use of QR codes as a digitalization tool, museum podcasts have been integrated into educational and methodological manuals, maps, postcards, and other souvenirs, which indicates the importance of a combination of technical and humanitarian knowledge in museum work. The collaboration of museum staff with teachers from the Faculty of Foreign Languages has expanded the use of interdisciplinary methods in cultural and educational activities.

Threats to the Food Security of the Russian State in the Modern Settings

Introduction. National security of any state is ensured through development of the various spheres of its life — spiritual, political, military, economic and others. However, the fundamental factor ensuring existence of any society is availability of accessible quality and quantity of food to the citizens. Therefore, the goal of the state socio-economic policy of Russiais to ensure people’s food security. The article analyses the state policy and practices of Russia in countering the threats to the food security of the country in the modern difficult geopolitical settings. The relevance of studying the food security system of the Russian state is induced by one of the priorities of the state socio-economic policy implying the development of the food security threat preventing and countering measures as the fundamental condition of existence of the society. The aim of the study is to analyse the criteria of the state governance efficiency on ensuring the food security of the country, to study the state of the art in this field as well as to identify the existing threats and propose the countering measures. Materials and Methods. The research was conducted using the methods of structural-functional and statistical analysis, content analysis of the normative legal acts in the field of food security, at both national and international levels, the comparative-historical method, comparativism and other methods. Results. The state of the art of the food security system of Russia, which is an integral part of the national security of the state, has been analysed. The regulatory documents and statistical data on the state of the art of the food security of Russia have been investigated. The measures for ensuring the Russian Federation food security have been proposed through expansion of the domestic production of the environmentally friendly and safe for the human health products and other kind of products that is a necessary condition for preserving the population and the nature of our country and the decent standard of living of the Russian citizens. Discussion and Conclusion. The degree of ensuring the state food security has significantly improved, but has not reached the normative threshold values for the whole range of goods. Provision of the high-quality affordable food to the Russian citizens remains a riskogenics factor. The economic sanctions imposed by the Western countries against Russia are a newform of the hybrid warfare. The conclusions drawn upon the research aim to supplement and expand the scientific knowledge on the conditions of ensuring the food security of the Russian state that is the most important concern of the government, because food is the basic condition for existence of all the living beings on the planet. The independence of the state and its national sovereignty depend on ensuring the food security.

REFLECTING THE LIFE AND ACTIVITIES OF THE STUDENT YOUTH ON THE PAGES OF THE REPUBLICAN NEWSPAPER «SOVETSKAYA CHUVASHIA» (2000–2023)

Studying the activities of youth organizations is an important problem in the historiography of Russian social policy. Such associations, created on the basis of young people’s interests, affect a wide variety of fields of their activities. As a result, addressing youth policy and students, which is a priority task of the state in modern conditions, becomes the most relevant area of research. An attentive attitude of the authorities to this aspect of the political and socio-economic life of the Russian Federation is characteristic of both the Center and the country’s regions, since its manifestation is associated with the functioning of various youth platforms and associations throughout the territory of the Russian state. The purpose of the article is to study the main activities of student youth based on publications in the republican newspaper «Sovetskaya Chuvashia» in 2000–2023. Materials and methods. The periodical «Sovetskaya Chuvashia» is taken as a historical source to study student youth’s activities. This choice was not made not by coincidence, since this newspaper is one of the important periodicals of the Chuvash Republic, the regional mass media, in which news information is regularly provided. When preparing the article, the author adhered to the basic approaches and methods of scientific analysis of historical material. Problem-chronological, comparative-historical methods and a systematic approach were important in clarifying the topic. Results. The newspaper «Sovetskaya Chuvashia» dates back to 1917. For many years, it has been acting as an indispensable source of information, the pages of which covered political, scientific, socio-economic, and sports life of the Chuvash Republic. The newspaper’s coverage of student youth activities is conditionally divided into four groups: student organizations and public policy; sports and leisure; youth science; creative, socially significant events and the educational system. The coverage of publications under study includes a relatively recent period of time – from 2000 to 2023. Conclusions. The information provided gives the opportunity to assess the historical sources, the value of which lies in the fact that they reflect the spirit of the times, make it possible to record individual facts and events, and convey the emotional background of the historical period. The main carrier of such pristine source information is the media. In this regard, in our opinion, «Sovetskaya Chuvashia» can certainly be considered as an informative source for revealing regional history. For more than 100 years of its existence, it includes a unique collection of articles, memoirs, interviews, excerpts from the regulatory framework, and photographic documents, which are valuable for research work. The activities of the student youth in Chuvashia and Russia as a whole should also be considered in this way.

FORMATION OF THE CONCEPT OF «MEDICAL POLICE» IN THE RUSSIAN EMPIRE

The purpose of the article is to highlight the process of formation of the concept of «medical police» in the Russian Empire. Based on a number of sources, the authors reveal the concept of «medical police», analyze the stages of the formation of the system of sanitary, epidemiological and veterinary surveillance in Russia in the 18th century, and show the role of the police in ensuring the prevention of epidemics and epizootics. The object of the research is the state policy in the field of health care in general and in the field of sanitary, epidemiological and veterinary surveillance in particular. The subject of the research is the normative legal acts regulating the implementation of sanitary and police measures in the Russian Empire in the period under review, the materials of periodicals, and archival documents. Within the framework of the research methodology, using historical-legal, comparative-legal and comparative-historical methods, the analysis of the activities of the police to ensure sanitary-hygienic, sanitary-epidemiological and veterinary standards was carried out. According to the authors, the idea of ensuring these norms with the help of strict police supervision ultimately led to the formation of the concept of «medical police» as a set of measures taken by the state to preserve «people's health» during the reign of Catherine II. Since the beginning of the 19th century, this concept has become the basis of state policy in the field of health care in the Russian Empire.

The Priority Right to Upbringing: History and Modernity

The relevance of the study of the preferential right to upbringing using a comparative historical and legal method (by referring to the Soviet legal experience) can be explained by the fact that it was during the Soviet period that the emphasis was placed on the priority right to upbringing (between the State (society) and parents; between parents), which still takes place in post-Soviet family legislation. The paper analyzes the reasons for the change in the priority subjects of child upbringing in historical retrospect. The problem is that in the post-Soviet period, some law enforcement agencies, undern Article 6 of the Declaration on the Rights of the Child of 1959, when considering cases determining the place of residence of a child, began to recognize the priority right to upbringing for the mother, while other law enforcement agencies are guided by the principle of equality of rights of both parents, fixed in the Family Code of the Russian Federation. The author highlights different aspects of this problem and suggests ways to solve them.

AN ANALYSIS OF THE MENTALITY FOR MONGOLIANS’ SYMBOLISM BASED ON THE MYTH OF “KHUKHU NAMJIL”

Analyzing the symbolic mindset from an overview of the content of any myth is an expression of essence from phenomena, and it will be an important tool for determining the characteristics of the nation's mentality. Therefore, many legends of the origin of the Morin huur (Horsehead fiddle) were collected and compiled in the course of my research; then 15 selected myths which are called similar versions of Khuhu Namjil tied to the main motif with the main idea of "A young man who lost his magical flying horse to a villain was depressed and made fiddles for him” were confirmed that it’s the same version of the same myth in terms of their main content, narrative, and characters. Accordingly, this research mainly used historical material, genre division, text analysis, motif, and comparative study methods. In order to analyze the symbolic mentality of the Mongolians from the myths by using some theories of ritual, cultural studies, and aesthetics, it was analyzed and determined that "the characters of the horse with the wings of desire and the mother “Etugen” were created in their world of intellection". These characters are represented by the legendary “Jonon” black horse, flying winged horse, mermaid, and “Altai”s maiden and it was proved from the content that the abstract concept of spirit is believed to be as a winged horse, and the talisman of the owner of mountains and springs has been worshiped as a mermaid and a fairy for ages. In addition, it has been proved that the symbols of colors (such as green color representing “Lus” or the owner of Springs, black color as civilian, bravery, and splendor, and red color is as warmth and joy) and numbers (one, two, three) were created from Mongolian people's devotion and belief are reflected in the legend by using the events and the narratives in it. Basically, by deepening and expanding the scope of the study of the legend of the fiddle, which previous researchers studied, and by clarifying the meaning of the event and the ideology or mindset of the characters, it is not only innovative but also brings one step closer to the further research of the legend related to the origin of the fiddle thus, the results of this research are significant and a pioneer in the study of fiddle mythology.

State measures to combat child homelessness and neglect in the Zhytomyr region in the mid-1950's – the first half of the 1960's

The purpose of the research is to analyze the measures of the Soviet authorities to overcome child homelessness and neglect, the functioning of orphanages on the example of the Zhytomyr region in the period from the mid-1950s to the first half of the 1960s. The methodological basis of the research is built on the analysis and synthesis, historical-statistical, and historical-comparative methods as well as the use of the principles of scientificity, objectivity and historicism in the analysis of the Soviet authorities’ policy of overcoming those negative phenomena among minors. The scientific novelty of the work is presented by a comprehensive study of the state policy on overcoming child homelessness and neglect in the Zhytomyr region of the Ukrainian SSR during the mentioned period with using new archival sources. Conclusions. Homelessness and neglect of the minors were urgent problems in the period from the mid-1950s to the first half of the 1960s both in the Zhytomyr region and Ukraine as a whole. They were gradually resolved, the authorities took appropriate measures. From the side of the relevant executive authorities, there was often a formal approach to solving the problems of child homelessness and neglect. It should be noted that this problem was organically connected with the command-administrative and bureaucratic system of the Soviet government, for which reporting and certain indicators were important but the practical solution of the children's problems was delayed. The relevant authorities’ inspections of the ways the orphanages worked revealed the financial shortcomings, problems in material support and educating which had a negative impact on the pupils in those institutions. A serious problem is proved to be the absence or lack of the parents’ attention to the upbringing of their children at that time. Moreover, the enterprises and institutions, that were supposed to contribute to the cultural and educational development of their workers’ and employees’ children, did not do that. The issues of organizing leisure time for the minors by the children and school institutions was relevant, as the problem of neglect and committing the crime by the uncontrolled minors depended directly on those solutions. The methodical assistance in working with children provided by regional libraries to village ones was insufficient and very often it was not actually carried out. Cultural centers and village clubs did not conduct educating work to children. Prospects for further research relate to the problems of neglect and juvenile delinquency in the Zhytomyr region in the 1980s.

«Suchasnost» magazine: history, traditions, innovation

The purpose of the research is to analyze the measures of the Soviet authorities to overcome child homelessness and neglect, the functioning of orphanages on the example of the Zhytomyr region in the period from the mid-1950s to the first half of the 1960s. The methodological basis of the research is built on the analysis and synthesis, historical-statistical, and historical-comparative methods as well as the use of the principles of scientificity, objectivity and historicism in the analysis of the Soviet authorities’ policy of overcoming those negative phenomena among minors. The scientific novelty of the work is presented by a comprehensive study of the state policy on overcoming child homelessness and neglect in the Zhytomyr region of the Ukrainian SSR during the mentioned period with using new archival sources. Conclusions. Homelessness and neglect of the minors were urgent problems in the period from the mid-1950s to the first half of the 1960s both in the Zhytomyr region and Ukraine as a whole. They were gradually resolved, the authorities took appropriate measures. From the side of the relevant executive authorities, there was often a formal approach to solving the problems of child homelessness and neglect. It should be noted that this problem was organically connected with the command-administrative and bureaucratic system of the Soviet government, for which reporting and certain indicators were important but the practical solution of the children's problems was delayed. The relevant authorities’ inspections of the ways the orphanages worked revealed the financial shortcomings, problems in material support and educating which had a negative impact on the pupils in those institutions. A serious problem is proved to be the absence or lack of the parents’ attention to the upbringing of their children at that time. Moreover, the enterprises and institutions, that were supposed to contribute to the cultural and educational development of their workers’ and employees’ children, did not do that. The issues of organizing leisure time for the minors by the children and school institutions was relevant, as the problem of neglect and committing the crime by the uncontrolled minors depended directly on those solutions. The methodical assistance in working with children provided by regional libraries to village ones was insufficient and very often it was not actually carried out. Cultural centers and village clubs did not conduct educating work to children. Prospects for further research relate to the problems of neglect and juvenile delinquency in the Zhytomyr region in the 1980s.

Military affairs in the Golden Horde and Turan: a comparative analysis

The purpose of the article is a historical reconstruction of the most important components of the military affairs of the Golden Horde and Turan, their comparative analysis, establishment of common features and differences, as well as clarification of the social and military-technical reasons that led to the military defeat and subsequent decline of Ulus Juchi. The research methodology, in addition to observing the principles of objectivity and historicism, consisted in the consistent application of the historical comparative method, its heuristic, analytical, descriptive functions and the function of identifying borrowings and influences. The scientific novelty is contained in the systematic application of a comparative analysis of the military affairs in Ulus Juchi and in the state of Timur, revealing the effectiveness of transfers and durability of elements of the military art of the Mongolian and Turkic ethnic communities. Conclusions. The author has found the military affairs of the Genghisids to be based on Mongolian military traditions and experience. Decimal system and the left-right arms and the center structuring underlay the military organization of the countries. Golden Horde and Ulus Chagatai preserved general military duty. Mobilization resource comprised hundreds of thousands of prepared warriors called horse-soldiers. The paper has identified that the would-be reinforcement training was naturally held in professional and living environments of the Nomads. It was battue hunting that played a significant role in military organization and tactics. The armies of Golden Horde and Turan consisted of light and heavily armed cavalry. The article has demonstrated that the Tymur’s infantry was of great importance and performed special vital urgent tasks but supporting role. Being a general, Tymur among the followers of Mongolian war principal was the first to take notice of the new tendency in military affairs. The army of Golden Horden was proved to successfully know the Nomads’ basic tactical techniques – “round dance”, “crow’s flock”, “shiuchi” and “tulgam”. “Tulgama” known as bypassing the enemy from one or two flanks and getting behind his lines when battling, was the most effective tactical military instrument of the Genghisids states. The Turan army lead by Tymur, was able to contrast “tulgama” with their own organizational and tactical innovations. Tymur covered cavalry corps of the left and right arms were by “canbulas” – protective corps with the number no less than the main divisions. Their clear task included to prevent the enemy’s cavalry from going around from the flanks. They fought together with the vanguard corps. The most important Tymur’s innovation was introducing a powerful rearguard – a corps of patches of twenty koshuns. Unlike the Golden Horde warriors, Tymur enriched the Mongolian art of war with systemic use of reserves. The paper has found that military organization of Golden Horde and Turan was tightly connected with the social structure. In the middle of the 14th century Ulus Dzhuchi survived the political crises “Great Confusion” that provoked increasing of centrifugal motion. After political anarchy, uluses were assigned to the Juchid clans. Bekliarbek (a stoker) position creation was a sign of feudalization and central power weakening in Golden Horde. The way Khan Tokhtamysh had distributed suurgals (patches) in order to increase the number of his adherents, didn’t bring power consolidation, but loose it contrariwise. In the Tokhtamysh army it was revealed with commanders (oglans and beks) betrayal. The Tymur’s state was in the ascendancy; allowance of uluses and suurgals was developed with establishing clear and definite military duties. Feudalization tendency hadn’t appeared clearly in Turan yet. That lead to more solidarity and motivation of the Tymur’s army in his resistance with Tokhtamysh.

Activity of youth movements in Ukraine at the turn of the XX-XXI centuries

The purpose of the study is to analyze the evolution of the youth protest movement in Ukraine in the late 1990s - early 2000s. A comparative historical method and an interdisciplinary approach are applied. The author’s scientific contribution consists in the fact that for the first time in Russian historiography, such problems as the role of Ukrainian youth and students in the Revolution on granite and the “Ukraine without Kuchma” campaign are seriously studied, as well as the history of the creation of the youth organization “Pora”, which was destined to play one of the key roles in the Orange revolution in Ukraine at the end of 2004. The author comes to the conclusion that the genesis of the Ukrainian youth protest movement at the turn of the XX-XXI centuries is distinguished by a significant originality, and its result was the emergence of a phenomenon unique for the Ukrainian socio-political space - the organization “Pora”. It is emphasized that this structure was created on the theoretical and practical basis of previous anti-government campaigns, in which Ukrainian youth took a direct part. At the same time, it was guided by the experience of similar foreign movements that had previously successfully applied the methodology of nonviolent struggle against the ruling regimes developed in the West. Like its European associates, “Pora” has made a significant contribution to the victory of the Color revolution in its own state.

Kursk Fortress: on the Question of the Borders of Natural Defense Fortentions

Relevance. This article is an attempt at a comparative analysis of the changes in the central part of Kursk that occurred during the implementation of the master plan for the construction of the city. This topic is poorly represented in the scientific literature, and therefore is relevant and in demand.The purpose of the article: on the basis of available materials (plans, drawings, photographs) to determine the boundaries of the medieval defensive ditch of the city of Kursk and its influence on the city plan.The objectives arise from the set goal: to find the boundaries of the Kursk medieval fortress; find out how the ditch was «fitted» into the new plan of Kursk; establish the location of the defensive ditch.Methodology. The article is based on the general principles of historicism, scientific objectivity and consistency. In addition to the above principles, the reconstruction method and the comparative historical method were used.Results. Thanks to the method of superimposing city plans and satellite images of the city, the location of the defensive ditch of Kursk as it was at the end of the 18th century was established. The possible boundaries of the medieval fortress and the location relative to existing buildings have been established, taking into account the repeated changes in the relief of the central part of the city. The boundaries of the moat were established on the northern and western sides of the fortress.Conclusion. In the work done, the probable boundaries of the medieval city and the location of the defensive moat on the north and west sides were established. The width and depth of the moat in the Pervomaisky Park area were also determined. A time frame has been set for filling in the defensive structure in connection with the implementation of the urban development plan of 1782.

Soviet Practices of Financing the Operation of Highways in the Tyumen North: Between Regional Lobbying and Departmental Voluntarism

The article analyzes the Soviet practices of financing the operation of highways in the Tyumen North in the mid-1960s – early 1970s. Based on the materials of state and municipal archives, as well as the memoirs of road users of the Tyumen region, with the help of historical-genetic and historical-comparative methods, an attempt is made to show departmental interests and features of regional lobbying practices during the formation of contributions from enterprises of the Khanty-Mansiysk and Yamalo-Nenets national districts to the so-called “road fund” of the Tyumen Region for the operation of highways within the framework of the decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the RSFSR (April 7 , 1959). The main problems of financing the repair and maintenance of highways, which led to contradictions between the Soviet authorities at the regional and district levels, are identified. Interdepartmental conflicts between Tyumenavtodor’s management and enterprises of the national districts were an active continuation of regional contradictions. The essence of the main contradictions in the period under study was the departmental affiliation of the highways of the Tyumen North. They did not belong to local or regional public roads and could not be repaired at the expense of deductions received by decree from enterprises and organizations in national districts. Among the practices of administration by the road industry, directive planning for the year and the formation of a task for the shared participation of enterprises of the districts played an important role. The author comes to the conclusion that enterprises and organizations of the national districts sought to reduce the amount of monetary contributions for the repair and construction of highways and redistribute funds to the district or city budget at the enterprise’s location. However, the Soviet authorities, represented by Tyumenavtodor’s management, hindered these processes, pursuing the goals of financial support for roads under construction in the south of the region, as well as recruiting road construction equipment and enterprises’ trucks.

Commanders of the Siberian Corps in 1777–1789 Generals N. G. Ogarev and N. S. Fedtsov

The Siberian corps of the Russian Army defended the territories of Western and Eastern Siberia. The purpose of the paper is to study the biographies of the Siberian Corps commanders in 1777–1789, the tasks are to study the biographies of N. G. Ogarev and N. S. Fedtsov, the Siberian Corps generals. The methodological basis of the work is the most important principles of historical science – historicism, scientific objectivity and consistency. The research is based on biographical, descriptive, problem-chronological, structural, quantitative and comparative-historical methods. The results of the study make it possible to restore the main stages of the biographies of the Siberian Corps commanders, Lieutenant General N. G. Ogarev and Major General N. S. Fedtsov. Generals N. G. Ogarev and N. S. Fedtsov belonged to old Russian noble families, landowners. Generals N. G. Ogarev and N. S. Fedtsov were almost the same age and began serving as soldiers in the Guard regiments – Izmailovsky and Horse Guards, which allowed them to become army officers at the age of 20. N. G. Ogarev and N. S. Fedtsov passed the hard school of the Seven Years' War, later participated in the wars with the Ottoman Empire and with the Confederates of Poland. As a result of their participation in these conflicts, officers N. G. Ogarev and N. S. Fedtsov were able to make a successful military career in the Russian army. The Military Collegium promoted N. G. Ogarev and N. S. Fedtsov to generals and sent them to command the distant Siberian Corps. In Siberia, the generals carried out the transformation of the military forces of the Siberian Corps according to the plan by the president of the Military College, Field Marshal G. A. Potemkin.

Turkish-American Relations in the Context of Multilateral Competition in the Caspian Region

This article examines the prospects for increased Turkish-American relations in the Caspian region, namely, joint areas of activity for the development and consolidation of cooperation between both states. Utilizing a historical-comparative method, we comprehensively study Turkish-American relations in this region from a historical viewpoint and predict the further development of this cooperation in the future. The key characteristics and features of Turkish-American relations in the Caspian region from 1991 to 2022 are identified, as are the causes of crises in relations between the two countries against the background of a change in US policy. Finally, we emphasize the importance of further strengthening strategic cooperation between Turkey and the US in the Caspian region.

Lead figurines of scythian horsemen from Olbia

In the article, the author aims to examine a specific category of lead artefacts discovered in Olbia, with a focus on investigating the technological features of their production and Olbia’s connections with its barbarian surroundings. The research employs an interdisciplinary approach utilising methods of analysis, synthesis, and socialisation, particularly emphasising the comparative-historical method. Against the backdrop of extensive studies on metalworking in Olbia, especially in foundries and blacksmithing, the processing of lead and the production of artefacts from it remain relatively under-explored. Therefore, this article delves into one category of items made of this metal. A distinct group of composite figurines and their fragments — statuettes of riders on stationary standing horses is explored in the article. Based on the details of their attire, they can be identified as Scythian horsemen, raising questions about Olbia’s connection with its barbarian environment. According to the classification of K. I. Zaitseva, in addition to riders on stationary standing horses, there is a small number of figurines depicting horsemen on galloping horses. All examined lead figurines are cast in the technique of either single- or double-sided relief, indicating their different usage. If double-sided statuettes could be used autonomously, single-sided ones may have needed to be attached to some surface. The presented depictions of Scythian riders not only provide insights into the production of various lead items in Olbia, but also raise questions about Greek-barbarian contacts, possibly indicating the residence of local inhabitants in Olbia and their status in both the city and barbarian interactions. They also expand our understanding of Scythian attire and horsemen. Lead items originating from Olbia can be categorised into several groups depending on their purpose. Primarily, these are household items (clamps, spindle whorls, fishing weights). During the Hellenistic period, handles (clamps) for wooden coffins (biers) were manufactured. However, the most interesting group comprises votive items, with around 350 known examples to date. These include bucrania, stylised sheep heads, and labryses. A smaller group consists of anthropomorphic figurines of gods, warriors, chariots, plaques with narrative scenes (sacrifices) and riders. Such votive figurines are found in mounds and tombs as burial offerings. Less frequently, they are found directly within burials. Additionally, they may have been used in religious rituals and in decorating household altars. The question of the ownership of such statuettes remains unanswered. However, Herodotus wrote about a barbarian population known as Callipidae or Hellenes-Scythians in the territory of the Olbian state. It is essential to note that in the 4th century BC, coins were minted in Olbia bearing the image of the Scythian king Ateas, and Scythian weaponry was commonly depicted on the Bosporus, indicating traditional Scythian-Hellenic relations that likely solidified after the Scythians defeated Zopyrion’s army under the walls of Olbia. Thus, the presence of residents in the city cannot be denied.

Features of the economic development of ancient Russian and German cities in the XII – first third of the XIII century

The subject of the study is the economic life of the city of Ancient Russia and the medieval city of Germany. The object of the study is an ancient Russian and Western European city in the XII – first third of the XIII centuries. For more than a century, the debate has been going on about whether Russia is following its own special path of development, different from the Western one, or whether our country is developing in the general direction of the world historical process, lagging behind Western European states for various reasons. The appeal to the economic problems of the city is due to the exceptional importance of the economic sphere of life, it determines the course of all processes taking place in society, affecting the other subsystems of society. For comparison, we have chosen one of the dominant political centers of Russia in the era of fragmentation – the Vladimir-Suzdal Principality and the cities of Germany, which are a classic example of a medieval city in Western Europe. The work used a comparative historical method that allows us to identify common and specific features of the development of the economic sphere of the urban centers of Ancient Russia and medieval Europe in order to reveal the versatility of the phenomenon of the ancient Russian city. The ancient Russian and medieval German city in the XII – first third of the XIII century had a deep connection with the nearby agricultural district and were agrarian in nature. Despite this, the most important direction of the economic development of the cities of Vladimir-Suzdal land and medieval Germany was their development as trade and craft centers. Merchant associations operate in both countries, and active trade and credit operations are carried out. Both cities were distinguished by the differentiation of the craft and its narrow specialization. The novelty of the study lies in the fact that a comparative analysis of the level of economic development of a significant number of ancient Russian and German medieval cities was carried out. As a result of the study, it was concluded that in German cities of the High Middle Ages, a special urban world was developing, characterized by strict regulation of almost all aspects of the life of citizens. The ancient Russian cities, on the contrary, did not develop a specific urban law that would operate only within the city walls.

Perception of Andrei Bely's works in China

The paper examines the history of Chinese translations and studies of the artistic creativity and theoretical research of Andrei Bely, as well as comparative analysis of the works of Chinese literary scholars specializing in the study of poetry, prose, as well as the critical heritage of the Russian symbolist. The purpose of the work is to give a complete picture of the state of translations and the degree of knowledge of Bely’s heritage in China, as well as to summarize this existing material, which seems important for subsequent research in this area. In addition, the article traces the stages of development of the study of the works of Andrei Bely, special attention is paid to the perception of the novel Petersburg and its literary criticism by Chinese scholars. An attempt is being made to identify gaps in Chinese literary studies and thus highlight promising lines of development in this area of literary criticism. The work uses comparative historical method, which allows us to determine the influence of Russian modernism, represented by Bely, on the modern literary process in China. Translations of Bely's works into Chinese are not yet a fully studied problem in science, which determines the novelty of the research. It is shown how the approach to the translation of symbolist text has changed and improved, three groups of translations have been identified and considered (translations of poetry, theory and novels), with special attention paid to the translation of novels. As for research, despite the sufficient number of works on Bely in Chinese science, they cannot be considered exhaustive. Our work attempts to highlight both problem areas and achievements of Chinese Bely studies, consider various scientific approaches to understanding Bely’s prose, and concludes that it is necessary to expand scientific tools for a deeper understanding of Bely’s heritage.