Scholarly Circulation Research Articles

Ukrainian Waste for the Soviet Economy: Shaping the National Narrative

The environmental history of Ukraine in the twentieth century is replete with various and still understudied facets. However, contemporary research predominantly employs imperial narratives, which elucidate it through the prism of Soviet history, depriving it of subjectivity and the uniqueness of the local context. This essay proposes an alternative approach. Through the example of waste recycling in the Ukrainian SSR, which was one of the Soviet republics from 1922 to 1991, we aim to demonstrate the importance of reinterpreting its environmental history by studying multi-vector centre–periphery relations in the Soviet Union. This case seeks to demonstrate not only the formation in the 1920s of Soviet colonial practices of resource extraction, including that of waste, from the periphery – the Soviet republics – but also attempts to resist these in the first decade of the Soviet totalitarian regime’s formation. This essay is based on documents from Ukrainian archives, which are introduced into scholarly circulation for the first time, and on statistical collections of documents from the USSR.

Къэшэж Иннэ лъэпкъ гупсысэкIэ псыхьа и усыгъэм урысейпсо щэнхабзэм щиубыд увыпIэр (УсакIуэр къызэралъхурэ илъэс 80 щрикъум ирихьэлIэу)

The article examines the life and work of the Russian-speaking Adyghe (Kabardian) poetess Inna Inalovna Kashezheva. The purpose of the work is a comprehensive study of her creative heritage in the evolution of national literatures and the domestic literary process. The research uses meth-ods of literary analysis, synthesis, description, as well as comparative-historical, cultural-historical, socio-historical methods. The structure of the work includes an introduction, two sec-tions in which the authors conduct an analysis of literary texts and translations, as well as a con-clusion. The introductory part highlights the main stages of I. Kashezheva’s life and creative path. A biobibliographical certificate is presented, and the poetess’s birth date is determined using cur-rent opinions from literary scholars, critics, publicists, and friends and acquaintances. Issues con-cerning the formation of creativity are explored, the first publications of poetry are studied, previ-ously undiscovered works and books are placed into scholarly circulation (a collection of transla-tions of poems by I. Kashezheva “Laabze” / “Mark”; a two-volume collected works, etc.). The ar-ticle examines lifetime publications and books that were published after her departure and addi-tionally include works of art, articles about life and work, dedication poems/messages from I. Ka-shezheva from colleagues in the pen, as well as her translations, interviews and essays about poets of Kabardino-Balkaria. In the main research part of the article, an analysis of poems and songs is carried out; the main motives of poetry, the structural and compositional features of the works, which together constitute the poetic ethnocode of I. Kashezheva, are identified. The results ob-tained in the future will contribute to a further, more in-depth and extensive monographic study of the poetry of I. Kashezheva, restoring a complete picture of the evolution of her work.

Battle of Stalingrad: Reflection of Events and Evaluation in Turkish Press during Period of World War II

This article delves into the representation of the Battle of Stalingrad in the pages of the Turkish press. Drawing upon regional Turkish newspapers from the years of World War II, materials shedding light on the Battle of Stalingrad are introduced into scholarly discourse for the first time. The study reveals that the Turkish government managed to navigate the tense diplomatic atmosphere of the wartime period effectively. However, this led to censorship and restrictions imposed on newspapers tasked with providing accurate information to the population during the early war years. Following the Red Army’s success on the Stalingrad front, cover-age of war-related issues in the Turkish press shifted significantly in favor of the USSR, becoming more objective. The novelty of the research lies in a fresh perspective on the research question posed. New sources from Turkish periodicals are introduced into scholarly circulation. The authors conclude that Turkey’s policy of diplomacy duality had a clear impact on newspaper pages, subjecting them to strict censorship and requiring alignment with state directives.

О литейной форме из поселения эпохи бронзы Тарангул в Актюбинском Приуралье

Introduction. In 2021, the Mugodzhar (Mugalzhar) Crew of the Margulan Institute of Archaeology investigated the site of Tarangul and discovered a casting mold ― a rare artifact of utmost interest related to metal production and processing. Goals. The article seeks to describe and analyze the Bronze Age mold from Tarangul located in the Aktobe Cis-Urals, introduce into scholarly circulation some newly obtained scientific data. Results. The implemented analyses include those of natural science (micro-wear and spectral ones) and comparative typology, the latter to yield a classification of castings and their cultural affiliation. The tool mold has two surfaces with negative impressions. The first one was used to cast three sickles, while the second one (once consisted of two pieces) would cast a flat adze. The shapes attest to the mold was used to cast Kundravinskaya-type sickles widespread across the Late Bronze Age Southern Urals, Middle Volga, and Western Siberia. Kundravinskaya-type sickles are associated with the Alakul culture, the Kozhumberdy cultural group being a local variant of the latter in the region under study. The shape of the impression on the reverse side is characteristic of adzes from the Alakul era discovered in western parts of Eurasia’s steppe zone. The study concludes the mold had first consisted of two pieces and been used to cast adzes, and after the other piece was lost or damaged it started being used to cast sickles. The spectral analysis shows the castings were basically made from copper, and detects some traces of alloying. Another finding is that the three mold negatives were used not simultaneously but rather when and as it was necessary. In general, the conducted tests have well reconstructed the manufacturing techniques and stages of use for the mold from the Late Bronze Age settlement of Tarangul in the Aktobe Cis-Urals, and highlighted certain aspects in the study of molds as a specific source on metal production techniques and technologies in prehistory.

От ВАПП к РАПП: к истории литературной организации

The article offers materials on the history of the Russian Association of Proletarian Writers (RAPP). The “line” of the movement from the Section of Proletarian Writers under the LITO of the NKP of the RSFSR to the organizational design of the RAPP at the First All-Union Congress of Proletarian Writers (1928) is considered. An attempt is made to present the processes taking place within the RAPP: organizational separation from the MAPP, the struggle against the Napost minority. The materials on the liquidation of the RAPP are analyzed, making it possible to see that the Organizing Committee of the SSP of the USSR could not do without the experience and accumulated literary practices of the RAPP.The history of the literary organization studied in the article allows us to cover the extensive material presented in documentary sources (statutory documents, transcripts, resolutions, memos) from the archives of the OR IMLI and RGALI, which is being released into scholarly circulation for the first time. The documents also allow us to reconstruct individual episodes in the biographies of writers in the period 1920–1930. The stated topic is one of the most important strategic directions in the study of the literary process of the twentieth century.

Commemorating Jubilee of Jan Hus in Russian Empire: Preconditions, History, Cultural Context.

The brief report on the activities of the St. Petersburg Slavic Charitable Committee for the year 1869 includes a record that society members discussed the celebration of the 500th anniversary of Jan Hus and established a prize for an essay on the Czech religious figure. The inclusion of Hus in the list of “jubilarians” worthy of honor not only highlights the significance of this religious thinker for the Slavic world but also touches upon certain political aspects of Russian history. The article analyzes the reasons for the Russian public's attention to Hus’s persona, provides a characterization of the views of Russian intellectuals at the time of the contest announcement regarding the legacy of the Czech religious figure, and presents reflections on how the proposal to support Jan Hus’s 500th jubilee aligns with the tradition of honoring cultural figures in the Russian Empire by the mid-19th century. The material draws from both published documents and sources not yet introduced into scholarly circulation. The motives behind honoring Jan Hus's legacy are seen in the acknowledgment by the chairman of the St. Petersburg branch of the committee, Gilferding, of the Orthodox foundations of the Czech reformer’s teachings, deeming it possible to use Hus celebrations as a lever of influence on Czech society and advance the idea of political and religious unity among all Slavic branches in Orthodox faith.

Role of State Authorities in Preserving Industrial Heritage of Chelyabinsk Region (1960s-1980s)

This article aims to identify the role and contribution of state authorities in the Chelyabinsk region during the 1960s-1980s in preserving industrial heritage sites. The relevance of this study is driven by the urgent need to draw attention of governmental structures to the issue of destruction of remaining monuments of industrial past. The primary sources utilized are archival materials concentrated in the Unified State Archive of the Chelyabinsk region, with many documents being introduced into scholarly circulation for the first time. The scientific novelty of the article lies in the absence of prior research on this topic. The tasks of state bodies in the field of monument protection according to existing regulatory acts of the specified period are identified. The research demonstrates that the most significant contribution was made towards identification, registration, and study of industrial heritage sites, with 43 objects receiving monument status by 1989. However, activities related to repair, restoration, and museumification of registered monuments proved less productive, as only one industrial heritage site had been museumified by 1989. This was attributed to insufficient oversight by state authorities regarding the preservation and utilization procedures of registered monuments.

Архивная деятельность Михаила Александровича Полиевктова в Грузии в 1920-1930 гг.

The study, based on archival materials introduced into scholarly circulation for the first time, shows the archival efforts of the eminent Russian historian-caucasus expert M.A. Polievktov (1872-1942) during the "tiflis period" of scientific invention (1920-1942). It is stated in the scien-tific literature that the scientist's archiving activity has not yet become a research subject. The au-thor intends to disclose similar characteristics of this behavior in the 1920s and 1940s. The article demonstrates that the name of M.A. Polievktov, a representative of the St.Petersburg historian school, is significantly linked with the construction of historial archives of the Caucasus in Geor-gia (from 1924 s.), training of specialists in archiving, setting up a course on archiving M.A. Po-lievktov developed the problems of Caucasian archeography, uncovered a number of archaeologi-cal materials on Georgian history and Russian-Geogian ties, and introduced them into scholarly circulation. Documents relating to the origins of diplomatic ties between Georgia and Russia were discovered in the Central Archives of the USSR as a result of scientific visits arranged by the Cen-tral Archives of the SSR of Georgia. M.A. Polievktov's archiving activities occurred during a crit-ical juncture in the development of Soviet archival research, as the internal political struggle worsened and historical science became more ideologically oriented. All of this was reflected in the fate of the scientist and architect. During the fifth, he was subjected to discrimination against dissidents («kondrativism») and was temporarily barred from working at the SSR of Georgia's Central Archive.

Orthodox Estonians in St Petersburg Province: The Fate of the Diaspora in an Autochthonous Environment

During the pre-revolutionary decades, the Estonian diaspora was one of the most active in St Petersburg, however, it remains little-studied to this day. An intensive study of the history of Estonian churches in St Petersburg province and the Estonian deanery of the St Petersburg diocese make it possible to raise the question of an organised Orthodox Estonian diaspora that did not merge with the Lutheran one. This article formulates the reasons for introducing this phenomenon into scholarly circulation and characterises its distinctive features. The author refers to documents from the Central State Historical Archive of St Petersburg (primarily, reports from the dean of Estonian district), as well as articles and materials from the first All-Russian population census. The active development of the issue studied by some historians in recent years speaks of its relevance. The article provides an overview of the historical situation, identifies the problems that characterised the life of Estonian migrants in St Petersburg and the province, and describes the contribution to the solution of the problem by Archpriest Pavel Kuhlbusch, senior priest of the Estonian church in the capital and dean of the Estonian parishes of the diocese. Additionally, the author carries out a detailed analysis of the theological aspect of the diaspora’s existence and missionary and educational work inside it. The threat of nationalism caused by the language barrier with the locals, the linguistic community with a Lutheran majority, and the incomprehensibility of the Church Slavonic language for foreigners was the breeding ground of the Estonian diaspora as a whole and led the Orthodox Estonian diaspora to a crisis at the time of the collapse of the Russian Empire. The atheism of Bolshevik ideology finally terminated its life in the 1930s. However, the panhellenism of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, which replaced the multiculturalism of the Russian Empire, also failed to contribute to the development of Orthodoxy among Estonians. The efforts Pavel Kuhlbusch made for many years led to an increase in the number of Orthodox Estonians, whose literacy and enlightenment also increased significantly, but his departure to Estonia for episcopal service and death in 1919 had a disastrous effect on the future fate of the Estonian Orthodox diaspora.

Shift in Government Policy Regarding Computer Technology Development in USSR in Late 1960s

The relevance of the study is determined by the critical importance for the Russian Federation in complex geopolitical conditions of the need to make a technological leap and ensure sovereignty, as well as the significance of studying Soviet experience in the implementation of state scientific, technical, and industrial policies. Based on declassified archival documents, issues related to the evolution of state policy in the development and production of computer technology in the late 1960s are examined. The novelty of the research lies in identifying the main trends and factors that led to both the USSR’s lag behind leading countries in this field and attempts to implement mechanisms to overcome it. A significant number of previously unpublished documents are introduced into scholarly circulation, including appeals from representatives of the scientific community to the central authorities highlighting the alarming situation. It is proven that these reports played a significant role in changing the government’s course regarding computer technology development, influencing decision-making speed and the choice of a previously tested mechanism for overcoming technological lag — borrowing. A conclusion is formulated that many recommendations from the scientific community representatives were ignored by the authorities. A departmental approach played a significant role. The decision made had far-reaching and generally negative consequences.

Legal Historians of Russian Diaspora in 1920s—1930s

The article characterizes the activities and legacy of Russian legal historians who found themselves in emigration in European academic centers in the 1920s. Among these researchers are mentioned M. N. Yassinsky, G. V. Demchenko, F. V. Taranovsky, A. V. Soloviev, and M. V. Shakhmatov. It is shown that prior to the revolution, these scholars taught at various universities in Russia, and in emigration they occupied chairs at higher educational institutions in Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia. The sources of the study include published works by the scholars, memoirs of emigrants, as well as archival materials of various types from storage facilities in Russia and Slovenia, which are being introduced into scholarly circulation for the first time. The analysis of sources revealed that their establishment in emigration was associated with certain difficulties. On the other hand, the experience gained in Russian universities in studying and teaching the history of Russian and Slavic law helped them integrate into the local academic environment. Only Taranovsky and Shakhmatov to some extent adhered to their previous themes in their scholarly activities, while other scholars changed theirs. It is concluded that this was due to a lack of access to sources and the demands of the courses being taught. At the same time, it is emphasized that there was ideological-methodological unity and awareness of belonging to a particular scientific community. The conclusion is drawn that pre-revolutionary schools of legal history continued to exist in the conditions of European emigration.

Urban Election System in Russia at End of 19th Century: Criticism in Provincial Periodicals

The article provides a first-time examination of the evaluations of the urban election system in the Russian Empire during the period of 1890-1892, when the preparation and implementation of the new City Regulations were taking place. The study is based on materials from private provincial periodicals. The author highlights the essence and content of the criticism of the provincial press towards the institution of urban elections. The article presents the attitudes towards the issue of social composition of urban self-government bodies as revealed in the periodical press. Positions on the issue of suffrage and proposals for its expansion through tax and educational qualifications are identified. The analysis includes assessments of the national composition of city councils and urban administrations on the outskirts and within Jewish settlements. It demonstrates how the formation of parties based on national identity in urban self-government bodies was covered in the periodicals. Discussions on the merger of powers between the heads of administrative and executive bodies of urban self-government are examined. Satirical poems, which characterize the recorded attitude towards council members and provincial assemblies in pre-revolutionary Russia, who dishonestly perform their duties and disrupt city council meetings, are introduced into scholarly circulation. Satire targeting corrupt intentions of council members is also discussed.

Economic Diplomacy of Socialism: Participation of Comecon Member Countries in the UN Conference on Trade and Development 1964

In the early 1960s, in the context of decolonisation, the contours of international trade underwent significant changes, leading to the need to review the principles of international organisations in the field of economic development. To this end, the first Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) was convened in Geneva in 1964 at the initiative of the United Nations. On the basis of the archival materials of the Russian State Archive of the Economy, which are being introduced into scholarly circulation from the funds of the Office of International Economic Organisations of the United Nations of the Ministry of Foreign Trade of the USSR and the Foreign Trade Department of the COMECON Secretariat, the article examines the basic principles of the practical implementation of the economic diplomacy of socialism with reference to the participation of the member countries of the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance in the UN Conference on Trade and Development in 1964. The united front of the COMECON member countries on the key issues of the agenda revealed serious contradictions in the camp of the Western countries and contributed to the strengthening of the influence of COMECON as an international organisation striving to make trade an instrument of economic development and to strengthen peaceful coexistence in the new realities of the post-colonial world order. Thus, the position adopted by the socialist countries during the conference clearly demonstrated the possibilities of economic diplomacy at the international level and gave the Soviet leadership every reason to use UNCTAD in the future as an important platform for defending the interests of the socialist countries, including in the struggle with the EEC for economic influence in the Third World. The development of the theme in question with the inclusion of previously unpublished documents from the Russian State Archive of Economic Diplomacy opens up a number of promising directions for research into the phenomenon of socialist economic diplomacy, and thus significantly expands the source base for the study of various aspects of socialist integration within the COMECON, including the mechanisms of economic decision-making at the international level in the context of interstate confrontation. The academic novelty of this study also lies in the fact that the participation of socialist countries in the activities of UNCTAD has so far received only fragmentary attention in Russian historiography.

Soviet Historical Studies in the Mirror of Personal Connections: Correspondence between K. E. Grinevich and S. F. Platonov (1927–1929)

Based on the materials of the personal fund of Academician S. F. Platonov kept in the department of manuscripts of the Russian National Library, the author restores Platonov’s communication with K. E. Grinevich (1891–1970), a major researcher, museum worker, archaeologist, and antiquarian. The entire set of extant letters from Grinevich to Platonov is introduced into scholarly circulation which has never been done previously. This helps restore the nuances of the preparation and conduct of several all-Union scientific events that consolidated the historical community of the epoch through the prism of personal and official messages. The author expands the history of the conference of archaeologists of the USSR in Sevastopol which took place in September 1927. The documents studied make it possible to reveal in a new way the activities of Grinevich as an administrator in the field of Soviet museology during his transfer to Moscow as deputy head of the museum department of the Narkompros of the RSFSR. The article also shows the collaboration of scientists in preparing the all-Union archaeological congress. The correspondence demonstrates a conflict of interest between the Main Directorate of Scientific Institutions of the People’s Commissariat of Education of the RSFSR, which issued Archaeological Excavation Permits for archaeological work, and the State Academy of the History of Material Culture, which provided scientific support for these studies. It is demonstrated that Grinevich did not stop contacts with Chersonese and Crimean academic science in general. This is evidenced by his active participation in the congress on the study of the productive forces of Crimea (1928) and his long visits to Chersonese during the archaeological seasons. Finally, the author demonstrates the career rise of a provincial museum worker and the change in the style of his communication with colleagues in Crimea and in the capitals in this regard.

Уникальный и утерянный мраморный иконостас Пермского Спасо-Преображенского кафедрального собора

The Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral in Perm, over 200 years old, underwent a complex construction process marked by numerous difficulties and prolonged completion. There were several reconstructions of the cathedral, expansions, and the addition of side chapels. Initially, the cathedral was divided into two churches – a summer church and a winter church. The summer church housed a magnificent Baroque wooden iconostasis, transported from the Pyskorsky stavropegial monastery. It has survived unaltered. The winter church (dedicated to St. Stefan) featured another iconostasis made of marble. It was dismantled in 1931, when the cathedral was repurposed as the Perm Art Gallery. The internal reconstruction necessary to accommodate the art museum was made by architect N. A. Shvariov. A few pre-revolutionary publications described very briefly what the marble iconostasis looked like. It is maintained that the iconostasis was made at the Gornoshchitskiy Marble factory by the order of Vice-Governor Bornovolokov, with the icons placed in it. Painted by the artists of the Imperial Academy of Arts, the icons were given to the temple by Alexander Stroganov. There are no more details about who was the author of the iconostasis, of what kind of marble and at what time it was made, and how it was delivered to Perm. The study aims to analyze the history of the marble iconostasis, introduce the surname of the artisan, show and justify its uniqueness. Most of the documents presented in the publication, including photographs, are introduced into scholarly circulation for the first time.

Усадьба Высокое графов Д. Н. и А. Г. Шереметевых. По документам Российского государственного исторического архива

The article presents the results of the research on the history of the Vysokoe Estate in the Smolensk province (currently located in the village of Vysokoe in the Novodugino district of the Smolensk region) based on documents from the Russian State Historical Archive, which houses the personal archive of Count Alexander Dmitrievich Sheremet’ev (1859–1931). In comparison to the well-studied Kuskovo and Ostankino estates near Moscow, as well as the famous Fountain House in St. Petersburg, the Vysokoe Estate remains a relatively understudied property of the Sheremet’evs. Thanks to archival documents it became possible to reconstruct the history of the acquisition of this Estate by the representatives of the renowned Sheremet’ev family and the creation of a unique architectural complex in Vysokoe. The majority of archival documents are introduced into scholarly circulation for the first time. From the materials of Count A. D. Sheremet’ev's archive (Russian State Historical Archive, fond 1118), who inherited Vysokoe after his mother's death and continued to develop the Estate, it is known that the property of the Sheremet’ev Counts became theirs in 1857 after the marriage of Count Dmitry Nikolaevich Sheremet’ev (1803–1871) to the Smolensk noblewoman Alexandra Grigorievna Mel’nikova (1825–1874). The latter inherited only a part of the Estate and fully bought it from her mother and sisters after the wedding. At the behest of Countess A. G. Sheremet’eva, architect N. L. Benois designed about 20 stone buildings, including the main estate house ("Palace"), the Church of the Tikhvin Mother of God, and various service buildings. The execution of the work in Vysokoe was supervised by his assistant R. K. Mueller, who later became the architect of the Countess's wooden house. The archive contains the designs of many buildings, correspondence between N. L. Benois and R. K. Mueller with the Main Office of the Sheremet’ev Counts in St. Petersburg, texts of contracts between N. L. Benois and foreign and domestic craftsmen involved in the finishing, and suppliers of interior items. The documents provide valuable information about the client's involvement in the details of the work, allowing us to assess various stages of project implementation, and indicating the Countess's special attention to the arrangement and decoration of the main estate house and the church. For example, marble slabs for the Palace" terrace were ordered from Italian sculptor A. Triscorni, and icons for the church were commissioned from the academician of painting A. G. Goravskii. A significant part of the planned work was carried out in the early 1870s, and after the death of Countess A. G. Sheremet’eva in 1874, Vysokoe was inherited by her only son, A. D. Sheremet’ev. The surviving building designs, supplemented by various administrative documents, currently represent not only scholarly but also practical interest, associated with the commencement of work on the restoration of the remarkable architectural complex of the former Sheremet’ev Estate.

Переписка И.М. Ободовской и М.А. Дементьева с Т.Г. Цявловской (по материалам архива Ободовской-Дементьева в Государственном музее А.С. Пушкина)

The publication introduces into scholarly circulation the correspondence of prominent Pushkinists Mikhail Dementiev and Irina Obodovskaya, kept at the Alexander Pushkin State Museum. The central place in the correspondence is dedicated to the discussion of various ways to translate Alexander Pushkin’s letter to his brother-in-law Dmitry Goncharov. The letter which M. Dementiev and I. Obodovskaya found in Russian State Archive of Ancient Acts in 1970 was the result of their many years study of the Goncharov’s archive. The discovery of Pushkin’s genuine letter in the second half of the 20th century was a very important event: 4 pages of Pushkin’s text testify to the extremely difficult financial situation of the poet, in connection with which he was forced to turn to his brother-in-law with a request to borrow 6 thousand rubles for 6 months. This letter contains a constant theme of his correspondence in the 1830s: concern about the growing family, about the future of his children, about the impossibility to dedicate himself completely to poetry and writing and to make a living by literary works. The Pushkinists announced their discovery at the academic event held at the Alexander Pushkin State Museum. The publication presents memories of this evening, preserved by Alexander Krein, the first director of the museum. The article also observes other archival findings of M. Dementiev and I. Obodovskaya. M. Dementiev’s memoirs describing his meetings with an imminent literary and textual critic Tatiana Tsiavlovskaya are published for the first time.

ПЕРІОДИЗАЦІЯ РОЗВИТКУ ДОСЛІДЖЕНЬ ПРО КУЛЬТУРНО-ОСВІТНІХ ДІЯЧІВ ЗАКОРДОННЯ В УКРАЇНСЬКІЙ ПЕДАГОГІЧНІЙ КОМПАРАТИВІСТИЦІ

This article delves into the concept of periodization concerning the evolution of research on cultural-educational figures from other countries within the context of Ukrainian pedagogical comparativism. It sheds light on Ukrainian comparativists' emphasis on cultural-educational figures abroad, whose educational contributions and pedagogical legacies hold significance in Ukraine's historical-pedagogical field. In formulating a structured periodization, various overarching factors influencing this process were taken into account: socio-political elements (such as shifts in ideological perspectives, Ukraine's international relationships, the impact of the Russo-Ukrainian conflict, etc.); cultural-educational aspects (integration into the European educational sphere, heightened interest in foreign socio-cultural practices, the evolution of the information society, etc.); and the transformations within Ukrainian national humanitarianism and historical-pedagogical science, particularly in the realm of comparativism. The primary criterion for developing such a periodization scheme considered quantitative and qualitative changes that affected the historiographic process of accumulating knowledge on the discussed issue. This included the increase in the number of scholarly works (especially dissertations, professional articles, etc.), changes, and modifications in their substantive characteristics (methodology, introduction of new names into scholarly circulation, etc.). This study identifies three principal periods in the evolution of research on foreign figures within Ukrainian pedagogical comparativism. The initial phase, termed 'incipient' or 'initial,' spans from the 1970s to the 1980s, extending beyond the primary chronological boundaries of our research. The second period, characterized by a personalized direction in Ukrainian pedagogical comparativism, roughly spans from 1991/92 to 2004/05, denoted as the 'transitional post-Soviet' era. This phase marked notable shifts in research methodology, transitioning from a Soviet sociologized paradigm of analyzing educational-pedagogical processes to a nationally-oriented approach for study and interpretation. The third period, encompassing 2005/06 to 2025, is referred to as the 'Euro-oriented' and 'scientifically pluralistic' era. During this phase, active de-Sovietization and de-communization of national historical-pedagogical science facilitated the integration of Western European and American methodological approaches, concepts, research tools, and pedagogical ideologies. Ukraine's adoption of the Bologna Process in 2005 steered the country towards European educational standards, gradually distancing itself from Russian academic narratives due to the military aggression of the Russian Federation, ultimately leading to a clear rejection of these narratives.

M.Yu. Lermontov and A.A. Velyaminov: History of Relations and Views on Caucasian Question

Based on the analysis of archival documents and literary texts, a comparative analysis is conducted of the similar ideas expressed by poet M.Yu. Lermontov and General A.A. Velyaminov regarding Russian-Caucasian relations. Their history of interaction is reconstructed through the identification of contemporary witnesses, analysis of the poet's letters, and determination of their shared circle of acquaintances. The hypothesis is put forward that they were acquainted before 1837, when Lermontov came under Velyaminov’s direct command. The influence of Velyaminov on Lermontov’s early works is demonstrated. Additionally, an overlooked essay by A.A. Velyaminov entitled “History of the Caucasus” is introduced into scholarly circulation, which provides a detailed chronicle of the Caucasus from prehistoric times to the present day. Through the study of Velyaminov’s publicistic works, a better understanding is gained of the origins and development of Lermontov’s Caucasian historiosophy in the context of messianic ideas prevalent in society during the 1830s due to Russia’s actions on its eastern borders. The shared belief of both Lermontov and Velyaminov in the peacemaking role of the Russian Empire is revealed. These newly discovered materials contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the formation of Lermontov’s historical thinking in regards to his perception of Russian-Caucasian relations.

Captain Botsis’ Odyssey: On the Biography of the Russian Naval Commander

Referring to archival data of the RGADA (Relations with Venice Fund), this article provides new information about the little-known period of life (1700–1703) of Ivan Botsis related to his transition to the Russian service and directly preceding it. Until now, there is no full-fledged biography of the outstanding associate of Peter the Great, and this study supplements the information about his life full of dangers. Botsis played a significant role in Russia’s success in the Baltic Sea during the Northern War, so filling the gap in his biography is of particular interest. Based on the information introduced into scholarly circulation, the author draws information about his activities immediately after the Morean War (1684–1699). Although he is primarily known as a Russian naval commander, based on the data studied, one may conclude that in his homeland, he proved himself to be a loyal subject of his new homeland, the Venetian Republic, in military affairs. And after the end of the conflict and the conquest of the Peloponnese by Venice, showered with honors, he tried to succeed in a peaceful profession, trading business, and not so much as a merchant but as a coordinator of the commercial activity of his compatriots for private and public benefit. At the peak of his career, the enterprising and even adventurous nature of the Greek captain led him to a conflict with the Venetian and Ottoman authorities, and the hope for the Russian tsar as the deliverer of the Greeks from Turkish rule and sympathy for his military enterprises during the Northern War made him abandon a privileged position in his homeland and embark on a perilous journey to Russia to serve Peter I. The details of his risky escape, described in a petition addressed to the tsar, resemble an excerpt from an adventure novel. The appendix of the article contains previously unpublished documents, i. e. a petition of Captain Botsis and an excerpt of a decree of Tsar Peter on the allocation of his salary.