“Order the Land Surveyors to Arrive Covertly”: V.N. Tatishchev’s Role in Geographical Study of the Caucasus during His Governorship in Astrakhan, 1744
| 27 February 2025
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Archival funds and collections
Toropitsyn I.V., Astrakhan, Russian Federation
“Order the Land Surveyors to Arrive Covertly”: V.N. Tatishchev’s Role in Geographical Study of the Caucasus during His Governorship in Astrakhan, 1744
Abstract
2016 marked 330 years from the birth of an outstanding Russian statesman and scientist of the first half of the 18th century, Vasily Nikitich Tatishchev. His merits to national social and economic development and his contributions to science are generally recognized. V. N. Tatishchev’s scientific heritage consists of works on history and geography, as well as of notes on other subjects, that draw the attention of researchers. As regards geography, scientist's contribution to the study of Siberia is best researched. In comparison, his role in studying other geographical regions is less known. Sources stored in the State Archive of the Astrakhan Region help to fill this gap to some extent. Among the materials stored here there are documents allowing form a clear view of geographical research carried out on V.N. Tatishchev’s instructions during his governorship in Astrakhan. Document uncovered by the author in the archive relates tasks and objectives assigned by the Astrakhan governor V.N. Tatishchev and his collegue, prince M.M. Boryatinsky, to land surveyors S.Chichagov and S. Shchelkov and those to Russian military commanders in Kizlyar and Kabarda in view of forthcoming land survey. The Astrakhan authorities were interested in true-to-fact data on the situation in the Caucasus region and set a high value on the survey. They took measures to ensure the success of the work and gave the surveyors every assistance, including help from Astrakhan students, all necessary materials and directions to the locations. Apparently, the work was conducted in close cooperation with the Collegium of Foreign Affairs, which sent the land surveyors to Astrakhan and financed the survey. Documents of fond 394 “The Astrakhan Provincial Chancellery in Astrakhan” from the State Archive of the Astrakhan Region are an important source for studying multi-faceted state activities of V.N. Tatishchev and thus highlighting new sides of his personality.
Keywords
Achive, source, Tatishchev Vasily, Caucasus, geographic, 18th century.
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About the authors
Toropitsyn Ilya Vasil’evich, PhD in history, associate professor of the history department of the Astrakhan State University, Astrakhan, Russian Federation, +7-927-560-57-46, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it