What is the role of Pomors in the study of the northern lands? Descriptions, researches of pomors

What is the role of Pomors in the study of the northern lands, where did they come from and how do they live? Not every Russian can answer these questions. Little is known about the history of the Pomors. This dying subethnos, despite its small number, has its own history. It is by studying the traditions of modern Pomors that one can understand what the traditions of the ancient Russians were.

Who are Pomors?

Pomors are one of the oldest ethnoses of the Russian people. They were known even during the reign of Veliky Novgorod. During the process of disintegration of tribes and the formation of the Russs people, Pomors continued to live compactly on the coast of the White Sea. Scientists have established that the modern inhabitants of the Russian North are the descendants of the Chud, the Karelians and the ancient Slavs. Who such pomors, the public learned only during the conquest of Siberia. Many Cossacks built "zimovniki" near the Pomeranian villages, because it was possible to trade with the local population and the possibility of their armed insurrection (due to ethnic affinity) was ruled out.

Because of the remoteness of their settlements and the almost total lack of communication with the outside world, Pomors managed to avoid enslavement. The peasants remained free. They were engaged in fishing, hunting and gathering. At the same time, they continued to practice the traditions of the "old" Christianity. Many researchers believe that it was the Old Believers that became the unifying force for this nation.

Expansion to the North

To understand what the role of Pomors in the study of the northern lands, you should refer to the documents of the period of development of central Siberia. After the first expedition Yermak became aware of the vast lands in the east and north. The tsar issued a charter to free Cossacks and in fact authorized new expeditions. Pomors, who usually did not participate in the political life of the country, became active participants in the development. Settlers followed the advance detachments and built cities on the sites of old wintering grounds.

Pomors are accustomed to living in harsh conditions, so they easily adapted to the natural environment of northern Siberia. Settlers easily procured food and supplies. In some cases, they fought in the militia during the raids of nomadic tribes.

Own way of life

Over time, the northern Pomors began to assimilate with the local population. They actively explored the coast of the White Sea. These lands abounded in fish and game, so the peasants went there in search of a better life. Pomor people traveled mostly by boat.

Historically, some areas of the White Sea coast are inhabited by Finno-Ugrians. Since the time of the reign of Novgorod, these places have been the object of constant expansion. Therefore now in the culture of Pomors you can find many Finnish features. For centuries, Pomors were actually left to their own devices. Because of the small number and distance of places of residence, this people was not under the full power of the tsar.

Trade routes

Pomors of Arkhangelsk erected their settlements along trade routes. Prior to ascension to the throne of Peter the Great, Arkhangelsk was one of the main ports of the country. Another trade route ran through Onega. On it were goods from central Russia to Scandinavia. The local population actively participated in the colonization of new lands.

Peter the First understood the role of pomors in the study of the northern lands, so he decided not to interfere in their lives. The free peasants continued to procure provisions for themselves and were sent as part of expeditions to the north. That was how Russian America was discovered. Pomors were the first to set foot on the lands of Alaska. However, with the opening of trade routes across the Baltic Sea, the role of Arkhangelsk and Murmansk has become less important. Pomors began to travel in large quantities to unknown lands beyond the Arctic Circle. In addition to Siberia, the regions of the Trans-Urals were also explored. Even now, some wooden buildings have survived there - "jails".

The twentieth century brought a new impetus to the development of the Russian North. The non-freezing sea again became the main place for transport routes from Europe. The city of Romanov was founded on Murom. In the First World there came cargo from the Entente countries. Even more valuable coast represented in the Second World War. Here on lend-lease came support from the allies of the Soviet Union on the anti-Hitler coalition.

Original culture

It is difficult to accurately determine the role of Pomors in the study of the northern lands, since there are no clear methods for identifying this nation. Only one thing is certain: the inhabitants of the north made a huge contribution to the development of Siberia, the Trans-Ural and Russian America.

Today Pomors continue to live compactly on the coast of the White Sea. Their original culture survived the raids of nomads, tsarist reforms, the Soviet period and is now the subject of study of many historians and researchers.