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 Pomors.
This endangered subethnos, despite its small number, has its own history. It is by studying the traditions of modern Pomors that one can understand what traditions the ancient Russians had.
Who are the Pomors
Pomors are one of the most ancient ethnic groups of the Russian people. They were known even during the reign of Veliky Novgorod. During the process of the collapse of the tribes and the formation of the Russian people, Pomors continued to compactly live on the White Sea coast. Scientists have established that the modern inhabitants of the Russian North are descendants of the Chud people, the Karelians and the ancient Slavs. Who are the Pomors, the public recognized only during the conquest of Siberia. Many Cossacks built “winter houses” near Pomeranian villages, as trade with the local population was possible and the possibility of their armed rebellion (due to ethnic proximity) was excluded.
Due to the remoteness of its settlements and the almost complete 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 profess the traditions of "old" Christianity. Many scholars believe that it was Old Believers that became the unifying force for this nation.
Expansion to the North
To understand the role of pomors in the study of northern lands, one should turn to the documents of the period of development of central Siberia.
After the first expedition of Yermak, it became known about the endless lands in the east and north. The tsar issued a letter to the 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 development. Settlers followed the advance detachments and built cities in the places of old wintering.
Pomors are accustomed to living in difficult conditions, so they easily adapted to the natural environment of northern Siberia. The settlers easily procured provisions and supplies for themselves. In some cases, they fought in the militia during the raids of nomadic tribes.
Your 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 with fish and game, so the peasants went there in search of a better life. Pomors traveled mainly by boat.
Historically, some areas of the White Sea coast are inhabited by Finno-Ugric peoples. Ever since the reign of Novgorod, these places have been the subject of constant expansion.
Therefore, now in the culture of Pomors you can find many Finnish features. Over the centuries, Pomors have been left to their own devices. Due to the small number and remoteness of places of residence, this people was not under the complete authority of the king.
Trade routes
Pomors of Arkhangelsk built their settlements along trade routes. Before ascending the throne of Peter the Great, Arkhangelsk was one of the main ports of the country. Another trade route ran through Onega. It went 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 life. Free peasants, as before, themselves procured provisions and set off on expeditions to the north. So Russian America was discovered. It was Pomors who first set foot on the lands of Alaska. However, with the opening of trade routes through the Baltic Sea, the role of Arkhangelsk and Murmansk became less significant. Pomors began to be sent in large quantities to uncharted lands beyond the Arctic Circle.
In addition to Siberia, the regions of the Trans-Urals were also studied. Even now, there are some wooden buildings preserved - "prison".
The twentieth century brought a new impetus to the development of the Russian North. The ice-free sea has again become the main destination for transport routes from Europe. The city of Romanov on Murom was founded. Freights from the Entente countries arrived here in World War I. The coast was of even greater value during World War II. Support from the allies of the Soviet Union for the anti-Hitler coalition arrived here in Lendliz.
Distinctive culture
It is difficult to determine exactly what the role of Pomors in the study of the northern lands is, since there are no clear methods for identifying this nation. Only one thing is known for certain: the inhabitants of the north made a huge contribution to the development of Siberia, the Trans-Urals and Russian America.
Today, Pomors continue to live compactly on the White Sea coast. Their distinctive culture survived the raids of nomads, tsarist reforms, the Soviet period and is now the subject of study by many historians and researchers.