The Malorussian Cossacks (the former Registered Cossacks also known as "Town Zaporozhian Host") were excluded from this transformation, but were promoted to membership of various civil estates or classes (often Russian nobility), including the newly created civil estate of Cossacks.
Cossack, member of a people dwelling in the northern hinterlands of the Black and Caspian seas. They had a tradition of independence and finally received privileges from the Russian government in return for military services. Learn more about Cossacks in this article.
The Cossacks emerged in the 15th century along the Dnieper River, primarily from Slavic peoples. They had a unique democratic society, with elected leaders known as Atamans and collective decision-making in fortified communities called ‘Sichs’.
Currently, people who identify themselves as Cossacks or say that they are of Cossack origin, are living on the territories of Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, and in different parts of the world...
Cossacks played an important role in defending the southern borders of Ukraine and Russia, countering the Crimean–Nogai raids, alongside economically developing steppe regions north of the Black Sea and around the Azov Sea.
The term “cossacks” is used to describe a class of 17th century Ukrainians, largely peasants, who separated from the burdens of traditional peasant life to form rebel communities at the furthest reaches of Polish-controlled territory.
Over time, they split into various groups, notably the Zaporizhia Cossacks in Ukraine and the Don Cossacks in Russia, each developing distinct identities and political structures.
Originating in the 15th century in Zaporizhzhia, they formed two types: steppe Cossacks and town Cossacks ("horodovi kozaky"). These Ukrainian units defended locals against Tatar and Turkish raids.