Episodes of child captives’ trade in the Northwest Caucasus in the second third of the 19th century

Abstract

Introduction. Raids with the purpose of kidnapping people in the Northwest Caucasus were a serious problem for Russia, which completely took over the region after the RussianOttoman War of 1828 – 1829. This paper analyzes individual life situations related to the captivity of children on the southern border of the empire.

Materials and methods. The study is based on the analysis of documents and materials from the funds of the State Archives of Krasnodar Krai. Published archival materials and memoirs were used in the work. Based on the analysis of various types of sources containing information on the peculiarities of the capture of children in the Northwest Caucasus in the second third of the 19th century, specific features of the phenomenon of captivity sale are revealed.

Analysis. The analysis of the materials showed that the capture of childen was mainly commercial in nature. They were used as slaves on the farm, could be resold or returned to relatives for ransom.

Results. It can be concluded that child abductions were carried out mainly at sunset or in cloudy weather. This made it easier to escape pursuit. Not only representatives of the unpeaceful mountain communities, but also fugitive Cossacks were involved in the capture of slaves. Both representatives of the East Slavic population and native ethnic groups were captured. Many slaves fled to Russian fortifications, wishing to gain freedom. The sale of captives caused a sharp emotional rejection among Russian subjects of various social and ethnic origins.