The Mozdok line as a model of colonization of Tsarist Russia (1735-1832)

The subject of our study is the socio-economic life and the settlement of the Russian Cossacks in the region between 16-19 centuries. The first settlement of the Russian Cossacks in the second half of the 16th century, the formation of the Mozdok Line, socio-economic activities on the line, educational activities, establishment of churches and of course population movements were searched for answers. The first Cossack stanitsas in the region, Chervlennaya (1567) and Shedrinskaya (1569) were determined by the establishment of the stanitsas. In the first half of the 18th century, two different Cossack groups (Greben Cossacks - 1711 and Semeini Cossacks - 1735) filled the gaps on the line and advanced the line towards Mozdok. In 1763, the line were drawn between Kizlyar and Mozdok after the establishment of the Mozdok, and the line was completed with the Mozdok Cossack stanitsas, which were established in 1770. The social life of the stanitsas were directed by the atamans. Kizilyar has been an economic and political centre for the North East Caucasus immediately after the Holy Cross Castle. Kizlyar has hosted the production of wine and brandy with its favourable climate. Moscow approached the issue professionally and it was deemed appropriate to open a school called Caucasus Winery School in the region. Another important step in the region was the silk factory which was opened by Safar Vasiliev. Another important organization of Tsarist Russia in the North East Caucasus was the formation of the Ossetian Spiritual Commission in 1744 to spread Christianity among the Caucasus Mountains. The foundation of Mozdok was a turning point in the history of the region. In this process, Mozdok became the city of missionaries, Kabardians, Ossetians, Armenians and Georgians who escaped from feudalism. The city gates were opened to all, regardless of their social status and ethnic identity, and everyone who accepted Christianity without any documents was declared free. In the context of all these policies of Tsarist Russia in Caucasus, the place of Mozdok Line in Russian colonization was examined.