As the sun sets peacefully over the Dnipro River, a tense atmosphere envelops the Zaporozhian Cossacks. The year is 1676, and the Treaty of Żurawno has officially concluded the conflict between the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and the Ottoman Empire. However, for Stepan and his men, peace remains elusive as they journey back to their stronghold.
Settled in the Wild Fields north of the Black Sea, the Cossacks, whose name originates from a Turkic word meaning “free man,” are celebrated as one of Europe’s most formidable military forces. Comprised of hunters, fishermen, nomads, and outlaws, they found liberty in these fertile, unclaimed lands. Yet, maintaining this freedom has become increasingly challenging.
Their long-standing strategy of shifting alliances between Poland and Moscow has resulted in the partitioning of their territories. In a desperate attempt to reclaim their independence and reunite the fractured Cossack state, their recent leader, Hetman Petro Doroshenko, allied with the Ottoman Empire. Although this alliance liberated the Zaporozhian Cossacks in the west from Polish rule, it came at a high cost. The Ottoman allies devastated the countryside, enslaving peasants, and Doroshenko’s decision to ally with Muslims against fellow Christians led to a loss of local support.
With Doroshenko now deposed and exiled, the Cossacks find themselves divided over their next course of action. Stepan, tasked with maintaining order, stands as a formidable figure with his musket and curved saber. He oversees his battalion of 180 men, a diverse group of Orthodox Christians, Greeks, Tatars, and Mongolian Kalmyks, each with varying perspectives on recent events.
Officially, all of Stepan’s men have pledged to uphold the Cossack code, which requires seven years of military training and remaining unmarried. However, in practice, some are part-timers who adhere more closely to their own traditions, maintaining families in nearby villages outside Cossack lands.
Fortunately, the fragile peace holds as they reach the Sich, the heart of Cossack military life, currently located at Chortomlyk. The Sich is a well-organized settlement with administrative buildings, officers’ quarters, and even schools, as literacy is highly valued among the Cossacks. Stepan and his men settle into the barracks, where they live and train alongside other battalions, forming a regiment of several hundred men.
As they dine on dried fish, sheep’s cheese, and salted pork fat, accompanied by ample wine, Stepan instructs his friend Yuri to lighten the mood with his bandura. However, tensions rise when a toast to Doroshenko sparks an argument. Stepan swiftly intervenes, raising his own toast to Ivan Sirko, the new hetman who advocates for an alliance with Moscow against the Turks. Stepan plans to support Sirko and expects his men to follow suit.
Suddenly, one of Sirko’s men bursts in, calling for an emergency Rada, or general council meeting. Stepan and the others make their way to the church square, the center of Sich life. Ivan Sirko greets the confused crowd with thrilling news—scouts have discovered a large Ottoman camp vulnerable on one side. Sirko vows that they will ride against their common enemy the next day, defending the Cossacks’ autonomy and bringing unity to the Wild Fields.
As the men cheer in unison, Stepan feels relieved by their renewed sense of brotherhood. Over the next 200 years, these freedom fighters would confront numerous adversaries. Tragically, they would eventually become the oppressive hand of the Russian government they once opposed. Yet, today, these 17th-century Cossacks are remembered for their spirit of independence and defiance. As the Russian painter Ilya Repin once remarked, “No people in the world held freedom, equality, and fraternity so deeply.”
Imagine you are a Zaporozhian Cossack in the 17th century. Divide into groups and debate whether to support Hetman Ivan Sirko’s alliance with Moscow or seek another path to independence. Use historical facts from the article to support your arguments.
Based on the article, draft a modern version of the Cossack code that includes values and rules for maintaining freedom and unity. Discuss how these principles can be applied in today’s world.
Using a blank map of Eastern Europe, trace the journey of the Zaporozhian Cossacks from their stronghold to the Sich at Chortomlyk. Mark key locations mentioned in the article and write a brief description of their significance.
Write a diary entry from the perspective of Stepan or one of his men. Describe the emotions, challenges, and hopes they might have felt upon hearing the news of the Ottoman camp and the call to arms.
Research traditional Cossack music and art. Create a presentation or performance that showcases their cultural heritage, including instruments like the bandura and traditional songs or dances.
Cossacks – A group of predominantly East Slavic-speaking people known for their military skills and semi-nomadic lifestyle, often serving as border guards in Eastern Europe. – The Cossacks played a significant role in the expansion of the Russian Empire due to their expertise in cavalry warfare.
Independence – The state of being free from control or support by another country or organization. – The American colonies declared their independence from Britain in 1776.
Treaty – A formal agreement between two or more states in reference to peace, alliance, commerce, or other international relations. – The Treaty of Versailles officially ended World War I in 1919.
Military – Relating to the armed forces or to soldiers, arms, or war. – The military played a crucial role in defending the nation’s borders during the conflict.
Alliance – A union or association formed for mutual benefit, especially between countries or organizations. – The alliance between France and the United States was pivotal during the American Revolutionary War.
Freedom – The power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint. – The civil rights movement fought for the freedom and equality of all citizens.
Leadership – The action of leading a group of people or an organization. – Her leadership during the crisis was admired by everyone in the community.
Unity – The state of being united or joined as a whole. – The unity among the states was essential for the formation of a strong federal government.
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs. – Understanding history helps us learn from past mistakes and successes.
Culture – The social behavior and norms found in human societies, including beliefs, arts, laws, customs, and habits. – The culture of ancient Egypt is renowned for its monumental architecture and rich mythology.
