Abstract: The subject of the research is the mechanisms for implementing general purges of party ranks in the 1920s–1930s in the Far Eastern Russian regions, examined in the context of regulating social mobility and personnel policy in the RKP(b)/VKP(b). The focus is on the processes of institutionalizing party control through the system of control commissions, changes in the qualitative and quantitative composition of the Far Eastern party organization, and the evolution of the grounds for expulsion from the party—from the struggle against "random" and "class-alien elements" in the 1920s to the strengthening of political criteria ("passivity," "degeneration," affiliation with supporters of the "right" and "left" factions) in the 1930s. Special attention is paid to the influence of the border status of the territory and the change in regional leadership on the course and results of the purges in the Far Eastern regions. The research is based on the principles of historicism and systemic analysis. The source base includes archival documents from the Russian State Archive of Social and Political History (RGASPI), the Russian State Archive of Contemporary History (RGANI), the State Archive of the Primorsky Krai (GAPK), and the State Archive of the Khabarovsk Krai (GAHK), as well as published materials from regional party conferences. The comparative-historical method allowed for the identification of the dynamics of expulsion indicators during the purges, comparison of regional data with nationwide figures, and determination of the degree of influence of subjective factors on the results of the checks. The novelty of the research is defined by the comprehensive analysis of the regional specifics of party purges in the Far East as a tool of descending social mobility. Unlike existing works, the emphasis is placed not only on the quantitative indicators of party ranks but also on the contradictions in personnel policy: it is shown that the purges of 1929 and 1933 were aimed not only at identifying "class-alien elements" but also against workers "from the machine," including some promoted individuals. It is proven that purges were a key regulator of social dynamics: while the party served as a social lift, the purges legitimized descending mobility, creating a mechanism of conditionality of party status. The conclusion is made that the practice of general purges, tested in the 1920s and the first half of the 1930s, prepared the institutional and personnel groundwork for the transition to political repressions of 1937–1938.

Keywords: Far Eastern party organization, Far Eastern region, Personnel policy, Class-alien elements, Control commissions, Descending mobility, Party building, Party purges, Proletarianization, Social lift

Abstract: The article examines the problematic issue of studying the urban space of typical medieval Russian fortress cities surrounded by a "posad". Consideration of urban space for medieval settlements usually begins with the definition of a settlement as a city based on the main feature – the presence of the Kremlin (detinets). The article examines the emergence of ancient Russian cities and towns of the Volga region, which arose in the period XV–XVII century. It is concluded that there are typical general features in the formation of urban settlements in the early stages of development, and data are provided indicating a repetition of the situation for cities that arose during the expansion of Muscovy to the east in the XV–XVII century. Attention is drawn to the need to identify the primary causes and factors of the emergence of cities – commercial activities and the chronological secondary role of the military-administrative cluster in the formation of urban space in the Middle Ages. Based on the material of studies of the formation of cities, a comparative historical analysis of the processes of the emergence of settlements that preceded the cities of Ancient and Muscovite Russia, confirmations of the economic functions of settlements, was carried out. For a long period in the development of Russian urbanism, urban space was considered as a kind of resultant physical world reflecting the historical process of urban development. However, the very understanding of the primary origin of the settlement space, even if it preceded the city, remained "behind the scenes." At the same time, based on the available research on the cities of medieval Russia, there is sufficient data to establish continuity and direct connection between the pre-urban existence of the settlement and its subsequent transformation into a city.

Keywords: historical urbanism, urban space, city formation, medieval city, Ancient Russia, Moscou Russia, posad, detinets, Kremlin, port

Abstract: The subject of the study is the transportation support for the activities of the All-Russian Zemstvo Union and the Russian Red Cross Society provided by the leading railways in Southern Russia during the First World War. The research examines the practical implementation of the defense tasks of these two leading public organizations in Russia during the war from 1914 to 1918, based on a wide range of archival documents (mostly unpublished), in terms of the transportation support for their everyday activities by the leading railways of Southern Russia. The titanic efforts of the Southwestern, Southern, and Ekaterinburg railways in supporting public associations as a new significant area of activity arising from military needs are illustrated with specific figures and facts. The cooperation between the army, society, and transportation authorities during the period of 1914 to 1918 is clearly traced. General scientific methods employed in the article include analysis, comparison, and description. Historical methods encompass chronological and retrospective approaches. Additionally, events are considered in a specific historical context, taking into account the realities of the past. This has allowed for a comprehensive examination and exploration of the chosen topic throughout the research. The novelty of the study lies in the active introduction of archival materials and information from rare printed publications (departmental journals of the Ministry of Railways) into scientific circulation. Furthermore, the article emphasizes the work of the railway transport of Southern Russia in supporting the operations of the All-Russian Zemstvo Union and the Russian Red Cross Society in the armies of the Southwestern and Romanian fronts, as well as in the adjacent rear areas. The results obtained allow us to state the high effectiveness of the interaction between the leading railroads of the region (Southwestern, Southern, Ekaterinburg) and the territorial bodies of both the zemstvos and the Russian Red Cross Society. Despite the objective military difficulties, most of the tasks set (the process of evacuating property and refugees, sanitary support for the front and rear, etc.) were successfully implemented; even the revolutionary upheavals of 1917–1918 could not hinder this. The significant role of Southern Russia as an important strategic and geopolitical area of the country is demonstrated.

Keywords: All-Russian Zemstvo Union, Red Cross Society, Southwestern Railways, Southern Railways, Catherine's Railway, feeding stations, evacuation, sanitary detachments, intendant service, Military Transportation Office

Abstract: The aim of the research is to analyze the emergence and development of the Romanian Society of River Navigation, which existed on the threshold of the 19th and 20th centuries. Considerable attention in the work is given to the growing role of the Danube throughout the 19th century and its special significance in the fate of the Danubian principalities (Moldavia and Wallachia), which were struggling for national independence. It should be noted that the status of the Danube underwent significant changes after the events of the Crimean War of 1853–1855 and reached "pan-European significance." This inevitably affected the socio-economic development of the Danubian principalities, which found themselves involved in the European market and occupying a certain niche within it. The Russian factor became largely decisive in the struggle of Moldavia and Wallachia for independence, but the principalities quickly fell into economic dependence on other European states. After gaining independence, the issue of developing a national shipping industry and creating a commercial fleet became one of the strategic demands of the national policy of the young state of Romania. This research applies a historical-descriptive method, allowing for a comprehensive disclosure of the process of formation and development of the Romanian commercial fleet. In particular, the use of statistical data allows for a discussion of the successes achieved in the activities of the Romanian Society of River Navigation. The scientific novelty of the research is associated with the involvement of a diverse array of sources (statistical data, diplomatic correspondence, periodicals), as well as previously unpublished archival materials from the fund of the Russian Danube Shipping Company, which testify to the great attention and interest in the activities of the Romanian Society of River Navigation from the side of Russia. Analyzing these sources allows for not only addressing factual information but also establishing the role of the commercial fleet in Romania's economy and politics. The author determined that throughout the entire existence of the Society of River Navigation, the Romanian government took an active part in its activities. In addition to providing budgetary funds, Romania pursued an active protectionist policy, which significantly expanded the capabilities of the commercial fleet and successfully competed with other shipping companies engaged in transporting cargo and passengers along the Danube. Thus, the vessels of the Romanian Shipping Society occupied first place (79.14%) in the number of calls to their own ports on the Danube.

Keywords: Danube, Danubian principalities, Romania, Balkans, European Danube Commission, navigation, steam navigation, Moldavia and Wallachia, Romania's foreign trade, Austro-Hungary

Abstract: The article explores the history of Christian pilgrimage organization to holy sites in Palestine and Mount Athos through the southern provinces of the Russian Empire with the participation of the Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society (IOPS). The subject of study is the Society's activities aimed at transforming pilgrimage routes and creating an effective system of institutional support for pilgrims. The work covers the period from the founding of the Palestine Commission in the 1860s to the end of the nineteenth century. The authors analyze the role of the southern regions as key transit territories that connected the internal provinces with seaports. Socio-economic factors influencing the development of the pilgrimage movement and the mechanisms of administrative interaction between the Society and believers are also examined. The research provides a deeper understanding of the specifics of organizational decisions aimed at ensuring the safety and accessibility of visits to Jerusalem for various strata of the Orthodox population of the Russian Empire. The methodology is based on comparative-historical analysis and statistical methods. To visualize the dynamics of pilgrimage flows, the authors constructed combined histograms and graphs. The scientific novelty lies in the systematic substantiation of the role of the IOPS in solving transport and logistics problems related to visiting Palestine. Researchers conclude that the Society's activities facilitated a transition from spontaneous travel to centralized movement. The growth in the number of pilgrims was supported by informational assistance at all stages of the journey. This work was carried out by authorized representatives of the Society in the provinces and experienced members of the organization at a consultative level. The article demonstrates that the infrastructure created successfully overcame the economic barriers to pilgrimage. The outcome was the strengthening of Russia's cultural presence in the Middle East through the implementation of the "soft power" concept. The conclusions confirm the high efficiency of the IOPS's administrative model, which ensured the sustainable development of pilgrimage connections between the empire and the Christian world. The work highlights the significance of the Society as the leading organizer of religious travels during the considered historical period.

Keywords: IPP, Middle Eastern region, Palestine, Mount Athos, Russian Empire, Holy Land, pilgrimage, Jerusalem, transport and logistics schemes, departments of IPP

Abstract: In this article, the author examines the ideological changes that occurred in China with the rise to power of Deng Xiaoping. Special attention is paid to the principles of Confucianism, which became part of not only the social but also the economic sphere of life in China. The subject of the study is the ideological changes that took place in China since the second half of the 1970s. The focus of the research is the influence of Confucian teachings on these changes. In addition, the author reflects the main principles characteristic of Confucianism regarding the triad "human – society – state," and discusses the content of traditional Confucian concepts such as "li," "wen," etc. The article also touches upon the path of Confucian teachings in the first half of the 20th century, with attention given to Mao Zedong's policies and the "Cultural Revolution." The author relied on general and specific research methods. General methods include synthesis, analysis, and comparison. Specific methods include comparative, retrospective, and periodization methods. The main conclusions of the conducted research are as follows: the social and economic rise of China would have been impossible without changes in the ideological sphere. The "persecution" of Confucianism met with resistance from the majority of Chinese society, which remained traditional. This did not allow it to unite with the authorities or share "state interests." Deng Xiaoping changed the prevailing attitude that had developed during the decade of the "Cultural Revolution." The principles of Confucianism were "laid" on socialist soil, which later allowed the construction of a new economic model of society – "socialism with Chinese characteristics." The leading principle became "xiaokan." The author highlighted the influence of this principle on the ideological, economic, and cultural spheres. The scientific novelty of the work is theoretical and lies in the examination of new sources from domestic and foreign authors.

Keywords: Deng Xiaoping, Confucius, Mao Zedong, cultural revolution, Xiaokang society, Chinese socialism, Li, Junzi, Confucian socialism, Lin Biao

Abstract: The article explores the life and activities of a merchant of the second guild, one of the first Yakuts, wholesale supplier of goods to the region – Pyotr Illarionovich Zakharov. It demonstrates how he actively participated in major social, economic, religious, and cultural events, which contributed to shaping relationships between the authorities, merchants, and society, as well as the successful presentation of the peoples of Yakutia at the All-Russian Exhibition in Nizhny Novgorod. He placed particular importance on his communications with Orthodox associations and figures, notably the Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society, which facilitated the genuine Christianization of the indigenous peoples. His significant role in the development of women's education, youth training in missionary schools, and parish schools was also highlighted. The research employs the methodology of intellectual history developed by scholars led by the corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, L.P. Repina. In the biography she developed, the individual "appears before us not in isolation, but interacting with other personalities, with their social environment, with the surrounding world in its various manifestations, and with cultural and intellectual traditions." The results of the study reveal the professional growth of P.I. Zakharov from a clerk to a merchant of the second guild, being one of the first Yakuts wholesale suppliers of goods to the region, and the establishment of a network of trading "points" in Yakutsk. It shows how, combining the talents of an organizer, economist, and financier, he made an invaluable contribution as a member of the Yakut Duma in addressing many urban needs and problems. His role in major social, economic, religious, and cultural events was identified, which undoubtedly positively shaped relationships between governmental structures, the trade and entrepreneurial environment, and the local community. Special attention is given to his contribution to establishing communications with Orthodox associations and figures, which facilitated the introduction of the spiritual values of Orthodoxy among the indigenous peoples of Yakutia. His role in financing women's secular and spiritual education, missionary schools, and parish schools was reconstructed.

Keywords: merchants, charity, guardianship, Palestinian society, missionary school, parochial schools, female education, All-Russian exhibition, Yakut City duma, prison committee