Devotees of science and education of Crimea (the role of nobility in the establishment of Taurida National University)

Abstract

The subject of this research is the specific contribution of the representatives of nobility and intelligentsia of Taurida Governorate to the establishment of Taurida National University in 1916-1918. The foundation of this university greatly benefited the development of culture, science and education in Crimea and Southern Russia. The goal consists in reflection of progressive and constructive influence of separate individuals on the formation of humanistic and sociocultural space of Taurida Governorate; as well as in systematization of information from dozens of sources for creation of the more objective and precise course of events. The relevance and scientific novelty are defined by the need to reconsider the Crimean cultural processes of 1916-1918; determine and describe particular factors related to the contribution of nobility and intelligentsia of Taurida Governorate to the establishment of Taurida National University. Emphasis is made on the contribution of separate individuals and scientific communities, as well as their role in the process of emergence of the first university in Crimea. The progressive-constructive character of the activity of nobility and intelligentsia in historical-cultural space of Crimea is demonstrated. Based on application of objective and contemporary approach to the events of 1916-1918, the author gives assessment of the events that correspond to representations of modern science, as well as conducts of comparative and generalizing analysis of the data from a number of sources.