Formation of the historical-geographic territories in European Russia in the XVI-XVII centuries

Abstract

The main results of study of the evolution of historical-geographic regionalization of European Russia in the XVI-XVII centuries are regarded. During this period due to colonization in the East and in the South of European Russia the area of the country has increased several times and its internal regional diversity has increased significantly. Main factors of regional differentiation are the diversity of landscape patterns, especially the latitudinal zonation, foreign policy, foreign intervention, ethnic factors and traditional nature management in the newly annexed territories, etc. By the end of the XV century only 7 historical-geographic territories could be recognized, while by the end of the XVII century, there were 17 of them in the European part of Russia. Of great practical importance is the study and use in the public administration system of a certain level of continuity between the evolution of the historical-geographic regionalization and contemporary regional administrative division. 33 centers of contemporary subjects of the Russian Federation (oblast, krai, national republic) already existed in the late XVII century as major trade and handicraft centers or important fortresses.