“Caretakers” in the system of self-government of the Nakhichevan Armenian colony on the Don (1779–1870)

Abstract

Caretakers were established in 1779 as “protectors” of settlers. They were mentioned in Nakhchivan only in 1784 (in 1782–1783 – the town governor). Newly appointed by the magistrate in 1837, two custodians functioned until 1844, and their functions were transferred back to the magistrate’s assessors. In 1780, four custodians were appointed in the villages. They, as lower police officers, acting according to the “Instruction” received from the magistrate, existed until the reforms of the 1860s.

Keywords

• nakhchivan colony
• self-government
• villages
• magistrate
• assessors
• overseers
• police