Kaushlijev G. Travels in historical and regional studies of Crimea (the last third of the XVIII - first half of XIX century)

The dissertation is the first complex study that is devoted to the initial stage of local history studies in the Crimea which is based on the substantial body of historical sources called the travelogues. They are represented by a variety of genres, from autobiographies and travel diaries to letters and newspaper articles. Relevance of the topic lies on the lack of summarizing research into history of travel to the Crimea, especially in terms of contribution of foreign and native travelers to the development of historical studies. Travels to the Crimea of prominent representatives of domestic and European intellectual elite have laid basis for the protection of cultural heritage in the region. First cataloging and descriptions of the Crimean monuments were made by these voyagers. The intervention of these scientists and public figures led to the changing in government's policy towards ancient and medieval antiquities. Their activity led to the creation of the first museum collections in Theodosia (1811) and Kerch (1826).