Tomozov V. Greeks-Chians in the South of Ukraine (end of the XVIII century - 1917): prosopography portrait of ethno-social community.

The research is based on the large number of sources, archival documents in particular, and creates the prosopography portrait for unique consanguineous ethno-social group - Greeks-Chians, who at the end of the XVIII century settled in the South of Ukraine and played a significant role in economic and socio-cultural development of the region. It has been proven that the cornerstone for life philosophy of the Chians aristocracy (Mavrogordato, Rodocanachi, Ralli, Sevastopoulo, Scaramanga, Carali, Avierino) was the fidelity to tribal and clan traditions. The self-realization and well-being of each individual depended on the survival and prosperity of the tribe as a whole. Their powerful trade and financial empires adhered to the principle of consanguinity. We should mention their incredible ability to survive under any conditions. To do this, the members of the tribe used the whole arsenal of available opportunities - political flexibility, religious tolerance, cosmopolitanism, marriage policy, social activity. Most of them, being by fate in the Russian Empire, were not going to stay here forever but made the most of the political situation within their own interests.