National societies in Odessa in the 19th – early 20th centuries

Abstract

In the 19 – early 20 cent. in Odesa were about 200 public associations, created by certain ethnic or ethno-religious groups. Representatives of different nations and peoples, speaking in Odesa on over 50 languages, were united for the preservation or revival of national identity, traditions and culture. Their activities were regulated by the statutes and was aimed at the joint implementation of cultural, economic, age, gender, regional, religious, professional, social and other interests. In accordance with the tasks, they were divided into charitable, professional, sports, military, cultural, educational, political, etc. Their activity was regulated by law under public and secret police surveillance depending on the socio-political environment. Most social activity was demonstrated by the ethnic groups that acted under legislative, religious, or political pressure of the state. Substantial range of sources on the organization and activities of societies, in particular, charters, reports, programs, minutes of meetings, correspondence, is contained in the State Archives of Odesa Region.