Tavricheskaya province was an administrative-territorial unit of the Russian Empire and existed from 1802 to 1921. The center was the city of Simferopol. After joining Russia and the wise reforms of Catherine the Great, there was a significant rise in all spheres of life. Turkey, seeing the success and prosperity of the Crimea, wanted to return the peninsula under its control, but was defeated. As a result of these events, Russia further increased its influence in the Crimea, and also strengthened its power not only over the Black and Azov Seas, but also over the Bosphorus and the Dardanelles.
Crimea retreats to Russia
In 1784, on January 8, a state act was signed between the Turkish and Russian sides. It was an important historical event. This act stated that Crimea would be annexed to Russia. However, this event did not become news. The Crimean fate was predetermined during the Russian-Turkish war, which lasted from 1768 to 1774. According to the peace treaty, Crimea gained independence. Turkey no longer had influence in these territories. Russia received Kerch and the ability to move along the Black and Azov Seas.
By decreeCatherine II, the Crimean Murzas (Tatar aristocrats) acquired the status of the Russian nobility. They retained their territories, but did not receive the right to own serfs, who were Russians. Thanks to this decree, most of the nobility went over to the side of Russia. The imperial treasury was replenished with income and lands of the Crimean Khan. All Russian prisoners who were in the Crimea received freedom.
Establishment of the Tauride Governorate
Tavricheskaya province was formed as a result of the division of Novorossiysk, which happened in 1802. Then one of the three detached units became part of Tauris. The Taurida province was divided into 7 counties:
- Evpatoria;
- Simferopol;
- Melitopol;
- Dneprovsky;
- Perekopskiy;
- Tmutarakansky;
- Feodosia.
In 1820, the Tmutarakansky county withdrew and became part of the Black Sea Host region. In 1838, Y alta was formed, and in 1843 - Berdyansk district. By the beginning of the 20th century, there were 2 city governments and 8 counties in the Taurida province. According to the 1987 census, the city of Simferopol was the third largest city (141,717 people).
Changes in Crimea
In 1784, the city of Sevastopol appeared, which is the base for the Russian fleet. Nikolaev and Kherson are formed. In the latter, the construction of the first ships for the Black Sea Fleet takes place. In order to increase the population of the cities of Kherson, Sevastopol and Feodosiaare declared open. Foreigners can freely enter here, work and live here. If desired, they could even become Russian subjects.
The following year, the customs duty was canceled in all Crimean ports (for 5 years). This resulted in a significant increase in turnover. The former poor Crimean territory has become a prosperous and developing land. Agriculture and winemaking have grown significantly here. Crimea becomes the largest naval base of the Russian fleet. As a result, the population of Taurida is growing significantly.
Turkish demands
In 1787, the Turkish side demands the restoration of the vassalage of the peninsula, and also wants to inspect Russian ships going through the Dardanelles and the Bosporus. It is supported by Prussia, France and England. Russia sends a refusal to these requirements. In the same year, Turkey declares war and is defeated in an attack on Russian ships. At the same time, the attacking side had a numerical superiority. The Russian army takes Anapa, Izmail, Ochakov. Suvorov troops finally smash the Turks. The attacking country did not expect such a turn of events - it had to sign the Yassy peace treaty. Thanks to this document, the Russian Empire secures its rights to the Crimea and the Northern Black Sea region. She unconditionally belonged to the entire Tauride province. The map shows the borders of the region. Its territory occupied the modern lands of Ukraine.
Census of Tauride Province 1897
In 1897, a census was conducted in all 10counties of the province. Crimea has always been a territory with a multinational composition of the population. Census data show that most of the inhabitants spoke Little Russian (Ukrainian). The second most popular was the Great Russian language. Further, the spread of the Crimean Tatar, Bulgarian, German, Jewish, Greek, and other languages was noted. The total number of inhabitants of the province was almost 1.5 million. The Russian population prevailed in 6 counties: in Kerch, Simferopol, Sevastopol, Evpatoria, Dzhankoy, Feodosia. In Balaklava, slightly more than half of the population turned out to be Greek-speaking. Also, many people of this nationality lived in Stary Krym.
The Tauride province existed for more than a century, other states wanted to take over its territory, but the Russian Empire finally strengthened its influence on these lands.
