Philip Orlyk (Pylyp Orlyk - Ukrainian) went down in history as one of the most influential politicians in Eastern Europe. the appearance of the first political emigration is associated with his name - after the defeat of the Swedes in the Battle of Poltava in 1709, supporters of I. Mazepa were gathered in Bendery, who were announced a new "government in exile". After the death of Mazepa, the emigrants were headed by Philip Orlyk.
Short biography
The future politician came from the well-known Orlik family, who had long held a strong political position in the Czech kingdom. After the Hussite wars, which swept across Eastern Europe in the 14th century, the younger branch of the barons emigrated, settled in the Commonwe alth, and then in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. In with. Ksuti, located near Vilnius, Philip Orlik was born. Date of birth - October 11, 1672 - indicates a rather turbulent period in the history of Eastern Europe: the Cossacks defended the borders of the country and repelled the attacks of the Poles and Turks.
A year after the birth of his son, his father was killed by a Janissary saber in the battle of Khotyn. Noblethe Czech baron was of the Catholic faith, but Philip's mother, Irina, was born Orthodox. As is often the case, Philip accepted the religion of his mother and began to profess Orthodoxy. It is not surprising that soon a new name appeared on the list of students in one of the most prestigious theological universities of that time - Philip Orlyk. Photos of his educational institution can now be found in various sources.
Youth
In the Kiev-Mohyla Academy, the abilities of young Philip were revealed from the best side. His diligence, perseverance, talent and ability to conduct discussions were highly appreciated by the famous theologian and rhetorician Stefan Yavorsky. After graduating from the academy, Philip Orlyk remains in Kyiv and occupies one of the seats under the Kyiv metropolis. Then he met the daughter of Pavel Gertsyk, a colonel from Poltava, and in 698 he married his chosen one, strengthening his position among the Cossack seniority.
First steps in politics
A good background, excellent education and personal qualities helped young Orlik make a dizzying career. He was able to become a confidant of Hetman I. Mazepa. Ivan Stepanovich became the godfather of the first-born Orlik. In a short time, Philip Orlyk became one of the we althiest people in Ukraine - he owned farms and villages in the Poltava and Chernihiv regions. And the position of a confidant of I. S. Mazepa allowed F. Orlik to be aware of all historical decisions. It was then that long conversations with his friend and ally prompted I. S. Mazepa to the idea of using enmitySweden and the Russian Empire in order to get rid of both of them and create a Ukrainian state.
The Battle of Poltava and the role of Ivan Mazepa
A part of the Cossack elders rallied around I. Mazepa, who did not want to recognize the supremacy of the Russian autocrat. The desire to break the centennial treaty was intensified by the rude and unceremonious interference of imperial Russia in the internal affairs of Ukraine. Both the Cossacks, and the clergy, and the bourgeoisie were not satisfied with the existing state of affairs and wished for changes for the better. It was with their money that plans for the formation of Ukrainian statehood were gathered and developed. Relying on Sweden, Mazepa's supporters tried to create an independent state in which Philip Orlyk could also occupy a prominent position. The biography of a credible supporter seemed to be a big plus in Orlyk's development as the hetman of Ukraine. Good prospects were confirmed by Mazepa's advanced age, and it was clear to everyone that a loyal comrade-in-arms of the hetman and a supporter of Ukraine's independence should take its rightful place in the new, independent state.
Hetmanate
History and a series of accidents did not allow Mazepa's plans to come true. After the defeat in the Battle of Poltava, Charles XII with his supporters withdrew to the Moldavian city of Bendery.
It was there, after the death of Ivan Stepanovich, that Philip Orlyk received hetmanship. As the hetman of all Ukraine, he was recognized by both the Swedish king and the Turkish sultan. The ceremony was held according to the old Cossack customs, as opposed to the appointment of a hetman on the right-bank Ukraine by the king. East of the DnieperIvan Skoropadsky became the leader of the Cossacks.
Adoption of the constitution
But the main historical event in 1710 was the adoption of the world's first written constitution. Having collected all the traditions and norms of Cossack law, taking into account the traditions of the modern European political system, a constitution was adopted in Ukraine, its author was Philip Orlyk. A brief biography of this political figure in any reference book of the world is designated as the life story of a man who tried to legally implement the laws of democracy.
Philip Orlyk and his constitution
The main law of the country was written in Latin and in the Old Ukrainian language, contained 16 parts and a preamble. It began with the declaration of independence, the rejection of any domination on any terms - both on the left and on the right side of the Dnieper. The power of the hetman was intended to be limited to the main council, which would consist of elected deputies from the Cossack regiments. The meeting would be led by foremen and colonels. The hetman must make decisions based on the recommendations of his council. In addition, it was planned to convene a large diet three times a year. It would include ambassadors from the Zaporozhian army, deputies from the clergy, representatives of all cities of Ukraine.
The Constitution guaranteed the rights and freedoms of all residents of the state, regardless of property and class differences. In addition, it was planned to carry out a land reform, to check all land plots illegally seized or transferredinto private property - this is how the position of the poorest segments of the population was leveled. Ukrainian statehood was to extend to the entire territory of Ukraine, and the borders of the new country were required to respect all neighboring countries.
Results of the constitution
The very fact of the appearance of such an important document testifies to the level of enlightenment and statehood of the Cossack officers of the early 18th century. The general level of education of that time made it possible to expect that all innovations would be accepted and approved by the people. But, unfortunately, this document was not destined to become the first democratic constitution of a real state. Repeated attempts to turn the tide of events could not succeed. The first Ukrainian state emerged only two hundred years later.
Throughout his life Philip Orlyk lived in many European countries. His children scattered all over Europe, and the eldest son Gregory was able to get rich in France and became the owner of vast lands near Paris. His descendants sold the land to the French government many years later, and an airport was built on this site, named after the first owner - Orly.
The very first creator of the constitution ended his life in the Moldavian city of Iasi. Until the last days, letters came to him from all over Europe, he tried to keep abreast of all political events. But the power of the tsarist autocracy was growing stronger, and hopes to free themselves from the grip of the neighboring power became less and less.
So far in the green hillsMoldova, in the city of Bendery there is a memorial sign of Philip Orlik. This place is visited by tourists from many countries of the world as a sign of gratitude to the famous patriot of Ukraine.
