Merchant is not such an ancient profession as a hunter, but still quite an old speci alty in the field of entrepreneurship, that is, activities aimed at systematically profiting from trade.
Basic of the basics
In Russia, merchants were already in the IX century. In those days, the treasury of the state was filled mainly due to the tribute levied from the conquered peoples. The second source of income was trade. She was also the engine of progress. Cities were built mainly along the banks of rivers that served as trade routes. According to historical data, the Scythians had no other roads at all. Coastal cities first became trading centers, and then handicrafts developed in them. In Ancient Russia, a merchant is not only a merchant. Afanasy Nikitin, whose monument is erected in Tver, in his homeland, was both a great traveler who went "over three seas", and a discoverer, and a diplomat. And the famous legendary Novgorod merchant Sadko went to the bottom of the sea.
Trade routes
Thanks to the exchange of goods and its representatives, such great trade routes as "from the Varangians to the Greeks", the "Great Silk Road", which is called the "crossroads of civilizations",the famous "incense path" that crosses the Arabian Peninsula, and many others. The merchants were Russian princes, forced to somehow get rid of excess natural tribute or accumulated money, spending it on overseas curiosities. The merchant is also the main informant in those distant times “Is it okay overseas or is it bad? And what is the miracle in the world? - learned only from representatives of this multifaceted profession.
Peter's reforms affected everyone
This type of activity was respected, the merchant class was an important estate at all times. There were legends about the commercial enterprise of the Russians. Old merchant houses often came to the aid of the state. The richest Stroganovs discovered new lands, built factories, erected temples. Some historical studies say that Peter I defeated the merchants, as a result of which many types of Russian crafts loved and supported by merchants perished. The tsar carried out reforms, as a result of which the old form of merchant associations "hundreds" was abolished, and they were replaced by guilds. For better or worse, the merchant class didn't die.
Rich and kind
Merchantry developed and gained strength, the best representatives of this estate rose to the nobility for special services to the fatherland. For example, the Rukovishnikovs. The Moscow dynasty founded a noble family, and Ivan Vasilyevich (1843-1901) rose to the rank of Privy Councilor. The Novgorod dynasty, founded by a resourceful peasant, already in the third generation began to belong to the highestestate. The motto of this family was the words "I sacrifice and care." The same can be said about quite a few Russian entrepreneurs. This is the special mentality of the domestic merchant. A Russian merchant is in most cases a benefactor and patron. The names of the largest merchants-philanthropists, the memory left by them, occupy a special place in Russian history. Who does not know the merchant Tretyakov, the founder of the art gallery named after him. Anyone who is at least a little familiar with the history of Russia knows the names and deeds of the best representatives of this estate - the Mamontovs and Morozovs (the legendary Savva Morozov), the Naydenovs and Botkins, the Shchukins and the Prokhorovs. A large number of hospitals, charities, theaters and libraries in Russia were built at the expense of merchants.
Positive and negative images
However, in Russian literature, the image of a merchant is rather negative. In many of Ostrovsky's plays, the merchant environment is ridiculed, and the merchant himself is more of a cunning rogue than an educated generous person. Kustodievsky merchants and merchants personify what is mockingly called "merchant taste." The features and reviews of foreigners are added to the negative image. In this regard, I would like to note that there are very few Russians, about whom foreigners speak well. Their opinion should not be a verdict. Many famous writers laughed at the merchants. But Lermontov's Kalashnikov is very good. It concentrates the best features of the merchant class - honesty, decency, courage, willingness to give life for the good name of a loved one. Were,Of course, in this environment and crooks. What environment does not have them? And then, the merchant class, as noted above, was divided into guilds. The “third”, with a small capital (500 rubles), could include any irresponsible people. But we althy Russian merchants, living in full view of everyone, thinking about their trademark, for the most part were not conscientious and decent, but fanatically honest people. "The Merchant's Word" is not a legend. Of course, not all transactions were only verbal. But this merchant's word was kept tough, otherwise it would not have become a legend in the good sense of the word.
