Attempts Of The Polish Nobility (Szlachta) To Become Part Of The Bessarabian Nobility In The First Half Of The 19th Century

The article deals with the complex process of recognising the rights of the Polish nobility (szlachta) living in Bessarabia. Active migration of Polish gentry to the right bank of the Prut began after the Russian army had entered Moldavian principality and intensified after signing the Treaty of Bucharest. However, the formation of Bessarabian nobility after 1812 faced many challenges, which hampered the procedure of recognition of nobility rights for the majority of the newly arrived Polish noblemen. Only few of them could join the highest social class of the region. Although in the first decade after Bessarabia’s accession to Russia the authorities repeatedly entitled various institutions with the obligation to consider petitions from Polish gentry for recognition of their nobility rights, officials evaded this duty in every possible way. It should be underlined that it was regional bureaucracy, rather than the throne policy. Thus, a large group of Polish nobility who settled in Bessarabia had to deal with a complete indifference of local officials. However, the author emphasises that the Polish nobility succeeded in Bessarabia. They were active buying lands and building up their careers. Having high educational qualification, they could be engaged in the judiciary system, Governor’s Office and other prestigious places.

Source: Morozan V.V. (2017). Attempts Of The Polish Nobility (Szlachta) To Become Part Of The Bessarabian Nobility In The First Half Of The 19th Century. Rusin. Vol. 1 (47): 132-153

Source web-site: http://journals.tsu.ru/rusin/en/&journal_page=archive&id=1561&article_id=34881