Cossacks

Cossacks were called union of men who inhabited southeastern territory of modern Ukraine, which fought against the enemies. Cossacks first mentioned in the late 15th century as rivals of Turkish troops. 

 

The Cossacks played a major role in the history of Ukraine. They created their own state, fought against enemy states.

The Cossacks had their unique political structure and lifestyle. Cossacks lived in winter houses. For protection they built the Siches - territories, fenced with palisade. 

Sich was not only a protective fortress. On its territory there was a church, blacksmithes, outbuildings. Cossacks solved an important political questions and problems at the territory of Sich. The leader of Cossacks was Hetman, which was elected at Sich.

Throughout the history of the Zaporozzhian Cossacks (because of Zaporizzhya – region, where Cossacks built their “fortresses”), they fought against Poland, the Russian state, the Crimean Khanate and Turkey. 

The most glorious period of the Cossacks was period under reign of Hetman Bohdan Khmelnytsky (1648-1657). Cossacks liberated from the enemy a large territory of our state.

About history of the Cossacks are written many books. Are popular films and music, devoted to Cossacks. Cossacks made a great contribution to development of Ukrainian and European culture.
For more information
 
 
Song 1 
Song 2 
And well known computer game