Central Belarus
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Template:Infobox historic region
Central Belarus (Belarusian: Цэнтральная Беларусь, romanized: Centralnaja Bielarus) is a historic and ethnographical region of Belarus, including the greater part of Minsk Region and western Mogilev Region. It is bordered by Paazierje to the north, Padniaproŭje to the east, Eastern Polesie to the south, and Paniamonnie to the west. Historically, Central Belarus was home to early East Slavic peoples, among them the Dregoviches and Krivichs. Inhabitants of Belarus primarily speak the Central Belarusian dialects, which form the linguistic standard of the Belarusian language.
History
During the 10th century, the northern parts of Central Belarus were under the rule of the Principality of Polotsk. After the fragmentation of the Principality of Polotsk, Central Belarus was split between the principalities of Minsk, Izyaslavl, and Lahoysk. Later, in the 14th century, the region was ruled by the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Originally completely under Vilnius Voivodeship, the 1566 formation of Minsk Voivodeship partitioned Central Belarus between two voivodeships.
During the Middle Ages, Central Belarus was part of both White Ruthenia and Black Ruthenia. Following the Second Partition of Poland, it was integrated into the Russian Empire with Right-bank Ukraine.[1][2] Central Belarus began to develop as a unique region during the 18th and 19th centuries, previously possessing characteristics similar to that of other Belarusian ethnic and cultural regions. The region was a critical part of the formation of the Belarusian national identity during the late 19th century, with cities such as Nyasvizh, Kletsk, Kapyl, and Slutsk being important centres of cultural and political life during the time period.
Settlements
Villages in Central Belarus generally have a shifting character, with significant differences between the southwestern and northeastern edges of the region based on local geographical features. They have variously manifested themselves as scattered settlements in the more forested areas or multi-yard towns in the plains. Historically, Central Belarusian villages had gates at the edges of their main roads, which were closed at night. These roads also served to separate homes and barns from granaries and threshing floors, with property existing on both sides of the street.[3] Cabins in Central Belarus are frequently made of pine. In the western portions of the region, roofs are typically constructed from a straw covering. This contrasts with the eastern side, where wooden roofs are more frequent.
Dress
Central Belarusians have a variety of different forms of the national dress (stroj), but possess general similarities. Women's attire is rarely extravagant, with modest shirts and corsets and chequered or striped patterns on the traditional andarak skirt. Additionally, traditional women's headwear in Central Belarus usually includes a unique form of ochipok with "ears" or a wimple. The main forms of stroj in Central Belarus are the Kapyl-Kletsk stroj, Lyakhavichy stroj, Pukhavichy stroj, and Slutsk stroj.
Central Belarus is also home to a variety of unique textile weaving patterns (particularly the Slutsk weaving and Kapyl weaving), which are known for their uniquely colourful and ornamental patterns.
Ceramics
Local forms of ceramics in Central Belarus have been defined by their diversity, combining characteristics from other historical regions of Belarus. Various methods of clay processing and creation of ceramics are known to exist in the region. Babruysk, Haradok, and Darasino ceramics were popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries as forms of smoked and glazed pottery, while Siniaŭskaja ceramics were a widespread form of glassware. Decorative paintings on ceramics were typically based on natural surroundings, such as flowers and conifer branches, or simple patterns, like belts and wavy lines.
References
- ↑ "1791-1794 Служба в сейме Речи Посполитой, участие в восстании Костюшко" [1791-1794 service in the Rzeczpospolita sejm, participation in the Kościuszko uprising]. Life... Fate... Time... (in русский). Retrieved 12 March 2023.
- ↑ "ЖЕЛАЕМ ЗАПИСАТЬСЯ В РОССИЙСКОЕ КУПЕЧЕСТВО" [We wish to Join the Russian Merchants]. voslit.info (in русский). Retrieved 12 March 2023.
- ↑ "Цэнтральная Беларусь" [Central Belarus]. Belarusian State Museum of Folk Architecture and Rural Lifestyle (in беларуская). Retrieved 12 March 2023.
External sources
- "Central Belarus". Belarusian Encyclopedia. Book 1, volume 18, page 467. Edited by Hieniadz Paškoŭ et al. Minsk, BelEn, 2004.
- Hurko, A. Vl. et al. Ethnocultural Processes of Central Belarus in the Past and Present. Edited by A. Vik. Hurko. National Academy of Sciences of Belarus centre for research of Belarusian culture, language literature, and philosophy. Kandrat Krapiva Art, Ethnography, and Folklore Centre. Minsk. Belarusian Science, 2016. 539 pages.
- Zelensky, I. Materials for Geography and Statistics of Russia: Minsk Governorate. Parts 1–2. St. Petersburg, 1864.
- Titov, V. S. Historical and Ethnographic Regions in the Exposition of the Belarusian State Museum of Folk Architecture and Life. Minsk, 1982.
- Titov, V. S. Historical and Ethnographic Charting of the Material Culture of Belarusians, 19th and Early 20th Centuries. Minsk, 1983.
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