This is the abbreviated name that the Solovetsky Islands received. From the point of view of geography, it is an archipelago located in the White Sea, numbering about one hundred large and small islands. For many people, the history of Solovki is associated with two famous objects - the Solovetsky Monastery, a place of pilgrimage for believers, and the notorious Solovetsky Special Purpose Camp, a place of torture and painful death of many thousands of victims of Stalin's repressions.
From primitiveness to the Middle Ages
The artifacts discovered by archaeologists on the islands make it possible to trace the life of a person in these places from the Neolithic era, that is, the II-I millennium BC. Stone axes, ceramics, and silver jewelry were found.
The first settlers of Slavic origin appeared on the islands in the 12th century, and in the 15th century Khovra Toivutova, a well-known representative of the Korelian family, referred the islands to their own fishing grounds. This is how the ancient history of Solovki can be briefly described.
Foundation of the monastery
A new period in the history of Solovki begins in 1429 with the arrival of the monk Savvaty here. Seven years later, a monastic settlement appeared, and in the 1460s three Orthodox churches were erected. The number of monks is increasing rapidly.
In 1534, Fyodor Kolychev arrived on the islands, who would later become hegumen of the Solovetsky Monastery and would do a lot for its development. Unfortunately, since 1554, the Solovetsky Monastery began to be used as a place of exile for the unwanted. Among them were monks and political prisoners. In 25 years a prison appears on Solovki.
From the Middle Ages to the 20th century
The main events that developed on the Solovetsky Islands in the 17th – 18th centuries are associated with the monastery and its inhabitants. Among the important events are the following:
- 1637 - the monastery is entrusted with the functions of the defense of the Western White Sea region;
- 1675-1676 - the famous "Solovetsky uprising" takes place;
- 1814 - "disarmament" of the Solovetsky Monastery;
- 1861 - regular steamship traffic was established with the islands.
Revolutionary events in Russia echoed on the Solovetsky Islands. In 1918, the first detachments of the Red Army were noticed here; in 1920, by the decision of the commission, the monastery was liquidated. In its place, a camp is organized, where prisoners are admitted. Since 1923, the saddest page in the history of the archipelago begins. It is associated with the formation of the Solovetsky camp, where people are exiled, disagreeable to the Soviet government and personally to Stalin. In 1937, the camp becomes a prison, which does not change its essence in any way.
Today, a historical and cultural complex has been opened on Solovki, where thousands of pilgrims from different cities and countries come every year.
