The history of philanthropy in Siberia: trends and regularities (on the pattern of constructing public buildings in Irkutsk)

The object of study is charitable (philanthropic) activities of Irkutsk merchants at the turn of XVIII-XX centuries. It is shown that the charity - this is one of the most ancient Russian traditions, which came to Russia together with Christianity and merchants became its supporters in Siberia. The article discusses the charity as a form of patronage, in the construction and maintenance of public buildings in Irkutsk in the period of XVIII-XIX centuries. It was pointed out that mostly everything was built at the expense of the local merchants and provided by their donations. It was revealed that entrepreneurs played a major role in the accession of Siberia to Russia. The forms of free cash investments were committed by merchants in the construction and maintenance of public buildings in Irkutsk: almshouses, orphanages, including shelters for them, hospitals, schools, etc.