Corps of the streltsy heads at the Kola Fortress in the XVII century

In contemporary historiography, the organization of the Russian state’s armed forces during the pre- Petrine period remains a subject of significant interest. Researchers examine a broad range of issues that extend beyond military history (such as personnel numbers, armaments, and participation in major campaigns and local conflicts of the XVII century), while also addressing social aspects (including recruitment procedures, relations between military personnel and civil and military administrations, involvement in social unrest, and the craft, trade, and fishing activities of the streltsy). The latter group of topics intersects with fields like social history and cultural anthropology. This research is particularly relevant due to the scarcity of dedicated studies on the history of the streltsy garrison at the Kola Fortress (Kola Ostrog), as well as the crucial role played by the streltsy heads in managing the garrison and engaging with the administration of the voevoda (warlord), as well as with the local Russian and Sami populations of the uyezd. The aim of this study is to explore the social and official status of the streltsy heads at the Kola Fortress, who served as the commanders of the local garrison. To achieve this, the research addresses the following objectives: 1) to identify the responsibilities and duties of the streltsy heads; 2) to examine the appointment process; 3) to determine their position within the Russian service class hierarchy and assess their financial support; and 4) to analyze their role in garrison management and interactions with the voevoda of the Kola Uyezd. As a result of this investigation, biographical data on 25 streltsy heads were collected, their military and administrative careers traced, and their financial situations and salaries analyzed. Additionally, the study highlighted the typical duties of the streltsy heads throughout the XVII century.