Socio-cultural aspects of formation of the Barguzin merchantry

The article deals with the problems of formation of the Barguzin merchant class in the 19th century. The pre-revolutionary historiography of the indicated problem is insignificant, but in many respects it has become the basis for subsequent researchers (historians, local historians, geographers, etc.). They considered certain aspects of the way of life of the inhabitants of Barguzin and the region, including the merchant class. The article focuses on the history of formation of merchant families and their participation in the social and cultural life of Barguzin. We put emphasis on the charitable activities of Jewish philanthropists. To a greater extent, philanthropy in Barguzin is closely connected with the development of gold mining and the emergence of merchants in Barguzin, who amassed their fortunes in gold mining and trade. It should be noted that donations for the benefit of the poor, for the needs of medicine and education were customary in the Siberian merchant gold-mining environment. We have illustrated the role and contribution of merchants, in particular the Novomeiskies, and the Frizers, to the development of local charity.