Cossacks are a unique Russian phenomenon. They are historical volunteer unofficial troops. They appeared in the 14^th century. The nationality could be different. They inhabited sparsely populated areas of steppes and islands in the lower Dnieper, Don, Terek, and Ural river basins and played an important role in the historical and cultural development of Russia. Their fundamental rules were freedom, democratic self-rule and independence from the official government. Their attributes are a horse, sabre and big fur hat. Cossacks were famous also for their songs and dances.

The first Russians who came to Siberia were the Cossacks. In 1581 they came to the Western Siberia under the command of a legendary voevode Yermak, joined Siberia to Russia and started an uneasy developing of this rebellious land. The tsar Ivan the Terrible gave a special status to the Cossacks in Siberia, a proud name - a Siberian Cossack army.

In the 17th-18th centuries the Russian Empire demanded from the Cossacks the total loyalty, but it often went against their free way of life and led to a multitude of revolts.

By the beginning of the 19th century, the Cossacks formed a separate military class. Similar to the knights of medieval Europe in feudal times. Cossacks constantly sent people to many wars, and even served as a personal escort of the Tsar. In response, they had significant social autonomy, wide fertile land, exempt from taxes, and so on.

The Cossacks in Siberia convoyed convicts, guarded towns and villages. They managed to organize farming, to create safe and cozy atmosphere for their families. The Cossacks of Siberia represented one of the most active and well-to-do social classes living on the territory of Russia.

In 1913 there were more than 130 000 people in the Siberian Cossack army. The capital was (and still is) Omsk, where all main military institutions were situated. + about 133 other Cossacks settlements. During the Civil War, Cossacks were the base of power of the White movement. After the revolution, the Cossack armies were disbanded by Socialists.

Later it became important again in 1941 when it immediately began fighting against fascism occupants. A lot of famous military leaders were Cossacks. After the war the Cossacks helped restore the national economy.

In 1995 the President of Russia passed a law and the revival of the Cossacks began.

According to 2010 Russia's population census, there are 67573 people who currently self-identify as ethnic Cossacks, while at the same time, between 3.5 and 5 million people associate themselves with the Cossack identity in Europe and across the world.

Enjoy Cossacks’ songs during Great Sayan Ring tour!