Mikołaj Walkowicz

Rekognicje celne jako źródło do dziejów Ormian kamienieckich w drugiej połowie XVI wieku

Introduction

Rekognicje celne jako źródło do dziejów ormian kamienieckich w drugiej połowie xvi wieku. Odkryj dzieje Ormian kamienieckich w XVI wieku przez rekognicje celne. Analiza handlu, przywilejów i relacji gospodarczych z Lublinem, wgląd w historię i język.

Abstract

CUSTOMS RECOGNITIONS AS A SOURCE FOR STUDYING THE HISTORY OF KAMIENIEC ARMENIANS IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE 16TH CENTURY Armenians were among the constituent ethnic groups in the society of the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Actively participating in trade, they were subject to legal regulations in as much as other urban citizens. Customs recognitions, or testimonies given by merchants enjoying customs freedom, serve as evidence of this process. The article analyzes the overall trade activities of Armenians from Kamieniec Podolski [Kamianets-Podilskyi] at Lublin fairs based on these recognitions. On their basis, it discusses the significance of customs exemptions as one of the privileges of Kamieniec residents, as well as the intensity of trade relations between this city and Lublin, and the range of goods exchanged. Additionally, it addresses the Armenians’ knowledge of legal practices and their ability to use the Polish and Ruthenian languages. An annex includes the edition of customs recognitions, which are an interesting source for studying economic history, diplomatics, and sigillography.

Review

This article presents a compelling and detailed examination of the economic and social integration of Kamieniec Armenians within the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth during the latter half of the 16th century. By uniquely leveraging "customs recognitions"—testimonies from merchants enjoying customs freedom—the author unearths invaluable insights into a crucial, yet often understudied, aspect of early modern urban life. The focus on a specific ethnic group, actively participating in trade and subject to the legal frameworks of the time, positions this work as a significant contribution to both ethnic history and the history of trade and law within the region. The innovative use of primary source material promises to offer a fresh perspective on a vibrant historical community. The paper excels in its multi-faceted analysis, moving beyond a mere recounting of trade activities. It meticulously explores the Kamieniec Armenians' commercial engagements at Lublin fairs, detailing the types of goods exchanged and the intensity of trade relations. Crucially, the analysis delves into the broader implications of customs exemptions as a vital privilege for Kamieniec residents, illuminating the economic advantages and legal nuances associated with their status. Furthermore, the article commendably addresses the Armenians’ practical knowledge of legal practices and their linguistic proficiencies in Polish and Ruthenian, thereby shedding light on their cultural adaptation and integration. The inclusion of an annex featuring the edition of these primary sources is particularly commendable, providing invaluable material for future research in economic history, diplomatics, and sigillography. In conclusion, this article offers a meticulously researched and highly valuable contribution to the historiography of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, particularly concerning its diverse ethnic populations and early modern trade networks. Its methodological rigor in utilizing unique primary sources to reconstruct the complex economic and social landscape of the Kamieniec Armenians is exemplary. The insights into their commercial practices, legal acumen, and linguistic skills not only enrich our understanding of this specific community but also provide broader context for the study of ethnic minorities and urban economies in the period. This work is highly recommended for its originality, depth of analysis, and the significant new source material it brings to light.

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