The first printed organ of the Kuban Cossack Circle (Union): Typology and content specificity

The article is dedicated to the history of the daily newspaper Kuban, the first printed publication of the Kuban Cossack Circle (Union), which operated in Ekaterinodar during August and September of 1918. The newspaper emerged during a period turbulent for the Kuban region: the revolutionary events and the Civil War led to the polarization of society and the activation of various political and social groups. The Kuban Cossack Circle (Union), established in May 1917 at the first congress of Cossack representatives in Armavir, sought to preserve traditional foundations and initiated the publication of the newspaper to consolidate the Cossack population and counter Bolshevik ideas. The program of the Kuban newspaper reflected the times, goals, and objectives set by its publishers. The study focuses on the typological and thematic characteristics of the newspaper, as well as on its editorial and publishing policies, within the context of the transformation of the region’s informational space. Particular attention is paid to the biography of the editor, Nikolai Mikhailovich Ryndin, an experienced journalist and public figure who shaped the informational policy of Kuban. The author concludes that Ryndin’s prior experience of editing opposition newspapers influenced the tone of the newspaper's publications. Ryndin sought to engage the Cossacks in discussions of pressing issues through journalism, open letters, and polemical articles. The Kuban newspaper not only reflected the sentiments of the Cossack community but also actively shaped them, opposing Bolshevik ideas and supporting the concept of Kuban’s autonomy. However, its activities faced resistance from the authorities, which led to its closure just a month after its launch. No evidence was found to confirm that the closure of the newspaper was directly caused by criticism of the decisions of the Regional Rada or specifically of a member of the military government, Kulabukhov. However, it is presumed that the article “The Construction of the Region” may have prompted the repressive measures. Thus, Kuban became a significant phenomenon in the informational space of the Kuban region, symbolizing the struggle to preserve Cossack traditions and resist Bolshevism. However, its activities were short-lived. On September 11, 1918, by a secret order of the Regional Government, the Kuban newspaper was shut down. The author declares no conflicts of interests.

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