ETRP Ivan Diomidovich

ETRP Ivan Diomidovich - chronicler of the Kuban, born in 1819 in the village Timashevskaya, in the family priest Diomede Nesterovich Popko. My father dreamed that both his son (senior and junior Ivan Anthimus) walked in his footsteps and devoted his life to serving God. That is why the young Ivan comes in Astrakhan Seminary. After graduating with distinction, went to the Moscow Theological Academy. However career priest is not very attracted to the energetic young man, from childhood dreamed of military service.

In 1840, Ivan Popko leaves the academy and received an ordinary Cossack cavalry regiment in the tenth. Frustrated by his father in anger, left him without a livelihood. For seven years he served on the Ivan of Kuban line, enduring all the hardships and privations of military service. His only distraction was the study of foreign languages. In this field, the young Cossack has shown uncommon abilities, becoming a true polyglot: he knew Latin and Greek, had a twelve European languages.

However, the study of foreign tongues is not distracting him from the faithful military service. In 1843, Ivan became Popko cornet and then every two or three years gets a new rank. The army authorities took him to the office - edit the official papers. In this position, Ivan Diomidovich making strides. In 1850, he entrusted the responsible thing - to compile historical information. Popko copes with this in record time - for three months. On the table lies of the Cossack Ataman ready description of the 'Status of the Black Sea Cossack Army 1 January 1825 to January 1, 1850'. Description was highly rated at the 'top': acquainted with the statistical work Popko, Emperor Nicholas I granted the author a diamond ring.

At the same happened with Popko interesting case vividly illustrates the nature of the Black Sea Cossacks. Empress Maria Feodorovna, on learning that Popko good command of German, and wanted to meet him and talk in their native language. However shy Cossack answered all the questions Empress in Russian, and this angered Maria Feodorovna. Later, Nick first asked Popko on the causes of such disrespect to the Empress.

Ivan Diomidovich artlessly replied:

- How would I not expressed himself well in German, but never dare to speak it with the empress, as well as her native language. Her Imperial Majesty may see any mistake in the pronunciation - and I find myself in a ridiculous situation. I do not want to be funny.

In the days of clerical services I.D. Popko much and eagerly read, particularly historical literature, dissects army archives, makes statements. The result of his scientific research was the fundamental work, which brought Popko country-wide fame - 'The Black Sea Cossacks in their civilian and military life', published in 1858. This book, written with skill, with great warmth and affection to their native land and his people, became the first historical work, which is so described in detail the Black Sea Cossacks. The book has been appreciated both by readers as well as representatives of the Metropolitan Professorship. Imperial Academy in 1861 and noted the work Popko honorary diploma.

In addition to the 'Black Sea Cossacks' Popko, written and other historical works. The most famous among them was the book 'Terek Cossacks of old times. Greben army '. In addition, Popko has written numerous essays in various publications devoted to the life of the Cossacks.

However, one by writing Popko not limited. He showed great initiative in creating historical-ethnographic museum, which is a monument to a culture Adygeyan people. By the end of 1864 there was the first ethnographic exhibition, located in abadzehskoy hut specially transferred into the courtyard of the regimental headquarters. In the hut were household objects, utensils, tools. In addition to the ethnographic museum and a natural science department.

Popko, as enthusiasts and would probably just happy to indulge in scientific researches. But had to deal with the affairs of the army and.

In 1864, I.D. Popko, being in the rank of colonel, is appointed commander of the Psekupskaya Regiment, and in 1877 received a new designation - the post of chief Kars region. For hard and impeccable service to the fatherland Ivan Diomidovich became a knight of the higher Russian orders, including the Order of St. Alexander Nevsky. After Popko on health leave from military service, he became leader of the nobility of the Stavropol province, the Terek and the Kuban region.

Died I.D. Popko, August 30, 1893. Much of what he did, was lost - has ceased to exist museum, were partially lost its rich library and archive. Yet the name of Ivan Diomidovich Popko joined in one row with the names of the most prominent people of the Kuban.