The Russian State Archives of Ancient Acts, Moscow, Russia

ORCID ID: 0000–0002–7035–8185

Ph.D. in History, Chief specialist

The Russian State Archives of Ancient Acts

Bolshaya Pirogovskaya str., 17, Moscow, 119435, Russia

Tel.: +7(495) 580–87–23

E-mail: rgada@mail.ru

DOI 10.31168/2658–3356.2022.2

Abstract. This article, based on archival sources, examines the life of the Jewish master-“shmukler” Chaim Goshiovich, a life which spanned three reigns – from Catherine II to Alexander I. Goshiovich was a supplier to the Russian army and was in contact with the Russian Empire’s highest dignitaries at the end of the eighteenth century, among them Prince G. A. Potemkin (who was tolerant of the Jews) and Count A. A. Bezborodko. Although Goshiovich lost prestige with the death of his sponsor General Field Marshal Potemkin, he continued to practice his craft, presenting Catherine II with a gold-embroidered skirt and shawl and Alexander I with a carpet. At the beginning of the nineteenth century, Chaim Goshiovich may have participated in the organization of the St. Petersburg Jewish community, and the name of his profession – shmukler – became his surname. This article presents a fresh perspective on the question of the integration into Russian imperial society of former Polish Jews who were engaged in petty trade and crafts. While on the one hand Goshiovich’s story fits into the framework of the general process such of integration, on the other hand it indicates the existence of opportunities for professional individuals to establish close business relationships with representatives of the Russian aristocracy.

Keywords: Jewish entrepreneurship, Russian-Turkish wars, G. A. Potemkin, Catherine II, Paul I, Alexander I, St. Petersburg Jewish Community

References

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УДК 94(47).073+908

Максим Игоревич Гаммал

Московский государственный университет имени М. В. Ломоносова, Москва, Россия

ORCID: 0000–0002–0441–8303