Studies оf Geographical Features оf the Stavropol Krai By V.G. Gnilovskoy

Introduction. The current stage of the development of local history is characterized by an increased interest in the most valuable results of scientists of the XX century. An active study of the information collected and systematized by them is underway. By 1917, local history took a significant place in cultural and social life of large and small cities. There was a wide range of educated people engaged in local history research, and a generation of local historians emerged. Local history societies, museums and clubs sprang up everywhere. They formed the real scientific basis without which it is difficult to imagine the further development of local history. Vladimir G. Gnilovskoy made a great contribution to the development of geographical local history and brought it to a new level but the main views of the scientist remain insufficiently studied.

Materials and research methods. The research was based on the principles of historicism, objectivity and consistency. The use of general scientific methods of analysis and synthesis made the great contribution to the in-depth study of historical phenomena in the field of geographical local history. The paper uses a comparative historical method and a system-functional analysis of the material using a problem-chronological approach. The method of quantitative analysis allowed us to track the dynamics of local history works of various types over the entire period under review. Scientific legacy of V. G. Gnilovskoy is largely determined by the reliance on the works of his predecessors, their critical analysis which allowed us to complete a certain stage in the accumulation of empirical information about the nature of Stavropol. The paper uses a comparative-historical method and a system-functional analysis of the material using a problem-chronological approach. The method of quantitative analysis allowed us to trace the dynamics of local history works of various types for the entire period under review.

Research results and their discussion. The purpose of this article is to identify and analyze the contribution of V. G. Gnilovskoy to the development of geographical local history. To achieve this goal the work of local historians – the predecessors in Stavropol in the XIX – early XX centuries was analyzed and the research activities of V. G. Gnilovskoy were systematized. The main approaches and principles of geographical local history in the works of V. G. Gnilovskoy were identified as well as the key ideas of popularization and educational activities of the scientist in the field of geographical local history were summarized.

Conclusions. Systematization of research activities V. G. Gnilovskoy allowed us to identify two main areas that most of the scientist's works belong to: a) scientific work in the field of geomorphology; b) research activities in the field of historical geography. His long-term scientific research and discoveries enriched the geographical knowledge of Stavropol and gave an impetus to further more in-depth and comprehensive research. All the results of his research activities V. G. Gnilovskay tried not only to publish but also to convey to the public. Having identified the key ideas of popularization and educational activities in the field of geographical local history we can conclude that V. G. Gnilovskoy made a great contribution to the organization and conduct of public education activities.

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