Aspects of cartography and toponymy of religious buildings in the historical-geographical perspective

Abstract

Theoretical generalizations and practical results of the application of cartographic and toponymic scientific approaches in historical-geographical studies of religious buildings are presented on the example of three regions located in different natural zones. The evolution of conventional signs of religious buildings on topographic maps is traced, the patterns of motivational mutual influence of toponymy and ecclesionymy are revealed, the problems of the historical-geographical evolution of the Russian North (Arkhangelsk), Central Russia (Tula region) and the Black Sea region (territories of Moldavia and Ukraine) are considered. The evolution of the system of symbols for religious buildings on topographic maps shows how important the confessional features of society are for itself, its spatio-temporal development and the historical-geographical landscapes formed as a result, for cartographic science and its achievements. On the example of studying the history of Arkhangelsk, it is shown that due to the high social importance of the principle of historical-geographical continuity, despite the severe consequences of the atheistic period, not only town planning, but toponymic and religious traditions are preserved and continue to develop, what is reflected in the landscape. The three-versts map of the European part of the Russian Empire serves as a trusted and reliable source of information about the presence and spatial distribution of religious buildings in the middle of the XIX century. It can be successfully used in historical-geographical research, as was done in the case of the Epifansky district of the Tula government. The introduction of information from ancient maps into scientific circulation is the most important method for obtaining the identification and localization of heritage monuments — temples and temple complexes of various regions, which is shown in the case of the Dniester basin. Temples and temple complexes play a significant role in the formation of the toponymic component of the landscape, the study of which contributes to the solution of historical-geographical riddles associated with place names. Cartographic and toponymic approaches give very productive results in solving interdisciplinary scientific problems.