Pylyp Orlyk and his Constitution

Philip Orlik (Pylyp Orlyk Ukrainian.) went down in history as one of the most influential politicians in Eastern Europe. his name is associated with the emergence of the first political exile – after the defeat of the Swedes at Poltava in 1709 in Bendery were collected by supporters of I. Mazepa, who announced a new “government in exile”. After the death of Mazepa emigrants headed by Philip Orlik.

Brief biography

Future politician was descended from a prominent family Orlikov, has long held a strong political position in the Czech Kingdom. After the Hussite wars, heavy roller to pass in Eastern Europe in the 14th century, the younger branch of the barons emigrated, settled in the Commonwealth, and then – in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. In C. Csuti, located near Vilnius, was born Philip Orlik. Date of birth - 11 Oct 1672 - indicates a fairly turbulent period in the history of Eastern Europe: Cossacks defended the borders of the country and resisted the attacks of the poles and Turks. A year after his son's birth father died in the janissary swords in the battle of Khotin. Czech noble Baron was the Catholic religion, but Philippe's mother, Irina, was born Orthodox. As is often the case, Philip adopted the religion of the mother and began to profess Christianity. It is not surprising that soon, in one of the most prestigious theological universities in the list of listeners has a new name – Philip Orlik. Photos of his school and can now be found in various sources.

Youth

At the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy the ability of young Philip is revealed at its best. His hard work, perseverance, talent and the ability to conduct discussions was highly appreciated by the famous theologian and rhetorician Stefan Yavorsky. Upon graduation Philip Orlik remains in Kiev and is one of the places in the Kiev Metropolitanate. Then he meets the daughter of Paul Gorcyca, Colonel of Poltava, and in 698 a year to marry his beloved, to strengthen its position among the Cossack seniority.

First steps in politics

Good breeding, good education and personal qualities helped the young Orlik to make a career. He was able to become a confidant of Hetman Ivan Mazepa. Ivan Stepanovich was the godfather of the first child of Orlik. In a short time Philip Orlik has become one of the most affluent people of Ukraine – he owned farms and villages in Poltava and Chernihiv. And the position of a Trustee I. S. Mazepa allowed F. Orlik to be aware of all the historical decisions. It was then a long conversation with his friend and ally gave I. S. Mazepa on the idea of using the enmity of Sweden and the Russian Empire with the aim to get rid of them both and to create a Ukrainian state.

Battle of Poltava and the role of I. Mazepa

Around Ivan Mazepa rallied Cossack officers, not wishing to acknowledge the supremacy of the Russian autocrat. The desire to break the century-old Treaty had increased rough and unceremonious interference of Imperial Russia in the internal Affairs of Ukraine. And the Cossacks, the clergy, and townsfolk were not happy with the status quo and wanted change for the better. It is their money going and developed plans for development of Ukrainian statehood. Based in Sweden, supporters of Mazepa tried to create an independent state, which could occupy a prominent position and Philip Orlik. Biography credible supporter seemed to be a big plus in the development of Orlyk as the Hetman of Ukraine. Good prospects confirmed the age of Mazepa, and it was clear that faithful ally of Hetman and supporter of independence of Ukraine should take its rightful place in the new, independent state.

Hetman

History and a series of coincidences not allowed to be Mazepa's plans. After the defeat in the battle of Poltava, Charles XII and his supporters went to the Moldavian city of Bendery. There after the death of Ivan Stepanovich Philip Orlik received the Hetman. As the Hetman of Ukraine recognized him and the Swedish king and Turkish Sultan. The ceremony was held at the old Cossack customs, as opposed to appointment by the king Hetman on the right Bank Ukraine. To the East of the Dnieper Cossacks leader Ivan Skoropadsky was.

The adoption of the Constitution

But the main historical event in 1710, was the adoption of the world's first written Constitution. Gathering all the traditions and norms of Cossack rights, taking into account the tradition of modern European political structure, Ukrainethe Constitution was adopted, its author was Philip Orlik. A brief biography of this political figure in any directory of the world are designated as the life story of a man who tried to implement legally the laws of democracy.

Pylyp Orlyk and his Constitution

The country's basic law was written in Latin and old Ukrainian language, contained 16 parts and the preamble. He began with the Declaration of independence, rejection of any domination on any terms – and on the left and on the right side of the Dnieper. The power of the Hetman, was intended to restrict the main Board, which would consist of elected deputies from the Cossack regiments. Led to the meeting of the chiefs and colonels. The Hetman had to make the decision, considering recommendations of its Council. In addition, provided three times a year to collect a large diet. It would include the ambassadors from Zaporozhye troops, members of the clergy, representatives of all cities of Ukraine.

The Constitution guaranteed the rights and freedoms of all residents of the state, regardless of economic and class differences. In addition, it was planned to carry out land reform, to check all the land illegally occupied or transferred to private ownership – so was improving the situation of the poorest segments of the population. Ukrainian statehood was spread in the whole territory of Ukraine, and the borders of new countries were obliged to respect all neighboring countries.

Results of the Constitution

The fact of the appearance of such an important document testifies to the level of enlightenment and statehood Cossack beginning of the 18th century. The General level of education of the time allowed to rely on the fact that all the innovations will be adopted and approved by the people. But, unfortunately, this document was not destined to become the first democratic Constitution of a real state. Repeated attempts to change the course of events and could not succeed. The first Ukrainian state was born only two hundred years later.

Throughout his life Philip Orlik lived in many European countries. His children scattered across Europe, and the eldest son Gregory was able to get rich in France and became the owner of extensive lands near Paris. His descendants many years later sold the land to the French government, and on this place was built the airport, named after the first owner - Orly.

He was the first Creator of the Constitution ended up living in the Moldavian city of Iasi. Until the last days came to him letters from all over Europe, he tried to be aware of all political events. But the power of the tsarist autocracy was strengthened, and hopes to break free from the grip of the neighboring powers became less.

Still on the green hills of Moldova in Bendery there is a memorial sign of Philip Orlik. This place is visited by tourists from many countries as a sign of gratitude to the famous patriot of Ukraine.