Kish (Zaporozhian Host)

The Kish (Ukrainian: Кіш) was the central body of government in Zaporozhian Sich under jurisdiction of which were administrative, military, financial, legal, and other affairs. Kish was elected on annual bases at the Sich Rada (Black Rada). Black Rada was a council of all cossacks, which mean that everyone could vote regardless of their social origins. Kish election were taken place either on January 1, October 1 (Intercession of the Theotokos holiday — Pokrova), or on the 2nd-3rd day of Easter.[1]

The following officials were elected at the election: Kish otaman, the Kish judge, chancellor, osaul, and quartermaster. Kish otaman (Koshovyi otaman) headed Zaporozhian Sich while others formed a government council called starshyna.[2]

Etymology

The term "kish" or "khoshch" is of Tatar origin and has several meanings:[1]

  • the headquarters of the elder shepherd-otaman, who led a community of ten flocks of sheep owners, each flock with one thousand sheep;
  • temporary post, reinforced military camp, army headquarters during the campaign, etc. It was used in 11th-16th centuries and later adopted by cossacks
  • Type of military formation cossacks used for military operations.

References
  1. (in Ukrainian) Definitions of kish and kleinody in the Handbook of the History of Ukraine
  2. "Zaporizhia, The". www.encyclopediaofukraine.com. Retrieved 2020-04-27.
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