Kurennoye

Kurennoye (Ukrainian: Курінне, Russian: Куренное) refers to a historical administrative and territorial division, and also a military unit, within the Zaporozhian Cossacks and later the Kuban Cossacks. The term derives from "kurin" (курінь), meaning a dwelling or hut.

In the Zaporozhian Sich, the kurennoye served as the basic organizational unit. Cossacks were grouped into kurennoyes, often based on origin or shared experiences. Each kurennoye had its own elected kurennoy ataman (chieftain) who was responsible for the affairs of his unit. The number of kurennoyes fluctuated over time, but typically ranged from 38 to 40. These units were essential to the functioning of the Sich, handling aspects of daily life, military organization, and governance.

Later, when the Zaporozhian Cossacks were resettled to the Kuban region, the kurennoye system was transferred and adapted to the new environment. In Kuban, the kurennoyes evolved into administrative districts, representing settlements founded by the former Zaporozhians. These districts retained many of the traditions and organizational features of the Zaporozhian kurennoyes, including the election of local leaders and a strong sense of community. The term is still sometimes used in the Kuban region to refer to villages or smaller settlements.