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The article studies the development processes of Russian legal education, which should be based on the idea of implementing a model of constitutionalism. The attention of the author is paid to the problems of legal understanding, the construction of a state based on the rule of law, the goal of which should be the establishment of coordinated interaction between all subjects of legal relations – the state, society, personality, which need to be paid attention by modern law education. The paper notes that the assertion of a constitutionalism model in society as a general social value is connected with the authority of fair legislation.

Basing on their hypothesis and an analysis of foreign studies, the authors determine how the information and motivational functions of rankings impact on Russian universities students' choice. The results of students' awareness of university rankings and student choices survey coincide with the global trends. The analysis of the ranking position of Russian universities and some of their key performance indicators (the foreign student number, the exam average score) showed that there is not any direct correlation between them. The authors believe that in order to maximize the effectiveness of rankings, it is necessary to improve the ranking methodology, to develop university decision making process based on the ranking results and to form the customer culture using the rankings results.

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The article seeks to explore the phenomenon of collaboration with the nazis by representatives of Muslim Turkic peoples of the Soviet Union during the World War II. The topic has been almost prohibitive for a very long time and the studies of the subject, if existed at all, tended to stress that collaboration was a "rent-seeking" activity by traitors. The author of the present articles takes a slightly different stance and, while fully acknowledging objectively negative consequences of collaboration and crimes that might have been committed, argues that motives for collaboration have been diverse and have often included dissatisfaction with Soviet policies or national aspirations. Moral judgement, important as it is, can not be sufficient to shed light upon the phenomenon of collaboration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The parametric model of the text as a research problem is of paramount importance in modern linguistics and education, since it opens up new approaches to understanding the processes of comprehending texts of various types. In the current study, 17 Russian language textbooks for elementary school were employed to identify correlations between lexical diversity indices and other complexity predictors. The total volume of the corpus compiled for the study is 439,938 words. The two-stage research algorithm included the evaluation of the reference values of text features at the basic level (word length, sentence length, the number of unique, non-repeating words and the number of word forms), evaluation and subsequent contrasting of complexity predictors, i.e. lexical diversity and readability indices. All calculations were performed with the automatic text analyzer RuLingva. The study revealed a positive dynamic of readability and no evidence of lexical diversity increase across grades. An average level of vocabulary diversity and overlaps of every 4th word in the text are fixed. No indication of correlation between text readability and lexical diversity is found. The obtained results can be useful to researchers, textbook authors, and teachers selecting textbooks. The prospects are seen in implementing functional and epidigmatic stratification of the vocabulary of the Russian textbooks under study.

Introduction. The article shows how Bashkir, Uzbek and Tajik proverbs reflect religious ideas of the Islamic peoples. Goals. The study examines a certain thematic group of Bashkir, Tajik and Uzbek proverbs containing religious and theological concepts to illustrate how the Muslim profession of faith yielded somewhat linguistic and cultural transfer. Materials and methods. The paper analyzes patterns contained in the authors’ proverbial database compiled via continuous sampling from a variety of dictionaries (75 publications) and survey results of different aged Bashkir, Tajik and Uzbek native speakers (20 individuals). The employed techniques rest on value criteria when it comes to select value constants, highlight some semantic condensate, and conduct comparative analyses. Results. The contrastive insights into proverbial collections of the three languages that form a sort of a triangle of interconnections (Bashkir and Uzbek — cognate languages, Tajik and Uzbek — contacting ones) are indicative of which religious and theological ideas of Islam did prove most required by the latter’s speakers, stable in relation to external influences, and would receive further axiological comprehension as ‘their own’. Conclusions. The identification of semantic dominants shows a commonality of the languages under consideration. The partial coincidence of the three paremiological clusters is explained by the cultural and linguistic transfer, when Muslim ideas penetrated into the Turkic language environment through Iran and its cultural mediation, while it is through Central Asia that the former arrived in the South Urals. All this attests to a complicated and multi-stage cultural and linguistic transfer ignited by Islam.

ABSTRACT: Introduction. When developing a composite material, it is important to understand how the components included in its composition affect its properties. Fillers, by interacting with the matrix, can alter its initial structure, resulting in the composite acquiring characteristics different from the matrix. The high modifying ability of nanofillers is determined by their significant specific surface area. This allows for the total interfacial area between the matrix and the dispersed phase to be covered even with a relatively low concentration of particles, thereby enabling the use of a small amount of filler. Methods and materials. Composite materials with nano carbon fillers were investigated, including fullerenes, nanotubes, and graphene. Fractographic analysis of the tensile fracture surfaces of the samples was chosen to evaluate the structure of the composites, which allows determining the nature of the failure and the ability of the composite to restrain crack propagation. The microstructure of the composite materials, as well as the morphology of the reinforcing nano carbon fillers, were examined with a Tescan MIRA3 scanning electron microscope. Results and discussion. In a graphene composite, crack energy is dissipated through branching and elongation of the crack path. Carbon nanotubes, being embedded in the crack walls, hinder the opening of the crack edges. Crack energy is also consumed in overcoming friction forces during the extraction of nanotubes from the epoxy matrix. Agglomerates of fullerenes act as effective crack front arresters, forcing the crack to circumvent them, thereby creating new areas of fracture surfaces. This leads to an increase in the crack front length and the energy required for material failure. Conclusion. Adding nano-carbon fillers (graphene, CNT and fullerenes) as reinforcing components in the epoxy binder alters the structure. The study defines possible mechanisms for hardening of the composite materials due to adding the nano-carbon fillers.

The author of the article has made generalization of the changes o the legislation on the protection of historical and cultural monuments in terms of the legal regulation of the possibility of owning and disposing of objects of special historical, cultural and (or) scientific value. It is concluded that there are some problems associated with their practical application. Thus, during the appeal to the provisions of the European convention on the protection of archaeological heritage (revised), the norms of foreign and domestic positive law, the conditions for classifying objects discovered during excavations as archaeological, the transfer of ownership of them, as well as the conditions of lawful behavior of a person who inadvertently discovered an object with signs of archaeological during the course of economic activity. In addition, the criteria for differentiation of similar definitions, such as «archaeological object», «treasure», «find», are determined based on the study of law enforcement practice, in particular, court decisions, taking into account the position of persons engaged in the illegal creation and replenishment of collections of archaeological objects. The opinion is expressed by the author that there are certain difficulties caused by the need to include objects discovered before September 1, 2016 in the non-state part of the Museum Fund of the Russian Federation as well as ways to overcome them in practice.

This article aims to define the role played by the Baltic Republics in the Soviet-French relations during the non-recognition period. The author tries to determine the place, which the Baltic Republics occupied in the French and Soviet conceptions of the “sanitary cordon,” to analyse the correlation between the ambitions and the capabilities of Paris and Moscow in Eastern Europe, to demonstrate the Soviet response to the interaction between the Baltic Republics and France. The article is based on the materials taken from the different French archives, as well as from the published French and Soviet diplomatic documents. The author emphasizes the ambiguity of the role played by the “Baltic factor” in the Soviet-French relations. The Baltic Republics (especially, Latvia and Estonia) were perceived by the French leadership as a part of the “sanitary cordon” aimed to separate Germany and the Soviet Russia from each other and to preclude their eventual “collusion” in the Eastern Europe. On the contrary, Moscow aimed to weaken the “sanitary cordon.” Paris didn’t exclude that the cooperation with future Russia performing the role of the counterbalance to Germany would be more important for France than full independence of the Baltic Republics. The Kremlin and the People's Commissariat for Foreign Affairs welcomed this point of view and tried to support those French political leaders that developed such an approach. The dynamics of the post-war international relations, as well as the priority given by the French government to the “German threat”, prompted Paris to recognize the USSR, which met the interests of Moscow. The considerations of the “big politics” were more important than the voices of the “small countries” which tried to influence the interaction between the more powerful actors.

The question of tamga as symbols of possession and the power in the Volga Bulgaria X – the first third of the 13th century is considered in the paper. The Bulgars created the state and an effective military-political system with the symbols and attributes of the power. The most important attribute of the state was the coat of arms or other symbol replacing it. As a rule, its origin was obliged to tamga or brands, the being symbol of property of any given sort or clan. The complex of materials which gives information on the Bulgar’ tamgas includes potter's brands, signs on coins, weapon and boundary stones. The analysis of these signs shows that they remind graphemes of the Turkic runic alphabet. Among all finds the group of the signs-tamga ("A-tamgas") is revealed. They are found both on mass products (pottery) in the form of stamps and drawn signs, and on socially prestigious items (coins, weapons) and boundary (boundary) signs. Similar signs, definitely, were signs of the sort ruling in Bulgaria, marking its property and symbolizing sovereignty of Bulgar governors.

The paper introduces into scientific discourse weapons of the 10th–14th centuries from the Bolgar-Tatar city of Juketau (referred to as “Zhukotin” in the Оld Russian chronicles), the archaeological remains of which were located near the city of Chistopol in the Republic of Tatarstan. The Juketau armament consists of ranged, melee, and defensive weapons. The weapons are subdivided into pre-Mongol (the 10th – first third of the 13th centuries) and Golden Horde (second third of the 13th – the early 15th centuries). The paper features an overview of the results of studying the manufacturing technology of the weapons (arrowheads, mostly) from Juketau on the basis of metallographic analyses.

Цель статьи – выявить место и значение «русского вопроса» на Каннской конференции стран Антанты, поместив его в контекст европейской политики октября 1921 – января 1922 г. В центре внимания находятся два важных раунда международных переговоров – англо-французские дискуссии в Лондоне в декабре 1921 г. и собственно совещание Верховного совета Антанты в Каннах (6–13 января 1922 г.). «Русский вопрос» был одним из ключевых на указанных встречах, однако дискуссиям по нему исследователи уделяли меньше внимания, чем другим проблемам тогдашней европейской политики (германским репарациям и англо-французскому пакту). Помимо опубликованных дипломатических документов, привлечены материалы из архивов Франции, Великобритании и Бельгии. Cделан вывод о том, что переговоры в Лондоне и Каннах зафиксировали основные грани «русского вопроса» в той форме, в какой он стоял в европейской политике в конце 1921 – начале 1922 г. Премьер-министр Великобритании Д. Ллойд Джордж, инициатор Генуэзской конференции, рассчитывал использовать «русский вопрос» в интересах Великобритании и содействовать трансформации советского режима в рамках проекта по реконструкции и «умиротворению» Европы. Речь шла о снижении напряженности за счет пакта о ненападении, не накладывавшего на Великобританию специальных обязательств на востоке Европы. В торгово-экономическом аспекте проект международного консорциума должен был консолидировать западный бизнес в деле использования России при негласном немецком лидерстве на этом направлении. Вместе с тем весомая доля плодов германской активности перетекала бы во Францию и Великобританию в виде репараций. Ход Каннской конференции, приведший к отставке председателя Совета министров Франции А. Бриана, продемонстрировал, что «русский вопрос» не только был предметом дипломатии, но и затрагивал материальные интересы широких слоев населения и элит. Поспособствовав падению кабинета Бриана, Ллойд Джордж натолкнулся в лице его преемника Р. Пуанкаре на более жесткого партнера. Став прологом Генуи, Каннская конференция наметила ряд будущих проблем.

The publication contains a brief summary and results of the 4th International Magyar Symposium held on October 15-19, 2018 in the Kazan and Bolgar (the Republic of Tatarstan). The symposium was dedicated to the current issues of the history and culture of ancient Hungarians, and was attended by scientists from Russia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Moldova and Ukraine. It features a round table discussion of the results of anthropological and paleogenetic studies of Early Medieval ethnic groups. Symposium participants presented their reports on the issues of the origin and history of the Magyars reflecting the results of archaeological, linguistic, socio-anthropological and natural scientific research. The work of the symposium included the opening of the exhibition “Ugro-Magyars in the Volga-Ural Region: Legacy of the Past” at the National Museum of the Republic of Tatarstan, which presents the materials obtained as a result of long-term research of Early Medieval Ugro-Magyar sites.

Methods that are used to study the fine structure of constructional materials are becoming more popular. Interdisciplinary approaches are important for explaining the relation between macrolevel processes and higher levels of metal destruction mechanisms research. Synergetics properly reflects the essence of natural processes, in particular the plastic deformation of metals. It is known when energy is supplied from outside, the open system organizes itself, striving to produce minimum of entropy. In this case when the accommodative mechanism is exhausted, the system passes to another dissipative structure with a dramatic change in properties. The authors studied deformation processes of outer layers and internal subsurface volumes of a metal when welded joints are deformed. It is shown that the zone of thermal influence in a welded joint is the area of discharge of the supplied energy and the zone of accommodation of the plastic deformation of the welded joint. The deformations of a new and embrittled metal after theoperation run in different ways. This difference is taken as the basis for the assumption about the welded joint continuity preservation mechanisms under deformation. The microrelief of the welded joint on the surface and in the internal subsurface volumes zones has been investigated: welded seam, zone of influence, base metal. The relief parameters on micro-, nanolevel have been quantitatively evaluated: dispersion Rа and asymmetry Rsk according to GOST R ISO 4287-2014. It is shown that all parameters increase in the zone of thermal influence and are sensitive to discontinuities in the form of microcracks. One should note that the deformation relief is self-similar at various hierarchical levels. Fractal analysis of welded joint zones has been performed. It is shown that under deformation fractality increases in the zone of thermal influence.

The scientific task of creating a system for assessment of cultural heritage object (monument of archaeology) territory state using both archaeological and geoecological research methods has been solved by the authors. A new method for assessing the risks of destruction of archeological monuments within the territory of the Bolgar fortified settlement with the use of remote sensing methods, complex field studies and cartographic-geoinformation approaches to data processing is developed. Modern instrumental methods have been used in order to collect information on dangerous exogenous processes and anthropogenic impact within the monument territory. An analysis of the changes in the functional use of the Bolgar fortified settlement territory with the aid of a multi-time aerial survey was carried out. Series of both inventory and evaluation maps, as well as recommendations for minimizing the impact on the archaeological heritage object under study are the results of the conducted studies. The obtained results will be used by the authors for creation a methodology for assessing the risks of destruction of archeological monuments.

Studies devoted to production of metal fullerene layer in steels when introducing carbon from organic and inorganic media were performed. Barium carbonate was used as an inorganic medium and petroleum pitch was used as an organic medium. In order to generate the required amount of fullerenes in the process of steel samples carbonization, optimal temperature mode was found. The higher temperature, absorption and cohesive effects become less important and polymeric carbon structures destruction processes become more important. On the bottom the temperature is limited by petroleum pitch softening temperature and its transition to low-viscous state in order to enhance molecular mobility and improve the possibility of their diffusion to metal surface. Identification of fullerenes in the surface modified layer was carried out following the methods of IR-Fourier spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography. It was found out that nanocarbon structures, formed during carbonization in barium carbonate and petroleum pitch mediums, possess different morphology. In the process of metal carbonization from carbonates medium, the main role in fullerenes synthesis is belonged to catalytic effect of surface with generation of endohedral derivatives in the surface layer; but in the process of carbonization from pitch medium fullerenes are formed during crystallization of the latter and crystallization centers are of fullerene type. Based on theoretical data and dataof spectral and chromatographic analysis, optimal conditions of metal fullerene layer formation in barium carbonate and petroleum pitch mediums were determined. Low cohesion of layer, modified in barium carbonate medium, with metal basis was discovered. That was caused by limited carbon diffusion in the volume of α-Fe. According to the detected mechanism of fullerenes formation on steel surface in gaseous medium, fullerenes are formed on catalytic centers – ferrum atoms, forming thin metal fullerene layer with low defectiveness. Complex studies of carbon diffusion to steel from organic and inorganic media showed that difference between the mechanisms of metal fullerene layer formation makes it possible to develop efficient algorithms of surface modification technology.

Steels of various purposes are used in the construction industry, for example, as the reinforcement material in reinforced concrete structures. In the oil and gas industry, steel structures are used for storage and transportation of explosive toxic media. In this case the catastrophic damages might take place, that points at insufficiently deep knowledge about the processes running in structural materials when load is applied. Recent studies show that many properties of steel are set at the nanoscale level during crystallization from the molten metal and thermal treatment. To detect and identify fullerenes С60 and С70, which are independent nanoscale objects in steel structure, by various methods requires studying of how these objects influence on formation of steel properties. Iron atoms can serve as a catalyst and, interacting with large aromatic structures or fragments of the graphite planes, they form voluminous fullerene-type structures. The inverse phenomenon, i.e. influence of the formed nanoscale objects on structuring of the iron atoms, is also possible, as fullerene size is comparable with the size of the stable nucleus of the iron crystalline phase. The article discusses the issue of mechanisms of fullerenes formation in steels and cast irons. The most complicated issue in the study is the fullerenes identification by spectral methods as the quantity of released molecules is small. In order to increase the sensitivity of the fullerenes IR-spectrometry method, potassium bromide has been proposed to use. Dried and reduced sediment obtained as a result of dissolving iron matrix in steels is mixed with potassium bromide, the mixture becomes bright-orange. This fact points to presence of bromic fullerenes and to presence of fullerenes in the studied specimens. It is shown that the offered specimen preparation algorithm significantly increases sensitivity of the method.

At industrial enterprises in building structures and equipment one can see corrosion damage, as well as damage accumulated during operation period. The areas of stress concentration are welded joints as their structure is heterogeneous. From the point of view of the scale hierarchy, the welded joint represents the welded and base metal zones at the meso-macrolevel, the weld zone, the thermal zone, the base metal at the micro-mesolevel, the grain constituents at the nano-microlevel. Borders are the stress concentrators at different scale levels, thus they becomes the most dangerous places of metal structure. Modeling by the molecular dynamics method at the atomic level has shown nanocracks initiation in triple junctions of grain boundaries and on the ledges of the grain boundaries. Due to active development of nanotechnology, it became possible to evaluate the state of the weld metal at the nanoscale, where irreversible changes take place from the very beginning. Existing methods of nondestructive testing can detect damage only at the meso- and macrolevel. Modern equipment makes it possible to use other methods of control and approaches. For example, according to GOST R55046-2012 and R57223-2016, the analysis of the parameters of the surface projection deformation performed by confocal laser scanning microscopy should be taken into account when the evaluation of state of metal pipelines is carried out. However, there is a problem to monitore it due to various factors affecting the surface during operation. The paper proposes an additional method to estimate the state of weld metal at any stage of deformation that uses 3D analysis of the parameters of the «artificial» corrosion relief of surface. During the operation period changes in the stress-strain state and structure of the metal take place, as the result the character and depth of etching of the grains of the structural components and their boundaries change too. Evaluation of the measurement results of the etching relief 3D surface reveals dangerous signs of the development of the critical state of metal on the nanoscale. The relationship between the method of corrosion surface relief and known methods studying the deformation relief of the surface and microhardness is presented.

The article considers the modern condition of the archaeological monuments of the Republic of Tatarstan as an essential manmade part of the cultural landscape. According to UNESCO directive, the “cultural landscape” is considered not only as a result of cooperation between man and nature, but also as a natural and cultural territorial complex with a structural and functional integrity developing in specific physical and geographical, cultural and historical conditions. Medieval fortified settlements with a system of defensive fortifications which are easily identified on the basis of remote sensing data were selected as research subjects. The identification and evaluation of monument destruction risks are a priority in the investigation of cultural heritage sites. Due to the fact that most of the monuments are located on the banks of minor rivers, the primary task of investigation was the assessment of the risk of their destruction as a result of natural (dangerous exogenous) processes. The second objective was to evaluate the role of the human factor in the destruction of archaeological sites. One of the main utilized techniques is the search and analysis of archival and modern remote sensing data. This approach allows to correct settlement shapes, confirm their sizes and location in the landscape, thus resolving the issue of updating the information on cultural heritage sites. For the first time in the Tatarstan Republic, investigation results will allow to determine the past and current changes in the condition of the monuments and conduct a quantitative assessment of the risks of their destruction prior to the determination of priority regions for the performance of salvage and rescue excavations.

Goal. To study the experience of using Light Emitting Diode (LED) in surgery and other areas of medicine. Methods and methodology. The methodological basis is the analysis of literature, synthesis of the results of experimental and clinical studies, as well as a modern interpretation of the mechanisms of action of low-intensity laser radiation and LED effects on the body. Special attention is paid to the experience of clinical and morphological studies LED of impacts at the Republican specialized center of surgery named academician V. Vahidov of the Ministry of health of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Results. Comparative features of LED and lasers, such as stimulation of reparative processes, their influence on healing of skin wounds and sternum after sternotomy, red blood cells and microcirculation are discussed. Conclusion. It has been suggested that LED is a worthy alternative to lasers. Their use is advisable in complex treatment of surgical diseases.

Приводится информация о водорослях, развивающихся в двух озерах Ханты-Мансийского автономного округа – Югры. Сбор и изучение фитопланктона и перифитона выполнены синхронно, в начале лета 2011 года. Целью работы является анализ таксономической структуры водорослей озер Самотлор и Вильент. Всего в водоемах отмечено 67 видовых и внутривидовых таксонов, относящихся к 28 родам, 19 семействам, 7 классам и 4 отделам: Chrysophyta – 9; Bacillariophyta – 19; Euglenophyta – 6; Chlorophyta – 33. Полученные вХанты-Мансийском автономном округе – Югре новые данные подтвердили распространение некоторых видов в экотопах с кислой средой и малыми концентрациями солей, то есть в ультрапресных, очень мягких водах. Так называемый «болотный комплекс» водорослей рассматриваемых озер составляет 26.9% от общего состава, представлен видами родов Pinnularia (2), Eunotia(2), Staurastrum (2), Cosmarium (3), Euastrum(1) и Closterium(8). Характер раннелетнего водорослевого комплекса имеет структуру диатомово – зелено – золотистого. К наиболее часто встречаемым водорослям относятся: Dinobryondivergens, Trachelomonashispida, Closteriumacicularis, Monoraphidiumarcuatium, Trachelomonasvolvocina, Nitzchiasublinearis, Tabellaria, Dinobryoncylindricum, D. elegans. По результатам эколого-географического анализа водорослей преобладают широко распространенные, олигогалобные и индифферентные по отношению к активной реакции среды виды.

Investigation of state and assessment of population immunity to diphtheria and tetanus play important role in the study of the existing epidemic situation, development of preventive measures and the prognosis of tendencies of development of epidemic process. The aim of this work was the studying of level and estimation of intensity of immunity to diphtheria and tetanus in the population of the Crimean Republic. The concentration of antibodies measured in IU/ml was accepted to the main indicator of antidiphtherial and antitetanic immunity. In 2013, in total, there were observed 525 persons, 239 of them — city dwellers and 286 — from the rural area. Indicators of concentration of anti-toxin in examined serums were determined by the RPHA method with using of the standardized erythrocyte diphtheritic and tetanic diagnosticums. The assessment of immunity level was performed according to WHO recommendations on following criterias: concentration of antibodies within 0,015–0,06 IU/ml — conditional protection, 0,1–0,5 IU/ml — moderate protection; more than 1,0 IU/ml — high immunity. Antibodies concentration 0,1 IU/ml was taken as minimal protective level for both antidiphtherial and antitetanic antibodies. Research of intensity of antidiphtherial and antitetanic immunity in the population of Crimea allowed to reveal some decrease in level of immune protection in 2013 in comparison with 2012. The highest number of the seronegative and conditionally protected persons against tetanus in 2013 were noted among pregnant women and newborns — 31,8% and 27,8% respectively. The quantity of unprotected and conditionally protected population among children is 11,1%, among teenagers — 10,5%. The greatest layer of the seronegative persons among adults revealed in age group from 58 and older (15%), and conditionally protected — in the 48 to 57 age group (19,2%). The total number of the seronegative population in relation to diphtheria increased for 5,7%, to tetanus — for 1,7%. Decrease in number of highly immune persons was noted. However sufficient level of antidiphtherial immunity have 77,2% of observed population, antitetanic immunity — 88,2%. Thus, providing of immunobiological preparations of treatment and prophylactic establishments, activity of antivaccinal campaign, the level of sanitary and educational work have affected on condition of antidiphtherial and antitetanic collective immunity in the Republic of Crimea.

The article is dedicated to the 85th anniversary of the outstanding Russian archeologist Anatoly Nikolaevich Kirpichnikov. It contains a brief outline of his academic career and the stages of creative growth from post- graduate student to Professor. His outstanding merits in studying the problems of weapon and military art history of 10th-15th-century Russia are underlined, as well as an important discovery of sword blade maker stamps, their description and classification, which have generated a new source study trend devoted to blade epigraphy. A.N. Kirpichnikov’s contribution to the study of historical problems related to the state and urban development processes in Ancient Rus’ and the role the Ladoga and the Scandinavians had played in these processes is highlighted. His contribution to the scientific proof of Kazan 1000-year anniversary is especially emphasized. Gratitude and best wishes on behalf of Kazan students and colleagues of the celebrant are expressed.

Problems related to archaeological culture and ethnos comparison in the case of medieval Bulgaria are discussed in the article. According to the author, in recent years it has become evident that the traditional concept and methodology of the study of the Bulgars’ ethnogenesis and ethnic history are in contradiction with the facts accumulated. The methods of “archaeological ethno-genetics”, which dictated solving problems of ethnogenesis of the ancient population belonging to an archaeological culture in direct correlation with ethnicity, are currently being criticized. According to modern ideas about ethnos and ethnicity, ethnicity is based upon identity with a complex hierarchical nature. Contemporary methodology requires proceeding with the integrated study of the problems of ethnogenesis on the basis of archaeology and ethnology. This kind of analysis is based upon the study of the medieval Bulgar mentality as a source of information on key aspects of ethno-political ideas. The analysis of authentic historical sources, historiographical tradition elements and folklore materials makes it possible to reconstruct the basic ideas that were significant for an ethnic group. The archaeological culture of the population of Bulgaria is characterized by two clearly distinguished and interconnected elements – the common Muslim culture and that of the elite military “druzhina” (squad). These elements directly characterize the Bulgar ethno-political community. These theoretical conclusions and empirical research concerning the case of the medieval Bulgars’ ethnogenesis attest to the productivity of ethnological synthesis techniques on an interdisciplinary basis.

The obituary is dedicated to the renowned archaeologist Ravil Gabdrakhmanovich Fakhrutdinov (March 14, 1937–March 10, 2014). He was a specialist in medieval archaeology and history, with a wide scale of scientific interests ranging from the Volga Bulgaria, the Bulgar Ulus of the Golden Horde and the Kazan khanate to the cultures of Central Asia. He was particularly interested in problems related to the ethnogenesis of the Tatars. He left a number of exhaustive works on the medieval history of Tatarstan. R.G. Fakhrutdinov was also a remarkable science popularizer: editor of the "Tatar Archaeology" historical and archaeological journal, the author of a number of textbooks and teaching guides, a series of popular scientific essays, and a member of the Union of Writers of Tatarstan.