Cossack Research Center


The Hetman Mazepa Cossack Research Center is a public scientific organization, created in Kharkiv in 2003, for research into the historical, patriotic, military, spiritual and cultural traditions of the Ukrainian Cossacks, and on modern Cossack activities in Ukraine. The Center is named for the early 18th-century Ukrainian hetman, Ivan Mazepa. For its scientific achievements, the Center's staff has received awards from the President of Ukraine, the Ukrainian Cabinet, the Kharkiv regional state administration and regional parliament, and other public recognition.

Activities

The Center is divided among a number of academic disciplines: Cossack history, education, art and beliefs.

Hetman Mazepa Literary Prize

The Hetman Mazepa Literary Prize was established by the center in 2003. It consists of a monetary award, a silver medallion and a certificate. The award is made annually on March 20, by a committee of businessmen, scientists and writers, for the year's best publication in the field of Cossack history.

Hetman Mazepa Award

The Hetman Mazepa Award was first made on March 20, 2003 in recognition of civilian involvement in the economic and political independence of Ukraine and the preservation of Ukrainian history, patriotism and cultural traditions. The medallion is made from a silver composite and has the basic shape of a Maltese cross. It is set on a square nickel-plated platform with concave sides; the corners of these are shaped like rays, spreading in different directions. The sides of the cross are red enamel. Surrounding the center of the cross, a gilded circle is set with a decorative pattern. A white enamel insert inside the circle bears the inscription "Order of Hetman Mazepa". On top of this insert, a rounded shield is attached with the coat-of-arms of Hetman Mazepa—gold on a red enamel background.