Nikolai Ivanovich Grodekov

Nikolai Ivanovich Grodekov – a Russian statesman and military figure, an Orientalist scholar, General of Infantry. Nikolai Ivanovich Grodekov, a native of an impoverished officer's family, was born in Kirovograd (formerly Yelizavetgrad) in 1843. In his childhood he became an orphan and was raised at the Aleksandrinsky Orphan Cadet Corps. In 1862 he completed his studies at the Konstantinovsky Military School and received the rank of lieutenant. He subsequently served in the Leib-Guard Grenadier Regiment and took part in suppressing the Polish uprising. Grodekov received his higher military education at the Nikolaev Academy of the General Staff. He distinguished himself by his merits in the Caucasus and in Turkestan. In 1873, as commander of the Mangyshlak detachment, he took part in the Khivan campaign. In 1880, for his demonstrated heroism, he was awarded the Order of St. George, 4th class.

 

In 1883 Grodekov became the military governor and commander of the troops of the Syrdarya region. It was during this period that he began his literary activity, describing in his works the military campaigns, history, and everyday life of the peoples of Central Asia. In 1893 Grodekov transferred to the Far East. At first he served as assistant to the Priamur Governor-General, and in 1898 he himself became Governor-General. In this capacity he was also commander of the troops of the Priamur Military District and the military-appointed ataman of the Cossack forces. One of his first achievements as Governor-General was the closure of the Kary penal camp. He also actively supported the construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway in the Far East and in Transbaikalia. After his service in the Far East, Grodekov held various positions in the capital, including in the State Council. From 1906 to 1907 he commanded the Far Eastern land and naval forces, and was also Governor-General of Turkestan. Nikolai Ivanovich Grodekov passed away in St. Petersburg in 1913 and was buried in the Smolensk Orthodox Cemetery.