The Contribution of the Abbesses of the First Convents to the Development of the Sociocultural Space of the North Caucasus

Introduction . The study presents the role and influence of the abbesses of the first women’s convents on the formation and development of the socio-cultural space of the Caucasus region. The main focus is on their spiritual leadership, social initiatives and educational activities. Based on archival materials, the author examines the establishment of educational institutions in the monasteries and the variety of crafts activities. Materials and Methods . The work is written with the involvement of archival materials of the State Archive of Stavropol Krai. Descriptive, historical-comparative and chronological methods are used. Results . It is argued that nunneries in the North Caucasus have supported the education and training of girls for decades, providing a wide range of educational opportunities. Classrooms, libraries and other infrastructural facilities were established and operated in the monasteries to maintain a decent level of education. Discussion and Conclusion . It is shown that monasteries were actively engaged in the education and upbringing of girls, providing them with a wide range of educational opportunities. Inside the monastery walls, classrooms, libraries and workshops were created to develop the creative abilities of female students in craft and artistic disciplines. Abbesses actively developed the mastery of needlework, icon painting, weaving and other skills, which contributed to the development of education and culture both in the monastery and in society.