To the History of the Formation of Russian-Mountain Trade in the North Caucasus at the End of the 18th - Beginning of the 19th Century

The article reveals the features of the formation of trade in the conditions of the North Caucasus, when many unfavorable circumstances complicated this process. In addition to the landscape obstacles that prevented the construction of an extensive network of roads in mountainous areas, the epidemiological threat posed a significant danger. To stop the spread of infectious diseases, quarantine lines were erected, where it was necessary to maintain the isolation periods necessary to detect a possible infection. The funds spent on such measures, as well as the loss of time by merchants, affected the final price of the goods, making them more expensive. For the authorities, trade was a tool of political influence over local peoples. Hence the desire to monopolize contacts between the mountaineers and residents of the settlements bordering them. This approach could influence the range of goods offered, determine the equivalent of their value, limiting the use of money in trade transactions. Gradually, a model of interaction was developed on the established trading platforms (exchange yards, salt stores, fairs). Efforts were made to prevent conflicts, and if they occurred, mechanisms were created to resolve mutual claims. Commodity-money relations replaced natural exchange.