Bulat Fayzrakhmanovich Sultanbekov as a Historian

Abstract

This article explores the life and work of B.F. Sultanbekov, a prominent Tatar historian, archivist, and publicist, using the documents from the State Archives of the Republic of Tatarstan, as well as his published writings, personal materials, and memoirs. The landmarks of B.F. Sultanbekov’s biography and his development as a historian are traced. The factors that influenced his personality are considered. The people who shaped his views are discussed. Particularly emphasized is the important role played by B.F. Sultanbekov in managing the archives and records of the Republic of Tatarstan. He also contributed immensely to the restoration of the historical truth about the Stalinist repressions and helped many repressed figures get their good names back. The research interests of B.F. Sultanbekov are analyzed, and the reasons why he focused on certain problems and historical events of Russia and Tatarstan during the 20th century are disclosed. His approaches to analysis and work with the sources are summarized: he paid great attention to personal testimonies and studied historical events through the fates of the people who witnessed them.