Pyotr Beketov

Pyotr Beketov, a notable Russian Cossack zemleprokhodets, was a pioneering explorer of Siberia whose endeavors laid the groundwork for several fortified settlements that would evolve into modern cities, including Yakutsk, Chita, and Nerchinsk.

Beginning his military career as a guardsman in 1624, Beketov was dispatched to Siberia in 1627, where he was appointed Enisei voevoda. His first expedition aimed to collect taxes from the Zabaykalye Buryats, marking him as the first Russian to enter Buryatia and establishing the first Russian settlement, Rybinsky Ostrog.

In 1631, Beketov journeyed to the Lena River, and the following year, he and his Cossacks founded Yakutsk, which became a crucial base for further explorations eastward. His leadership facilitated the exploration of the Aldan River and the establishment of new fortresses, alongside tax collection from local populations.

By 1640, Beketov had successfully transported collected taxes to Moscow, earning the titles of Strelets and Cossack commander. He returned to Enisei Ostrog in 1641 as the head of the fortress. His second tax-collecting voyage to Buryatia commenced in 1652, leading to the founding of Irgensky Ostrog and the winter settlement of Chita in 1653, followed by the establishment of Nerchinsk the next year.

In 1655, Beketov's Cossacks faced a siege at Shilkinsky Ostrog by rebellious Buryats. After pacifying the indigenous inhabitants, they managed to escape towards the Amur River. Beketov returned to Tobolsk in 1661, where he encountered Protopope Avvakum, and it is believed he passed away in the same year.