haydamak

Ukrainian peasantry

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June 29, 2026

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The term "haydamak" refers to bands of rebels, primarily peasants, who rose up against exploitation in Ukrainian territories under Polish rule during the 18th century. These uprisings were a response to extreme exploitation of the enserfed peasantry, particularly in the Right Bank region of Ukraine. The most significant of these revolts was the Koliivshchyna in 1768, which was suppressed with the assistance of Russian troops. The term "haydamak" itself is derived from Turkish words meaning "freebooters" or "marauders".12

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Ukraine
Right Bank and western Ukraine until the Partitions of Poland
…by bands of rebels called haydamaks (Turkish: “freebooters” or “marauders”). The most violent, known as the Koliivshchyna, occurred in 1768 and was put down only with the help of Russian troops.
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…by bands of rebels called haydamaks (Turkish: “freebooters” or “marauders”). The most violent, known as the Koliivshchyna, occurred in 1768 and was put down only with the help of Russian troops.
Read More