THE VOLHYNIAN TOWN OF TORCHYN IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE 16th ‒ FIRST HALF OF THE 17th CENTURIES
Authors: ZAYATS Andriy 
Published: December 2024

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the population mechanisms, spatial boundaries, and structural characteristics of the city of Torchyn, located in the Volhynia region. Despite its modest population size, Torchyn can be classified as a small town. Its defensive infrastructure included a castle, wooden and earthen fortifications, and two gates, with the majority of buildings constructed from wood. Notably, the residences of the city nobility were situated near the market square, which also housed the town hall. Among the religious edifices, the city's churches and chapels are particularly noteworthy.
Torchyn's governance was facilitated by the privilege of Magdeburg Law, granted in 1540. The city's administration involved a viyt, a government official also known as a starosta, who oversaw both the city and the parish and headed the castle government. The number of representatives adhered to traditional norms established for cities in Volhynia. Trades and fairs were vital to Torchyn's economic life, occasionally leading to the city being rented out, thereby influencing its socio-economic development. This study examines the intricate relationships between the townspeople and the nobility.
The socio-economic development of Torchyn, combined with the presence of religious buildings, laid the groundwork for its emergence as a central hub for the surrounding territories. The Christian population primarily engaged in agriculture, trade, and crafts, while the Jewish community was active in financial and entrepreneurial endeavors. The urban status of Torchyn attracted peasants seeking to improve their living conditions, as the city offered greater opportunities for implementing life strategies.
Torchyn's strategic importance is underscored by its defensive castle and the wooden and earthen fortifications, which provided resilience against external threats. The numerous churches and chapels highlighted the spiritual life and religious devotion of the townspeople. These religious buildings played a significant role in shaping the city's identity and cultural heritage.
Trades and fairs were crucial in stimulating Torchyn's trade and crafts, contributing significantly to its socio-economic development. The periodic renting out of the city had a substantial impact on its economic landscape, fostering complex socio-economic interactions and growth dynamics.
The city of Torchyn has played a pivotal role in regional development over the centuries. Its defensive structures and religious edifices not only provided protection and spiritual sustenance but also influenced its socio-economic fabric. The economic activities centered around trades, fairs, and the production of alcoholic beverages underscored the city's vibrant economic life. Torchyn's evolution as a small yet significant urban center illustrates the interplay between governance, economic strategies, and social structure in the historical context of Volhynia.

Keywords: Volhynia, Torchyn, Roman Catholic bishopric, Magdeburg law, burghers, nobility