Answer:
The Cossacks are a group of people with a distinctive cultural and historical identity who originated in Eastern Europe. The term "Cossack" is derived from the Turkic word "qazak," which means adventurer or free man. The Cossacks were initially groups of independent warriors who lived on the outskirts of settled societies and made a living through raiding, trading, and sometimes serving as mercenaries. Over time, they developed their own distinct cultural traditions, including music, dance, and dress. The Cossacks played important roles in the history of Eastern Europe, especially in Ukraine and Russia, where they formed military communities and played a significant role in resisting foreign invaders. Today, there are still communities of Cossacks in various parts of Eastern Europe, although their cultural traditions and way of life have changed significantly over the centuries.
Sources:
- Encyclopedia Britannica. (2021). Cossack. In Encyclopedia Britannica.
- Plokhy, S. (2015). The Cossacks: A Story of War, Rebellion, and the Struggle for Freedom in Russia. Basic Books.