Entertainment · Books & Arts · 11 hrs ago
Exhibition on the Caucasian Native Cavalry Division opens in Pyatigorsk
An exhibition on the “Wild Division” has opened in Pyatigorsk at the Mashuk Knowledge Centre.
The unit, formally called the Caucasian Native Cavalry Division, was created by decree of Tsar Nicholas II in 1914 and drew volunteers from peoples across the Caucasus.
The display follows its service from its first battles in the Carpathians in December 1914 until its disbandment in 1917–18.
It recounts how 60 Caucasian fighters crossed the Dniester under fire in 1916, seized a bridgehead and held it until the main forces arrived; all received St George’s Crosses.
Visitors can learn about the cavalry’s tactics, uniforms and traditions, including how the regiments respected Muslim and Christian customs.
The exhibition aims to help young people understand the history of Russia’s diverse peoples and their shared military service.
It will remain at the centre until the end of the year, and organisers expect about 5,000 people to see it.
An exhibition about the Caucasian Native Cavalry Division has opened at the Mashuk Knowledge Centre in Pyatigorsk.
The division, known as the “Wild Division,” was formed by decree of Nicholas II on 23 August 1914.
The exhibition, titled “Sworn to Loyalty to Russia…”, traces the division’s military history from its first fighting in the Carpathians in 1914 to its disbandment in 1917–1918.
It includes sections on the Brusilov Offensive and a 1916 crossing of the Dniester by 60 cavalrymen.
The Mashuk Knowledge Centre says the exhibition is expected to be seen by about 5,000 people by the end of the year.
- Who
- The Mashuk Knowledge Centre and the Russian Historical Society prepared the exhibition.
- What
- An exhibition about the Caucasian Native Cavalry Division, also known as the “Wild Division,” has opened.
- When
- It was reported open on 28 October and 3 November 2026; the sources do not give the exact opening date.
- Where
- The Mashuk Knowledge Centre in Pyatigorsk, Russia.
- Why
- The exhibition presents the division’s history and its role in Russia’s multiethnic military past.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Caucasian Native Cavalry Division was formed by decree of Nicholas II.
The division fought its first battles in the Carpathians.
Sixty cavalrymen crossed the Dniester under fire, captured a bridgehead and held it until the main forces arrived.
The idea for an exhibition about the “Wild Division” was raised at a patriotic forum.
The exhibition was reported open at the Mashuk Knowledge Centre in Pyatigorsk; the sources give different publication dates, 28 October and 3 November.
- Venue
- Mashuk Knowledge Centre, Pyatigorsk
- Exhibition title
- Sworn to Loyalty to Russia…
- Division formed
- 23 August 1914
- Dniester crossing
- 60 cavalrymen; night of 30 May 1916
- Expected visitors
- About 5,000 by the end of 2026
3 sources
What people are saying
The history of the Caucasian Native Cavalry Division is evidence that the unity of the peoples of Russia has always rested on more than the commonality of state borders.
For us, it is important that young people see: Russia’s unity has always been built on mutual recognition and careful treatment of cultural diversity.