David Aitov Russian revolutionary, cartographer Date of Birth: 18.06.1854

1. David Aitov: A Revolutionary and a Propagandist
2. Propaganda and "Going to the People"
3. Exile and a New Life
4. Life in France
5. Later Years

David Aitov: A Revolutionary and a Propagandist

David Aitov, a Russian revolutionary and cartographer, was born in the Russian Empire in the mid-19th century. Graduating from the Orenburg Military Gymnasium, Aitov joined the Mikhailovsky Artillery School in Saint Petersburg in 1872. There, he became involved with revolutionary circles, meeting figures such as Sergey Kravchinsky and Lev Shishko.

Propaganda and "Going to the People"

Aitov embraced the idea of a peasant revolution and participated in the "going to the people" movement from March 1874. During his propaganda activities in the Oryol province, he met Alexander Malikov, adopting his revolutionary religion of "theognosis." Apprehended by the authorities, Aitov was found guilty and sentenced during the Trial of the 193.

Exile and a New Life

In 1878, Aitov was exiled to Orenburg under police surveillance. In 1879, he escaped abroad. Despite losing his religious faith in his youth, Aitov possessed strong moral principles instilled in him by his father, a respected Tatar who believed in the importance of integrating his people into Russian society.

Life in France

Settling in France, Aitov found employment and lived a peaceful life with his family. He converted to Catholicism in order to marry in Paris, doing so in an unconventional manner. Aitov's aversion to violence and dishonesty made him unsuitable for political activism.

Later Years

After the February Revolution, Aitov worked in the Russian consulate in Paris. He contributed to French publishing houses and served as treasurer of the Paris Committee for Aid to Political Prisoners in Russia (1910-1917), as well as the Turgenev Library in Paris. His son, Vladimir, became an Olympic rugby champion, renowned physician, and prominent Freemason in France. His daughter, Irene, was a celebrated French pianist.