What is "zemlyachestvo"

In late 19th century Russia, a zemlyachestvo was a society of men living away from their home regions. Found among students, traveling traders and migrant workers, the zemlyachestvo united those with a common geographical origin when they were far from home.

The noted Russian revolutionary Vladimir Lenin joined the zemlyachestvo for his home region, Simbirsk, when he was studying at the University of Kazan.