Bashkir

Bashkirs

Башҡорттар
Regions with significant populations
Languages
Bashkir, Russian
Religion
Islam, Orthodox Christianity
Related ethnic groups
Tatars, Chuvash, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz

The Bashkirs (Template:Lang-ba) are a Turkic ethnic group indigenous to Bashkortostan, a federal subject of Russia. They primarily speak the Bashkir language, which is part of the Kipchak branch of the Turkic language family. The Bashkirs are predominantly Sunni Muslims, with a minority adhering to the Russian Orthodox Church.

History

The origins of the Bashkirs can be traced back to the early medieval period. They are believed to have descended from various Turkic tribes that migrated to the region. The first historical mention of the Bashkirs dates back to the 9th century in the works of Arab geographers. During the Golden Horde period, the Bashkirs were part of the Kipchak Khanate. In the 16th century, the Bashkirs voluntarily joined the Tsardom of Russia under the rule of Ivan the Terrible. This alliance provided the Bashkirs with certain privileges, including the right to self-governance and exemption from certain taxes. However, over time, these privileges were eroded, leading to several uprisings, the most notable being the Pugachev's Rebellion in the 18th century.

Culture

Bashkir culture is rich and diverse, with influences from both Turkic and Slavic traditions. Traditional Bashkir music features instruments such as the kurai (a type of flute) and the kubyz (a type of jaw harp). The Bashkirs are also known for their epic poetry, with the Ural-batyr being one of the most famous examples. Traditional Bashkir cuisine includes dishes such as bishbarmak (a meat and noodle dish) and kazy (a type of sausage). The Bashkirs are also known for their dairy products, particularly kumis (fermented mare's milk).

Language

The Bashkir language is a member of the Kipchak branch of the Turkic language family. It is written in the Cyrillic script and has three main dialects: Southern, Eastern, and Northwestern. The language has been influenced by Russian, Tatar, and other neighboring languages.

Religion

The majority of Bashkirs are Sunni Muslims, following the Hanafi school of thought. Islam was introduced to the Bashkirs in the 10th century through the influence of the Volga Bulgars. There is also a minority of Bashkirs who adhere to the Russian Orthodox Church.

Notable Bashkirs

• Salawat Yulayev - A national hero and poet who played a significant role in the Pugachev's Rebellion.
• Murtaza Rakhimov - The first President of Bashkortostan.

Related Pages

• Bashkortostan
• Turkic peoples
• Kipchak languages
• Sunni Islam
• Russian Orthodox Church