Kalmyks

Kalmyks 01

Kalmyks 02

Tartare Calmuque - Struys Jan Janszoon - 1681

Kalmyk Encampment

Oirat Caravan

Kalmyks are a subgroup of the Oirat Mongols who live primarily in the Kalmykia region of the Russian Federation. They are the only predominantly Buddhist people of Europe, with their form of Buddhism being the Tibetan variant. The Kalmyks migrated to the Volga region from their homeland, Dzungaria (present-day Western Mongolia and the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China), in the 17th century.

History

The history of the Kalmyks is a tale of migrations, wars, and the struggle to maintain their culture and religion in the face of various challenges. In the early 17th century, the Kalmyks migrated from Dzungaria to the lower Volga region, seeking new pastures for their herds. This migration led to the establishment of the Kalmyk Khanate, which became a significant power in the region.

Throughout the 18th century, the Kalmyk Khanate faced increasing pressure from the expanding Russian Empire, which eventually led to the incorporation of Kalmykia into Russia. During this period, many Kalmyks attempted to return to Dzungaria, but only a fraction succeeded, with the majority being assimilated or perishing.

The 20th century brought further hardships for the Kalmyks, including forced collectivization, the suppression of Buddhism, and mass deportations during World War II. The Kalmyks were accused of collaborating with the Nazis, and in 1943, the entire population was deported to Siberia and Central Asia, where they suffered high mortality rates. It was not until 1957, after the death of Joseph Stalin, that the Kalmyks were allowed to return to their homeland.

Culture

Kalmyk culture is a rich tapestry woven from their nomadic pastoralist origins, their Buddhist faith, and their interactions with the Russian and Caucasian peoples with whom they have coexisted. Traditional Kalmyk yurts, music, and dance are important cultural expressions, as is the game of chess, for which the Kalmyks have a particular passion.

Language

The Kalmyk language belongs to the Mongolic language family and is written in the Cyrillic alphabet. It is closely related to the Oirat language spoken in Xinjiang, Mongolia, and by the Oirat diaspora worldwide.

Religion

The Kalmyks practice Tibetan Buddhism, which was introduced to them in the early 17th century by monks from Tibet and Mongolia. Despite periods of suppression, particularly during the Soviet era, Buddhism remains a central component of Kalmyk identity.

Demographics

Today, the Kalmyks number approximately 200,000, with the majority residing in the Republic of Kalmykia. Smaller communities can be found in other parts of Russia, as well as in the United States, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan.

Challenges

The Kalmyks today face several challenges, including economic difficulties, the preservation of their language and culture in the face of globalization, and environmental issues affecting their traditional pastoralist lifestyle.

See Also

• Buddhism in Russia
• Mongolic languages
• History of Mongolia
• Ethnic groups in Russia

Kalmyks Resources
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