Karelians

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Karelia, Russia (45061719031)

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Расселение карел в СЗФО по городским и сельским поселениям, в %

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Расселение карел в ЦФО по городским и сельским поселениям, в %

Karelians are a Finno-Ugric ethnic group native to the Karelia region, which is divided between Finland and Russia. Historically, Karelians have lived in the border areas of what is today eastern Finland and northwestern Russia, particularly in the Republic of Karelia and the Leningrad Oblast. They speak the Karelian language, which is closely related to the Finnish language and, in some classifications, considered a dialect of Finnish, though it has its own distinct dialects.

History

The history of the Karelians is deeply intertwined with the history of Finland and Russia. In the Middle Ages, the area inhabited by the Karelians was a battleground between the Swedish Empire and Novgorod Republic, leading to its eventual division. The Treaty of Stolbovo in 1617 and the Treaty of Nystad in 1721 are significant historical markers that divided Karelia between Sweden and Russia, influencing the cultural and linguistic development of the Karelian people.

During the 20th century, the border changes following the Finnish Civil War, Winter War, and Continuation War had profound effects on Karelians, leading to migrations and displacement. Many Karelians from areas ceded to the Soviet Union after World War II were resettled in Finland.

Culture

Karelian culture is rich and distinctive, encompassing traditional music, dance, and folklore that reflect the Finno-Ugric heritage. Karelian folk music and epic poetry, similar to the Finnish Kalevala, are significant parts of their cultural expression. Traditional Karelian cuisine, known for dishes like Karelian pasties and Karelian hot pot, also plays an important role in their cultural identity.

Language

The Karelian language is part of the Finnic group of the Uralic language family. It has several dialects, including North Karelian, South Karelian, and Olonets Karelian. The language status varies between Finland and Russia; in Finland, it is recognized as a minority language, whereas, in Russia, efforts to revitalize and maintain the language face more challenges.

Religion

Traditionally, Karelians practiced a form of Finnish paganism, but today, the majority are either Orthodox Christians, in Russia, or Lutherans, in Finland. The division in religious affiliation reflects the historical influence of Russian and Swedish rule over the Karelia region.

Demographics

Today, the number of ethnic Karelians is difficult to determine due to assimilation and historical migrations. In Russia, they are recognized as one of the indigenous peoples, with the 2010 census reporting around 60,000 ethnic Karelians. In Finland, the number is smaller, with statistics often grouping Karelians with other Finnish populations.

Current Issues

Karelians today face issues related to cultural preservation and language revitalization. The diminishing number of native Karelian speakers, especially among the younger generation, poses a significant challenge to maintaining the Karelian language and culture. Efforts are being made in both Finland and Russia to preserve Karelian heritage through education, cultural programs, and media.