Telengits

The Telengits, also known as Telengut, are a Turkic ethnic group who live mainly in the Kosh-Agachsky District of the Altai Republic in Russia. They are recognized as one of the minor indigenous peoples of Russia.

Their ancestors have lived in Central Asia for many generations, and they maintain many of their traditional customs and beliefs. Today, the Telengits continue to preserve their unique cultural heritage, which includes special languages, traditions, and ways of life.

The Telengits are part of the rich cultural tapestry of Russia, adding to the country's diversity and history. Learning about groups like the Telengits helps us understand the many different peoples who call Earth their home.

History

Long ago, people called the Telengits may have been mentioned in old Chinese records. During a time when a group called the Dzungars ruled the area, the Telengits had to give them fur as a tax.

In the 1300s, the Telengits created their own small kingdom. For many years, their leaders stayed mostly independent. Even though bigger powers like Russia and the Dzungar Khanate tried to control them, the Telengits sometimes won battles. Finally, in the 1700s, the Dzungar Khanate took control. Later, the Telengits moved back to their homeland near the Altai mountains, but many people were lost along the way because of attacks from other groups.

In the early 1700s, the Telengits formed two groups that later joined Russia. One group became part of Russia in 1864, and the other joined in 1865.

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Ethnicity in the Altai

The Altai region is home to many different groups of people, and it can be hard to tell them apart because their areas often change. The Telengits, also called Telengut, live near the Chuya River in western Altai and call themselves Chui-kizhi, meaning "Chuya people." They sometimes mix with other groups living around the same river, making it tricky to draw clear lines between groups.

There are no strong differences among the subgroups of the Altaians; they are mainly identified by where they live. This mixing caused problems in deciding how to classify these groups. Leaders in the Ulagan district were the first to push for the Telengits to be recognized as a special group under Russian law. Before that, Telengits were often grouped with the Altaians. Even after being recognized separately, there were still debates about which subgroups belong to the Telengits.

In 2000, Telengits were included in the list of "Small Numbered Indigenous Peoples of the Russian Federation" in Russian and Soviet records. By 2002, they were counted separately in the census, with 2,398 people. However, this number might be too low because many Telengits—perhaps 8,000 or 9,000—still identified as Altaians instead. In 2004, a group called the NGO "Development of the Telengit People" was created to help protect Telengit land rights and take part in local politics.

Culture

Most Telengits were historically nomadic or semi-nomadic cattle herders. They commonly raised sheep, cattle, goats, and horses.

Traditional Telengit dwellings included felt yurts. Modern Telengits live in wooden homes but commonly inhabit yurts during the summer months. Traditional dress was similar for both men and women. The dress was composed of long-sleeved shirts, breeches, and robes. Double-breasted sheepskin coats, fur hats, and high boots were also commonly worn. Married women additionally wore a sleeveless jacket over their coats.

Religion

Most Telengits practice shamanism and Eastern Orthodox Christianity. Smaller numbers practice Burkhanism. Shamanism continues to exert a strong influence in Telengit culture while Orthodoxy has seen a recent revival among the Telengits.

Connection to the land

The Altaians and the Telengits feel a connection to the land that they live on. They are supposed to worship their special homeland that is considered sacred.