Кумандинцы – люди‑лебеди. Знакомимся с коренным тюркоязычным народом Алтая

April 30 is Indigenous Peoples Day of the Russian Federation. This holiday was established by Decree No. 799 of Russian President Vladimir Putin on November 4, 2025. The Federal Agency for Nationalities Affairs of Russia (https://rutube.ru/channel/23891955/) has prepared a special project, "Audiovisual Encyclopedia of the Peoples of Russia." Today, we'll tell you about the Kumandins, an indigenous Turkic-speaking people of Altai. 🔹 Who are the Kumandins? They are a small people (approximately 2,500 people) who historically lived in the Biya River basin—in the Altai Krai, the Altai Republic, and the Kemerovo Region. Since 2000, the Kumandins have been officially classified as a minority people of Russia. 🔹 Unique Heritage The Kumandin culture is a fascinating blend of Finno-Ugric and Turkic traditions. This ethnic group was formed through contacts between the ancient population of Altai and Turkic groups. 🔹 A Language That Needs to Be Preserved The Kumandin language belongs to the Northern Altaic languages ​​of the Turkic group. Three distinct dialects are distinguished: Turochak, Salton, and Old Bordin. Despite the difficulties, efforts are underway to revive the language: a Russian-Kumandin dictionary was presented in 2021; Biysk schools offer optional language instruction using the "Kumandan" alphabet (published in 2005); and opportunities are being created for language learning in creative groups. 🔹 Traditions and Beliefs The Kumandins' ancient beliefs about the universe are linked to their roots: they believed that the earth and people emerged from an egg retrieved from the seabed by a swan. This is the source of their poetic name, "swan-people." Their culture retains elements of shamanism, veneration of nature spirits (masters of water, fire, mountains, and the taiga), and Orthodox traditions. 🔹 Kaichi – Keepers of Oral Tradition Kaichi, masters of singing fairy tales, held a special place in their culture. Their songs were believed to have healing powers. The people's rich folklore includes everyday and magical tales (cherchok), conveying traditions of respectful relationships with people and the spirits of nature. 🔹 Everyday Life and Economy Traditional Kumandin occupations include hunting large and fur-bearing animals; agriculture and livestock breeding; Gathering and fishing; crafts: weaving, leatherworking, making utensils from wood and birch bark. 🔹 Rituals and Holidays One of the main holidays is Kochakan, a rite of nobility. During it, a chosen man wearing a birch bark mask would go from house to house, singing songs and asking for treats. Then, a communal feast would be held with competitions and thanksgiving to the spirits for a fruitful year. 🔹 Modern Realities The cultural centers of the Kumandin people today are the city of Biysk and the village of Krasnogorskoye (home to the largest community, 350 people). Here, they develop national sports (kuresh wrestling, archery, etc.), hold festivals, and engage young people in cultural events. 🎬 Want to know more? Watch the film! You'll learn: what people have in common with swans, how to rid a guest of bad thoughts, and the secret to hunters' success in the Altai taiga. The film features the history, culture, and traditions of the Kumandin people, as described by: 🔹Ivan Nazarov, Director of the Institute of History and International Relations at Altai State University; 🔹Dmitry Eroshkin, Senior Researcher at the V.V. Bianki Biysk Museum of Local History; 🔹Nina Govorukhina, hereditary shaman and Kumandin language teacher; 🔹Marina Nizovskaya, representative of the Kumandin youth wing; 🔹Nikolai Chepokov, artist; 🔹Alina Tarysheva, student at NSPU; 🔹Galina Kukhtuekova, craftswoman; 🔹Marina Akpyzhaeva, director of the dance group "Kardachtar"; 🔹Igor Sapozhnikov, coach at Sports School No. 1 in Biysk. The film features the track: "From the Depths" by Eyal Luman 🔸Subscribe to our channel: https://clck.ru/agsQs 🔸Official website: https://bolshoy-altay.asu.ru 🔸VKontakte: https://vk.com/bolshoyaltay 🔸Telegram: https://t.me/bolshoyaltay 🔸YouTube:    / @БольшойАлтай   🔸RuTube: https://rutube.ru/channel/41168007/ #BolshoyAltai #AltSU #Altaistics #Turkology #Kumandins #ethnography #culture #traditions #russia #thedarkpeoplesofrussia