The Balkars are the people who inhabit Balkaria. This is a historical territory on the northern slope of the Caucasus Mountains. It is part of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, which is part of the Russian Federation. The Balkar people are a Turkic-speaking ethnic group. Karachais, the people of the North Caucasus, are considered related to him.
population
In total, there are approximately 125,000 Balkars in the world. The vast majority of them live in Kabardino-Balkaria.
Where live
A small number is located in countries such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan. Also, approximately 4,000-5,000 people live in the USA, Turkey.
Language
The Balkars speak the Karachay-Balkarian language, which belongs to the Turkic group.
Religion
Like many peoples, in ancient times the Balkars were pagans. They had a widespread cult of stones, sacred trees, animism. From the 17th century, Islam began to spread among them. Until the 19th century, there was a mixture of different religious customs and beliefs. Now the majority of the inhabitants are Sunnis (one of the main directions in Islam). However, pagan traditions are still present in the form of holidays and rituals.
Name
The Balkars themselves call themselves "taulula", which translates as "highlanders". The neighboring peoples also called them: the Ossetian “Asami” and “Svans” mean mountain dwellers. The territory of residence was called "Balkar" in Circassian, from where the modern name of the republic came from. The Georgians called this place "Malkar".
Story
As an ethnic group, the Balkars were formed as a result of the mixing of the indigenous population (Koban tribes) with the Alans, Bulgars, and Kipchaks. They also had close ties with the Kabardians, Karachays, Georgians, Ossetians. They inhabited the lands of the Central Caucasus. In the 13th century, the Tatar-Mongols undertook numerous invasions of these territories. The Balkars had to move further into the mountains, where they founded settlements. The 17th century was the period of establishing communication with the Russians. Joint trade began, friendly relations arose between the aristocratic families of both sides.
At the beginning of the 19th century, the Balkars accepted Russian citizenship. They participated in many wars of the Russian state in the 19th and 20th centuries. After the revolution of 1917, the people underwent mass repressions and executions. Along with this, there was an economic upsurge in the region, educational institutions appeared, many people received education. This contributed to the development of poetry, theatrical art. During the Great Patriotic War, many residents of the region were terrorized by the NKVD. A year before its completion, the Balkar people were deported to the territory of Central Asia. After 13 years, the USSR government restored the rights of the Balkars, after which they returned.
Nalchik - the capital of Kabardino-Balkaria Appearance
From an anthropological point of view, the Balkars belong to the Caucasoids, to the Caucasian species. This type is common in the North Caucasus. Chechens, Ingush, Ossetians and other Caucasian peoples have similar features. People of this nationality are well built, they have slender, stately figures. They are tall, the men are broad-shouldered. On a broad face, a high forehead and a massive jaw stand out. The nose is long, often with a hump. Facial features are somewhat rough, which is facilitated by a protruding chin and a large nose. With age, the face becomes angular. In their youth, the Balkars have more graceful features; in old age, they begin to look very solid and representative. Often, representatives of this people seem older than they really are. This feature is common to Caucasian peoples.
Young people, especially girls, are very attractive. Large eyes, framed by dark eyelashes, clear arches of the eyebrows make the face expressive, eye-catching. Brown iris color is common along with black thick hair. However, among the Balkars, as well as other Caucasians, people with red, blond hair and gray-blue eyes are quite common. There are also blue-eyed blondes, but less often. Some historians believe that the peoples of this region were originally a light race, but as a result of assimilation with the Turks and Mongols, they acquired darker skin and hair.
dwelling
The settlements of the Balkars have specific features due to the mountainous landscape. They were located in hard-to-reach places, in order to protect against attacks by enemies. People settled on the slopes of mountains, along the edges of gorges, near rivers. The dwellings were placed randomly, the villages look like terraces, where the houses are one above the other. Narrow, crooked streets often look like paths and can end abruptly in a dead end. Since ancient times, houses were made of stone without any binding. It was a low rectangular building with a flat roof and earthen floor. The roof was made of boards and turf. The windows were small. The room was heated by an open hearth.
For the defense of the settlements, towers and fortresses were built. A system of watchtowers was widespread, from which the watchtowers gave signals to each other. The lower floors could be used for housing during enemy raids. The towers had narrow loopholes through which the Balkars followed the movements of the enemy. At a later time, where there was a forest, they began to build log huts. The log house was installed on a stone or pile foundation. The floor consisted of boards, there were shutters covering the windows. Wealthy Balkars could afford a large two-story house with several rooms, an iron or tiled roof. Wooden bunks covered with felt served as a bed. Clay and copper utensils were placed on shelves along the walls. Tables and chairs appeared in the 19th century. Walls and floors were covered with carpets. There was a division into the female and male halves, there was also a living room in the house.
Cloth
The national costume of the Balkars is typical for representatives of the Caucasian peoples. Men's clothing consists of the following details:
- shirt;
- wide pants;
- beshmet (caftan);
- boots;
- hat.
Pants are tucked into soft sheepskin boots. The outerwear is beshmet - a fitted caftan knee-length or slightly lower. It has a blind clasp, a cutout on the chest. Beshmet is girdled with a belt on which a dagger in a sheath is placed. In winter, men wear astrakhan fur coats, cloaks - sleeveless capes that completely cover the body.
Women's national dress consists of wide trousers, tunics with long sleeves. Over this costume they put on a narrow caftan (or bib), a fitted floor-length dress with a cutout. The bib is embroidered with golden braid. The dress has a flared hem that gathers into beautiful waves at the bottom. The waist is cinched by a belt adorned with silver elements. The shelves of the dress are richly decorated with ornaments. The headdress resembles a man's hat. It is cylindrical in shape, a long lace or silk scarf is thrown over it.
Food
The basis of nutrition of the Balkars is meat and dairy dishes. They are served with tortillas made from wheat, barley, corn. Daily food is rich, thick soups. For the first and second courses lamb, beef, poultry meat is used. Served with potatoes, beans, rice. The dishes are seasoned with onions and garlic. Since ancient times, a whole baked or boiled ram has been considered an honorary dish. The animal was slaughtered in honor of the arrival of a guest or on holidays. The head was served on a platter as the best food. Popular national dishes of the Balkars:
- Shurpa. Thick fatty soup of lamb, potatoes, vegetables with onions. The ingredients are cut into large pieces.
- Goedlibzhe. Chicken or turkey meat stewed in sour cream. Flour and spices are added to the sauce. Served with hard boiled wheat porridge.
- Frog. Dried meat stewed with potatoes.
- Shashlik. According to an old recipe, it is prepared from the liver and lard of a sheep.
- Khychyn (also Khychin). Unleavened cakes based on wheat flour. Sometimes stuffed with minced meat, herbs.
Balkars also bake pancakes and cheesecakes. The traditional dessert is baklava. Zakeris is popular - something similar to sweet brushwood, marshmallow, halva. An interesting dish is jamuko - an old national treat of the Balkars. It is very nutritious and high in calories. It is made from cheese or cottage cheese, which is ground and boiled in sour cream. Semolina is added to the mixture. It turns out a tender, melt-in-your-mouth delicacy. These and other treats are always made for the arrival of guests. Balkarians are very hospitable people, for whom any guest is a respected and revered person.
Caucasus. The edge is beautiful and strict. A world where everything is constantly changing and unchanged for centuries. Here, as nowhere else, there is a strong feeling of the infinity of time and a moment of existence. The earth here stretches to the sky, and nature takes the soul captive. It is also a region with a unique ethnic diversity. The land of the mountaineers. It is amazing how people managed to preserve their culture, identity, historical traditions, their languages over the centuries of living nearby. We have in our hands the “visiting card” of Kabardino-Balkaria.
“... At the edge of the horizon stretches a silver chain of snowy peaks, starting with Kazbek and ending with the two-headed Elbrus ... It's fun to live in such a land! Some kind of gratifying feeling is poured into all my veins. The air is pure and fresh, like the kiss of a child; the sun is bright, the sky is blue - what could be more? (Mikhail Lermontov)
REPUBLIC OF KABARDINO-BALKARIA
|
|
Republic within the Russian Federation. Located mainly in Population- about 895 thousand people. Kabardino-Balkaria is a multinational republic, where representatives of more than a hundred nationalities live. Of these, Kabardians make up about 55 percent, Balkars - 11.6, Russians - 25.1, Ukrainians, Ossetians, Tats, Georgians and representatives of other nationalities - 8.3 percent Capital of the Republic- the city of Nalchik. The population is about 300 thousand people. |
Flag and coat of arms of Kabardino-Balkaria |
Biography of one of the main resort centers The south of Russia and the city of military glory began in 1724, when auls of the main princes of Kabarda - Aslanbek Kaytukin, Dzhambot Tatarkhanov, Kuchuk Dzhankhotov - appeared at the foot of the mountains of the Main Caucasian Range.
Nalchik is located in a semicircle of mountains and resembles a horseshoe. Maybe that's where the name comes from? Both from Balkar and Kabardian, the word "nal" is translated as a horseshoe.
There is another version. According to historians, in the old days there was viscous, impassable mud in this place - such that horseshoes were torn off horseshoes. One way or another, today the horseshoe is on the emblem of the city, and in the place of that legendary mud - swift avenues resting on the mountains.
The main decoration of Nalchik- the park, which is rightfully considered one of the best in Russia and the largest in Europe. The shady alleys of the park merge with the surrounding forests. There are 156 species of trees and shrubs in the park, including rare and even relict ones. Such, for example, as Gingko Biloba.
Speaking of Gingko: in the German city of Weimar there is a museum whose employees keep a register of all the miracle trees preserved on Earth. Nalchik copies are also listed in this "red book".
NATURE
Pearl of the Republic- two-peak Elbrus, reaching into the sky at its highest point at 5642 meters. It is not surprising that the image of its snow-capped peaks adorns the flag and coat of arms of Kabardino-Balkaria.
In addition, it emphasizes the long-term connection between two close peoples, Kabardians and Balkars. But the Creator, when he created this land, as if Elbrus alone was not enough.
Within the republic there are five more mountain giants, whose height is more than 5000 meters: Dykh-Tau, Koshtan-Tau, Shkhara, Dzhangi-tau, Pushkin Peak.
Sparkling glaciers, picturesque gorges, noisy waterfalls, emerald lakes - Kabardino-Balkaria has everything to fall in love with these places for life.
LANGUAGE
Kabardino-Balkaria says in three state languages: Russian, Kabardian and Balkar.
The Kabardian language belongs to the Abkhaz-Adyghe group of Caucasian languages. Writing in this language was created after the October Revolution. The literary language arose on the basis of the Bolshaya Kabarda dialect.
The Balkar language belongs to the northwestern branch of the Turkic languages. He kept the ancient Turkic roots clean - with his help, orientalists explore the ancient written languages of the Turkic system. It received its modern name in the 1950s - until that time it was called Mountain Tatar, Mountain Turkic, Tatar Jagatai.
At the celebration of the 450th anniversary of joining Russia. Nalchik, September 2007
RELIGION
Sunni Islam- Islam in the republic is practiced by about 75% of the population. Islam came to the territory of the republic in the XIV century - it is known that the Kabardian and Adyghe princes swore allegiance to the Russian prince "according to their faith and Muslim law." From the first half of the 19th century, Islam became the dominant religion of the Kabardians and Balkars. In addition to Islam, Christianity is represented in the republic, as well as Judaism. There are also representatives of other faiths.
TRADITIONS
Hospitality. Kabardino-Balkaria, like other Caucasian republics, is distinguished by hospitality. In the house of every highlander, the traveler will be fed and warmed. However, the treat is not the same for everyone. For example, instead of the national drink, booze, women will be served sweet tea. Men are the opposite. National halva is not prepared for a random guest, but it will certainly be put on the table if the visit was known in advance.
Wedding. The groom leaving for the bride is seen off with an evening feast, to which the whole village gathers. The procession with the bride along the way is met by friends and relatives of the groom - in the field they arrange a feast, raise toasts, dance. After that, the guests are escorted into the house and walk until the morning. The rider, who manages to get into the bride's room on horseback, is treated to a large bowl of buza, lakum, and meat. The most authoritative woman of the family smears her daughter-in-law's lips with honey and butter so that the new family will be just as sweet and pleasant for her.
PRIDE
KITCHEN
Buza(makhsima) is a low-alcohol, ancient and most popular drink in the republic. Usually made from corn or millet flour, sugar or honey, barley malt. Brewed for a wedding, on the occasion of big holidays and ritual events.
lacums- soft and airy dough product. Each housewife has her own recipe, which, as a rule, is not disclosed.
Halva- a favorite delicacy of Kabardians and Balkars. Not everyone can cook real halva. Often, a special craftswoman, who is famous for cooking halva, is specially invited to a family where a big feast is planned.
Khychiny- a dish of Balkarian cuisine, the thinnest pies made of unleavened dough with all kinds of fillings: potatoes with cheese, cottage cheese, fresh mint, meat. To visit the republic and not try khychins means not to learn anything about these places.
Recipes for khychins and lakums can also be found in our magazine in the section
("A feast with a mountain - two-headed").
The business card was made by Alexander Lastin.
Photo: Sergey Klimov, Zhanna Shogenova.
yu Balkars in Kyrgyzstan, BalkarsTotal: Up to 900 thousand (2015, estimate)
Russia, Russia:
112,924 (Census 2010)
- Kabardino-Balkaria Kabardino-Balkaria:
108,577 (Census 2010) - Stavropol Territory Stavropol Territory:
883 (Census 2010) - Moscow Moscow:
666 (Census 2010) - Karachay-Cherkessia Karachay-Cherkessia:
418 (Census 2010)
- Kabardino-Balkaria Kabardino-Balkaria:
Kazakhstan Kazakhstan:
5,000 (Census 2009)
Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyzstan:
1,512 (Census 1999)
Turkey Turkey:
40,000 (2010, estimate)
USA USA:
3,542 (Census 2010)
Ukraine Ukraine:
2100 (2010)
Balkarians(Karach-Balk. Alanla) - a Turkic-speaking people living in the central part of the North Caucasus, inhabiting its mountainous and foothill (Balkaria) regions in the upper reaches of the rivers Baksan, Chegem, Khaznidon, Cherek-Balkar (Malkars), Cherek-Bezengievsky (Bezengi, holamtsy).
Karachay-Balkarians and Nogais in the territories of the KChR and KBR
They belong to the Caucasian anthropological type of a large Caucasian race. They speak the Karachay-Balkarian language of the Turkic family. Dialect differences are minor.
- 1 Population
- 2 Ethnogenesis
- 3 Geography of settlement
- 4 History
- 5 Traditional activities
- 6 Dwellings and settlements
- 7 Traditional clothing
- 8 Traditional food
- 9 Family and traditions
- 10 Religion
- 11 Some Famous Balkars
- 12 Photo gallery
- 13 Notes
- 14 Literature
- 15 Links
population
Share by district for 2010 census:
The number in Russia is 112.9 thousand people (2010), of which 108.6 in Kabardino-Balkaria, which is 12.7% of the population of the republic.
A certain number of Balkars live in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan (4-5 thousand people, 2008, estimate), where they ended up as a result of Stalin's deportation.
They also live in Turkey, Syria, Egypt, European countries and America, where they are the descendants of the Muhajirs who left the North Caucasus in the 19th century, and are inseparable from the Karachais.
The total number is about 150 thousand people. (2010, estimate).
Ethnogenesis
The Balkars were formed from a mixture of indigenous North Caucasian tribes and Alans
Presumably, the name of the people (ethnonym) "Balkarians" comes from the Russian version of the name "Malkars" (inhabitants of the Malkar gorge). The Russians met the first Balkars there.
After the Mongol invasion (13th century), the ancestors of the Balkars were driven back to the mountain gorges of the Central Caucasus, where they then formed 5 large "societies" (Balkar (Malkar), Kholam, Bezengi, Chegem and Urusbiev). The cities were destroyed by the Mongols and were practically beyond repair. In the middle of the 18th century, the Balkars survived the invasion of the plague with great human losses. Due to the high population density, the disease spread rapidly and destroyed 2/3 of the population restored after the Mongol invasion. In the 2nd half of the 19th century. part of the Balkars again moved to the foothill areas.
Settlement geography
The Balkars are one of the most mountainous peoples of the Caucasus. They occupy the gorges and foothills of the Central Caucasus along the valleys of the rivers Malka, Baksan, Chegem, Cherek and their tributaries. The territory of Balkaria is rich in mountain ranges, forests, fertile valleys and alpine meadows.
Story
Elbrus is the highest peak of the Caucasus, Russia and Europe; his stylized image is present on the national flag of the Balkar people. Caucasus in the middle of the XI century. Caucasus in 1213The Balkar people formed on the territory of the Central Caucasus as a result of a long historical development of three fundamental ethnic components:
a) the descendants of the most ancient autochthonous-Caucasian population of the Copper-Stone, Bronze and Early Iron Ages of the 4th-1st millennium BC. e. (especially the tribes of the Koban culture of the XII-IV centuries BC);
b) Alans-Ases (II-I centuries BC - XIII century AD);
c) Bulgars (I millennium AD) and Cumans-Kipchaks and/or Cumans (XI-XIV).
The mixed nature of the ethnogenesis of the Balkars is manifested in the variety of ethnic names traditionally associated with them and in the features of their material and spiritual culture. The first mention of the ethnonym "Balkar" is contained in the author of the 4th century. Mar Abas Katina in connection with the events of an older period (his information is preserved in the “History of Armenia” by Movses Khorenatsi, V century), as well as in the Latin “Anonymous Chronograph” of 354, the chronicle of Z. Ritor (VI century), “ Armenian Geography” by A. Shirakatsi (7th century). In Russian documents, the earliest references to the Balkars date back to 1629. Georgian sources of the XIV-XVIII centuries. The Balkars are known under the name "Basians". The Ossetians called them Ases (æsson, asiag), the Svans called them “sauars” or “highlanders”, the Kabardians called them “kushkhe” (highlanders). Among the Balkars and Karachais, the ethnonym "Alan" is also preserved as an everyday address to each other.
Since ancient times, the Balkars have had versatile economic, political and cultural ties with their neighbors, especially with the Kabardians, Ossetians-Digorians, Svans, Georgians-Rachins, and others, who maintain kinship, atalic and Kunaic relations with them. Not later than the beginning of the 17th century. relations with Russia began to be established. 1628-1629 representatives of the Russian Tsardom were interested in the possibility of developing silver ores in Balkaria. On the way to Georgia and back, the Moscow ambassadors Yelchin and Zakharyev were warmly welcomed and traded in the Baksan Gorge (1639-1640), and Tolochanov with Ievlev (1651) and Zhidovin with Poroshin (1655) - in Chereksky. In 1736, the Kizlyar nobleman Tuzov visited the inhabitants of Upper Chegem with a Cossack from the Don and described some features of their life and beliefs. On the other hand, the Balkar uzden ("nobleman") Kaspulat stayed in 1643 in the Russian city of Terki. And in 1657, Taubiy (“mountain prince”) Aidabolov, together with the embassy of the Kakhetian king Teimuraz I and representatives of other mountain communities of the Central Caucasus, went to Moscow, where he was received in the Faceted Chamber, generously endowed with sables by Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich and stayed for about a year.
The Balkars officially became part of Russia in 1827, when a delegation from all their societies filed a petition in Stavropol for acceptance into Russian citizenship on the condition that they retain their estate structure, ancient customs, the Sharia court, and the Muslim religion. This act, which was one of the most abrupt turning points in the historical development of the Balkars, significantly expanded and enriched their relationship with the outside world. They began to give their amanats to Russian fortresses, served in the tsarist army, participated in the Russian-Turkish (1877-1878), Russian-Japanese (1904-1905) and World War I (1914-1920) wars, in the revolutionary movements of 1905-1907 and 1917
A certain scientific interest in the geography, history and culture of Balkaria noticeably revived at the end of the 18th-19th centuries. (Guldenshtedt, Reineggs, Pallas, Potocki, Klaproth). But such an interest in it from European, Russian, and other researchers and travelers increased incomparably more actively in the 30s. XIX - 10s XX centuries, that is, after the entry of Balkaria into Russia (Bosse, Shakhovskoy, Blaramberg, Firkovich, the Naryshkin brothers, Karaulov, Prele, Teptsov, Baranov, Dolbezhev, Zichy, Vyrubov, composer Taneyev, geographer Dinnik, anthropologist Chekhovich, etc.) . After the reforms of 1867, new bridges and wheel roads were built in the mountains; for the first time in the Elbrus region, Taubiy I. Urusbiev built a special house for visitors; foreign and Russian representatives of science and culture, tourists and climbers often visited him (Miller and Kovalevsky, Taneyev, Murr, Tukker, Anisimov, Tulchinsky, Pastukhov, Abikh, etc.). In 1860, an elementary Gorskaya school was opened in Nalchik, which was transformed in 1909 into a general education real school, where Balkars studied together with Russians, Kabardians, and others. Later, elementary schools were opened in the Balkar villages of Kashkhatau and Chegem (1902), Urusbievo and Khasaut ( 1913). Some Balkars from the privileged classes were educated in educational institutions in Vladikavkaz, Tbilisi, Stavropol, Moscow, and St. Petersburg. All this contributed to the fact that in the second half of the XIX - early XX centuries. among the Balkars, a national intelligentsia began to form, which carried out significant cultural and educational work (publicist-historian M. Abaev and lawyer B. Shakhanov, connoisseurs and collectors of folklore M., I., N. and S. Urusbiev, violinist S. Abaev, doctors A Shakhanov and I. Abaev, teachers F. Shakmanova, Y. Dzhaboev and E. Chechenov, public figure I. Balkarukov, poet - the founder of Balkar literature K. Mechiev).
Balkar princes Zhankhots and Aidabols
The Balkars developed forms of feudalism, quite developed for high mountain conditions, with deep social and property differentiation and a multi-stage class hierarchy. At the same time, certain patriarchal-clan remnants were also steadily preserved. The highest social stratum is the taubii ("mountain princes"). These included: the Abaevs, Aidabolovs, Zhankhotovs, Shakhanovs and Misakovs - in the Malkar society, the Barazbievs, Kuchukovs, Balkarukovs and Kelemetovs - in the Chegemsky, the Shakmanovs - in the Kholamsky, the Syuyunchevs - in the Bezengievsky, the Urusbievs - in the Baksansky. Those born from an unequal marriage with taubia were called "chanka". The next privileged step was occupied by the uzdens (“nobles”), that is, the owners - the feudal lords, who were in a certain tributary, military service and other dependence on the Taubi. Below were the karakishi (“black people”) - the taxable Taubi, officially released as a result of the reforms of 1867. Next came the Azats - “freedmen”, who were considered personally free, but actually became dependent on representatives of the upper classes due to the use of their lands. Even lower were the chagars - "serfs", who enjoyed some rights and land allotments. The last step was occupied by the Cossacks or kasags (“rootless”, “homeless”) and karaauashi (“black-headed”) - absolutely powerless yard serfs and serfs who were in the position of slaves.
Relationships between different classes were strictly regulated and, as a rule, in the interests of higher social groups. If the Taubi arranged weddings, funerals, etc., then the Uzdens, Karakish, and others were forced to bear certain expenses, present gifts, provide services and honors.
In matters of blood feud, theft and other conflict situations, the guilty taubii, in comparison with the rest, were punished incomparably milder or were not held accountable at all - the right of feudal immunity worked. Marriages, as a rule, were closed class. With all that, many court cases, disputes and conflicts between communities with neighboring peoples, issues of war and peace, etc. were resolved at the people's forums - Tera, in which different classes participated. In special cases, they also performed legislative functions. each village or society had its own Tera, headed by a taubiy - oliy. If necessary, forums of several or even all Balkar societies could be convened, which were headed by the most influential taubi - the "supreme oliy". On certain controversial issues, Tera Balkaria was also sometimes approached from Karachay, Ossetia, and others.
A radical change in the life of the Balkars occurred as a result of the revolution of 1917. Their history since that period has many dramatic pages, but there have also been very significant achievements. After the February Revolution, the Nalchik Executive Committee, which supported the Provisional Government of Russia, included Taubi I. Urusbiev, B. Shakhanov, T. Shakmanov. On the other hand, many leaders who fought in the Civil War for Soviet power emerged from among the Balkars (M. Eneev, S.-Kh. Kalabekov, Yu. Nastuev, A. Gemuev, Kh. Asanov, K. Ulbashev, and others). At the II Congress of the Peoples of the North Caucasus (Pyatigorsk, 1918), which proclaimed the establishment of Soviet power in the region and the formation of the Terek People's Republic, the delegates of Kabarda and Balkaria acted as a single faction. 1922 the Kabardino-Balkarian Autonomous Region (KBAO) was created; in 1936 it was transformed into an autonomous republic (KBASSR). Territories with a numerical predominance of the Balkars were separated into separate districts - Chereksky, Chegemsky, Kholam-Bezengievsky, Elbrussky. The number of villages with a modern street layout, with new-type houses and household plots, with shops, clubs and schools, grew; in some of them electricity and radio appeared. Since 1940, the Tyrnyauz tungsten-molybdenum plant began to work in the Baksan Gorge.
The foundations of the centuries-old way of life of the Balkars began to change dramatically as a result of the collectivization of agriculture, which, due to the specifics of the mountainous conditions, was completed only in 1937. Criminal excesses in collectivization caused stubborn resistance from the peasants (performance in the Chegem Gorge in 1930).
From the beginning of the 20s. radical measures were taken to eliminate illiteracy and spread a new culture. Books and a newspaper began to appear in the Balkar language. 20-30s in Nalchik, the number of cultural, educational, educational and scientific institutions increased unusually quickly, where many Balkars were educated. They also studied in Moscow, Leningrad, Rostov-on-Don and others.
In the 30s. the work of the poet K. Mechiev continued, new names of poets and writers appeared (S. Shakhmurzaev, K. Kuliev, K. Otarov, O. Etezov, Kh. Katsiev, etc.). In 1934, the Writers' Union of Kabardino-Balkaria was created, in 1940 - the Balkarian Drama Theater.
Very significant achievements in the socio-economic and cultural development of the Balkars were irreparably damaged by mass repressions in the late 1920s and 1930s. in relation to the peasantry (especially in connection with collectivization), party and Soviet workers (Kh. Zokaev, K. Ulbashev, K. Chechenov), writers (A. Ulbashev, Kh. Temmoev, S. Otarov), and many other years of the war the Balkars were subjected to unprecedented terror.
In 1942, units of the NKVD, under the pretext of fighting banditry, shot hundreds of civilians in the Cherek Gorge - the elderly, women, children, burned several villages (Sautu, Glashevo, etc.).
On March 8, 1944, on a false accusation of complicity with the Nazi troops, the entire Balkar people were completely forcibly resettled (deported) from their places of permanent residence to Central Asia and Kazakhstan. In place of the Balkars, as well as other deported peoples, they were settled scattered for quick assimilation among the local population. Meanwhile, thousands of Balkars (more than 16,000 out of a total of 42,500, that is, more than 1/3 of the people) fought on the fronts of the Great Patriotic War as part of the 115 Kabardino-Balkarian cavalry division, partisan detachments of the KBASSR, Belarus and Ukraine, in the ranks of the anti-fascist resistance of Europe. Almost all of them were awarded orders and medals, although after the genocide of the Balkar people in 1944 they were clearly limited in receiving officer ranks and awards. On the basis of Decrees of the supreme authorities of the USSR of 1956, 1957. and other documents of repression against the Balkars were recognized as erroneous and illegal. On March 28, 1957, the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR adopted a Resolution on the restoration of the statehood of the Balkars and the return of the former name of the republic - Kabardino-Balkaria, and the Balkars were allowed to return to their former place of residence. The issue of deportation is central in the recent history of the Balkar people. The legal and historical aspects of this phenomenon are carefully studied from a scientific point of view.
Traditional activities
The leading branch of the traditional economy is pasture cattle breeding (sheep, as well as cattle, goats, horses, and pigs until the end of the 18th century). They were also engaged in mountain terraced plow farming (barley, wheat, oats, and from the end of the 19th century, potatoes and garden crops). Home trades and crafts - dressing of felts, cloaks, cloths, leather and wood processing, salt production, sulfur and lead mining, gunpowder and bullets manufacturing. Beekeeping and hunting were of great importance. post-reform period, the dairy industry began to develop.
Dwellings and settlements
Land tightness, constant readiness to defend one's territory, deep social differences and contradictions in Balkaria were clearly reflected in the features of the layout and topography of settlements, defensive and burial structures.
In the most populous society of Malkar, as well as Holam and Bezengi, the villages were often located on the slopes of the mountains, very crowded and terraced, had narrow passages instead of streets. Chegem and Baksan, their layout was more free.
Water pipes from ceramic pipes and gutters were brought to villages and irrigated areas from afar (sometimes for 10-12 km), in places using support pillars (Malkar, Kholam, Chegem).
In many villages and other places convenient for protecting gorges, defensive residential complexes and towers were built (castles of the Dzhaboevs, Kurnoyatsky, Zilgiysky, towers of the Balkarukovs, Abaevs, Malkar, Amirkhan, Baksanuk, Ak-kala, etc.).
In the same place, near the burial places of ordinary community members in ordinary earth graves and stone boxes, monumental ground-based crypts-mausoleums (keshene) were built for the nobility from well-worked stones.
A certain physical and military training of young people was carried out, including in special camps of the Taubi (“Basiat-kosh”).
traditional clothing
Traditional clothing of the North Caucasian type. For men - undershirt, pants, sheepskin shirts, beshmet, chekmen, belted with a narrow belt belt, on which weapons hung; fur coats, cloaks, papakhas, hoods, felt hats, leather, felt, morocco shoes, leggings.
Women wore tunic shirts, wide trousers, a caftan, a long swinging dress, a belt, sheepskin coats, shawls, scarves, scarves, hats, and various jewelry. The festive dress was decorated with galloon, gold or silver embroidery, braid, and patterned braid.
traditional food
The basis of nutrition is meat, dairy and vegetable. Traditional dishes are boiled and fried meat, dried sausage made from raw meat and fat (kyyma), “sausage” made from fat, liver and rice (sokhta), fermented milk (airan), kefir (gypy ayran), yogurt (zhuhurt ayran), different types of cheese. Of the flour dishes, unleavened cakes (gyrzhyn) and pies (khychyn) with various fillings, fried or baked, soups with meat broth (shorpa) are popular, among the delicacies there are various versions of halva. Drinks: dairy - kefir and ayran, festive - bose and beer (cheese), everyday - tea from the Caucasian rhododendron.
Family and traditions
The family is predominantly small, marriages are exogamous. Restrictions must be respected. family life is characterized by patriarchal traditions, various prohibitions - avoidance. Ancient customs were widespread: blood feud, twinning, kunachestvo, atalychestvo, hospitality, etc.
In folk life, great importance is attached to etiquette. Characterized by calendar and other holidays, paramilitary sports games. Folklore is diverse - the Nart epic, ritual, labor, heroic and other songs, good wishes, and so on.
Religion
The process of Islamization of the Balkars began in the 17th century, but as early as the 19th century. their beliefs were a complex synthesis of Christianity, Islam and pre-Christian traditions (faith in Teyri). Faith in magic, sacred trees, stones, patron deities was preserved. Currently, most Balkars are classified as Sunni Muslims, but there are also people who profess traditional beliefs.
Some famous Balkars
- Abaev, Sultanbek Aslanbekovich (1845-1888) - an outstanding violinist, the first Balkar professional musician, educator, public figure.
- Akkaev, Khadzhimurat Magomedovich - Russian weightlifter, silver medalist of the 2004 Summer Olympics, bronze medalist of the 2008 Summer Olympics, World Champion 2011.
- Baysultanov, Alim Yusufovich (1919-1943) - pilot of naval aviation, Hero of the Soviet Union.
- Zalikhanov, Mikhail Chokkaevich - Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Hero of Socialist Labor, Deputy of the State Duma of the fifth convocation, Chairman of the Supreme Ecological Council of the Russian Parliament, Head of the Center for Sustainable Development, Scientific Director of the Alpine Geophysical Institute, President of the Mountaineering and Mountain Tourism Federation of Kabardino-Balkaria.
- Kuliev Kaysyn Shuvaevich (1917-1985) - the great Balkar poet, laureate of the Lenin and State Prizes of the USSR and the RSFSR. Member of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.
- Mechiev, Kazim Bekkievich (1859-1945) - patriarch of Balkar poetry, philosopher and humanist.
- Ulbashev, Mutai Ismailovich (1923-2005) - choreographer, choreographer, Honored Artist of the KBR, People's Artist of the Russian Federation, People's Artist of the Chechen-Ingush Republic, former head of the Kabardinka and Balkaria ensemble.
- Ummaev, Mukhazhir Magometgerievich (1922-1948) - military commander, one of the first liberators of Odessa, Hero of the Soviet Union.
- Eneev, Magomed Alievich (1897-1928) - a Balkarian communist, an active participant in the construction of Soviet power in the North Caucasus.
- Eneev, Timur Magometovich - Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Soviet and Russian scientist, author of fundamental works in the field of theoretical and applied astronautics and cosmogony. Winner of the Lenin and Demidov Prizes.
Photo gallery
- Balkar women in national costumes (early 20th century)
- Balkars from the privileged class, Chegem society (XIX century)
- Balkarka from the privileged class, Malkar society (XIX century)
- Balkar family. Ismail Urusbiev with his wife and daughters (XIX century)
- Elders of the Urusbiev family, Baksan Society (late 19th century)
- Enlightener A. Shakhanov, Major General of Medicine (XIX century)
- Alim Baysultanov (1919-1943), Hero of the Soviet Union.
Notes
- 1 2 3 4 5 Final results of the 2010 All-Russian Population Census
- Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan on statistics. Census 2009. (National composition of the population.rar)
- According to the 1989 census, there were 2,967 Balkars in Kazakhstan (All-Union population census of 1989. National composition of the population in the republics of the USSR // Demoscope Weekly)
- Demographic Trends, Nation Formation and Interethnic Relations in Kyrgyzstan
- According to the 1989 census, there were 2,131 Balkars in Kyrgyzstan (All-Union population census of 1989. National composition of the population in the republics of the USSR // Demoscope Weekly)
- The figure is given for Karachays and Balkars together.
- Kipkeeva Z. B. "Karachay-Balkar Diaspora in Turkey"
- Borlakova F.A. Karachay-Balkar diaspora in the USA // Scientific problems of humanitarian research. - 2008. - No. 15. - S. 9-15.
- "Somatologically, Karachays and Balkars belong to the Caucasian race of the North Caucasian populations"
A small republic, not only by the standards of Russia, but even relative to the Greater Caucasus - Kabardino-Balkaria. The religion of this region differs from the generally accepted one in the country, but this is not what the republic is famous for all over the world. It is here that the highest mountains of Europe are located.
Story
Balkaria and Kabarda were completely separate regions until 1922. Kabarda became a part of the Russian Empire in 1557, while Balkaria - only in 1827. Officially, these territories were ceded to our state in 1774 under the Kyuchuk-Kainarji Treaty.
Kabarda and our country have always been on friendly terms, they became especially close after Ivan the Terrible married the daughter of the Prince of Kabarda, Temryuk Idarov. In 1561, Goshane became the wife of the Russian ruler, taking the name Maria after baptism. Her brothers went to serve the tsar, founding the family of the Cherkassky princes, who gave Russia many politicians and famous commanders.
In 1944, "thanks" to Stalin, the Balkars were deported. More than 37 thousand people were sent to Central Asia by 14 echelons, including both babies and ancient old people. Their only fault was that they were born Balkars. 562 people died on the road. At the end point of the path for people, carefully guarded barracks were set up. For 13 years people actually lived in camps. Leaving without permission was equivalent to running away and was a criminal offence. The story seemed to be interrupted at this point, since even only the Kabardians were allowed to remain in the name. Fortunately, in 1957 the Balkars were rehabilitated and the former name was returned to the republic.
Since ancient times, the Kabardians lived on the plains, while the Balkars lived in the mountains. To this day, the situation remains virtually unchanged: the vast majority of villages in the mountains belong to the Balkars. However, gradually the highlanders descend into the flat part of the republic. In addition to these two peoples, the republic is inhabited by about ten more nationalities, including Russians.
Republic
First of all, Kabardino-Balkaria, whose religion is an important part of the culture, is known for its highest mountains: most of the world-famous five-thousanders are located on its territory.
The relief rises as you move south - the northern plains gradually rise and bring the traveler to the main Caucasian ridge. It is here, next to Karachay-Cherkessia, that Mingi-Tau rises, known to most under the name Elbrus.
Kabardino-Balkaria, whose religion and language are inextricably linked with the beginning of the history of these peoples, is in no hurry to urbanize. On the territory of the republic there are only 8 cities that remain true to the precepts of antiquity. The rest of the population does live in villages and auls located high in the mountains, on the banks of rivers or in gorges. The largest gorges are very different both in natural conditions and in the degree of development. So, it is a famous route for tourists to Cheget and Elbrus. Whereas Khulamo-Bezengiyskoye still remains an underdeveloped area, accessible only to hikers and climbers. To this day, two things remain common to all gorges: stunning, incredible beauty and sheep.
Kabardino-Balkaria, whose religion forbids the consumption of pork, is focused on raising sheep. Even where human habitation is not visible to the very horizon, flocks roam. As soon as the thunder rumbles, frightening the animals with its booming rifts, in the piercing silence, no less piercing cries of sheep are heard. This makes an incredible impression - the roll call of the elements, the panicked voices of nature. Slightly less popular in the republic are cows. These animals are not afraid of anything and, with any disturbances of nature, they still slowly move along the roads, phlegmatically working with their jaws.
High in the mountains, with great luck, you can see the real symbol of the Caucasus - mountain tours: in the early morning, these animals make their way along mountain paths to grazing places.
The origin of Kabardino-Balkaria suggests a large number of mountain villages, where life has remained unchanged for many centuries. However, after the deportation, despite the subsequent rehabilitation, people were not allowed to return to their homes. This explains the ruins of the villages, through which only the wind walks today.
However, there are still authentic villages in the republic. Even today, everything is happening here in the same way as hundreds of years before: in the central part of the settlement, elders gather to discuss matters or have a leisurely conversation. Children run along the streets, women bake khychins, knit socks. In the most natural way, centuries-old traditions and everyday life are combined here.
Religion
Over the years, Kabardino-Balkaria has become more and more religious. Religion has a positive effect on all areas of the life of the population: for example, there are no drunk or homeless locals. A woman who smokes in rural areas will not only cause bewilderment, but will also wait for comments from the residents. Long skirts and headscarves are worn by most women. In the cities, however, young people are increasingly neglecting these conventions, however, you will not see revealing clothes on the locals either. When traveling to Kabardino-Balkaria, you should take these features into account and do not take overly tight outfits or extreme minis with you.
customs
A clear difference between both Balkars and Kabardians from Russians is their incredible hospitality. They are able to invite someone with whom they barely had time to meet. According to tradition, neither the children nor the hostess sit at the table with the guest and men. They watch from the sidelines, waiting for the moment when their help may be needed. In the cities this tradition is almost forgotten, but in the villages it is firmly adhered to. It will not work to seat the hostess with you, so just thank her for her hospitality.
In the Caucasus, it is considered extremely impolite to interrupt an interlocutor, but it is simply impossible to interrupt a person older than you in age.
What is the Republic known for?
You can come to the republic all year round: there will always be entertainment for the season. Of course, in winter, in the first place, rest in ski resorts and climbing to the peaks. However, this is not only a winter holiday - there is always snow on Cheget and Elbrus, you just need to climb higher.
In the warm season, mineral waters, mud, climatic resorts, hot springs and pine forests with their healing air are popular in Kabardino-Balkaria. In addition, lovers of hiking, horseback riding, and mountaineering come here.
Transport
It is easy to get to large cities, as well as to tourist places. Let infrequently, but regularly, buses run from Nalchik to all the gorges. It is easy to get to any of the resorts by taxi. However, traveling through the passes is possible only on very passable vehicles. A passenger car will be able to move only in the Baksan Gorge.
Trains can take you to Terek, Nalchik, Maisky and Prokhladny. In the main territory of the republic, the laying of railway tracks is not available due to the peculiarities of the relief.
Kitchen
Many types of cheeses, a variety of milk products, the active consumption of vegetables - this is all Kabardino-Balkaria. Islam is a religion that excludes the use of pork, so lamb is most often eaten. Residents prefer to drink ayran - a fermented milk product. Wine is sold only in tourist places, despite the fact that for most the Caucasus is associated with homemade wine.
Souvenirs
A lot of knitted things can offer Kabardino-Balkaria. Religion (what? Of course, Islam) makes it possible to eat lamb, but these animals are also famous for their wool, from which women knit beautiful and warm clothes.
Very popular among tourists are ceramics, which exactly repeat the archaeological finds. Chasing, chain mail, bronze and leather items - this is what travelers in the Elbrus region buy with pleasure.
Can you call an entire country cool? Is it fair to say that one nation is cooler than another? asks CNN. Given that most countries have killers, tyrants, and reality TV stars, the answer is a resounding yes, and CNN has taken it upon itself to answer its own question.
To sort the cool from the less fortunate, we've put together this list of the most stylish people on the planet. Not an easy task when dealing with almost 250 candidates. The main problem, of course, is that every nationality in the world thinks they are the coolest - with the exception of Canadians, who are too self-deprecating for this kind of thing.
Ask a man from Kyrgyzstan what kind of people are the coolest in the world, and he will say “Kyrgyz”. Who knows (seriously, who would know?), he might be right. Ask a Norwegian and he will finish chewing a piece of Thai green curry thoroughly, take a sip of Thai Singha beer, look thoughtfully at the Thai resort of Phuket and the sun that escapes his country for 10 months a year, and then mutter softly with some suicidal lack of conviction: "Norwegians".
It is not an easy task to determine who is cooler. Italians because some of them wear tight-fitting designer suits? Are Russians not cool because some wear outdated tracksuits and wrestling hairstyles?
Are the Swiss too neutral to be cool?
So, let's take a look at which nations are recognized as cool by CNN.
10. Chinese
Not the most obvious choice, but with a population of over one billion, statistically China should have its fair share of tough people. Also, it's smart to include the Chinese in any list, for example, because if we didn't, China's resourceful hackers would just break into the site and add themselves anyway.
Not to mention the fact that they managed to accumulate most of the world's currency.
Cool Icon: Brother Sharp is a homeless man whose appearance unwittingly made him feel internet fashion.
Not so cool: the concept of personal integrity is still largely unknown in the Middle Kingdom.
9. Botswana
Despite tax evader Wesley Snipes and Angelina Jolie's exciting adventures in Namibia, neighboring Botswana takes the crown of the cool from this country.
Even animals are relaxed in Botswana. The country, which has the highest population in Africa, prefers not to care for wild animals like some other safari countries.
Cool Icon: Mpul Quelagobe. Crowned Miss Universe 1999, Quelagobe is truly committed to "making the world a better place" and is a relentless campaigner for HIV/AIDS awareness.
Not so great: Botswana is the leader in the spread of HIV/AIDS in the world.
8. Japanese
We obviously will not talk about the salaries of the Japanese, their jobs and karaoke, where each of them introduces himself as Elvis. The Japanese torch of cool is brazenly held in their hands by Japanese teenagers, whose whims and twisted modern consumerism, fashion and technology often dictate what the rest of the world (we mean you, Lady Gaga) will wear.
Cool icon: Former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi may have been the coolest world leader, but former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama is our choice. Forget teenagers, this man knows style, especially when it comes to shirts.
Not so great: Japan's population is rapidly aging. The future is very grey.
7. Spaniards
For what? Thanks to the sun, sea, sand, siesta and sangria, Spain is cool. Spaniards don't even start the party until most other countries are in bed.
Too bad it's time for everyone to go home.
Cool icon: Javier Bardem. Antonio Banderas and Penelope Cruz.
Not so great: we still remember the failure of the Spanish basketball team in China in 2008.
6. Koreans
Always ready to drink, refusing to participate in endless rounds of soju drinking is a personal affront in Seoul. By saying “one shot!”, you can make friends with Koreans and become the best buddies in the world. Koreans are the leaders of almost all current trends in music, fashion, cinema. They dominate and have earned the right to show off a bit when that “one shot!” turns into 10 or 20.
Cool Icon: Park Chan-wook has achieved cult status among emo film actors around the world.
Not so great: Kimchi flavor.
5. Americans
What? Americans? Intimidating wars, polluting the planet, arrogant, armed Americans?
Let's leave global politics aside. Where would today's hipsters be without rock 'n' roll, classic Hollywood movies, great American novels, blue jeans, jazz, hip hop, The Sopranos and cool surfing?
Well, someone else could come up with all the same things, but the fact is that it was America who came up with it.
Cool Icon: Matthew McConaughey: Whether he's playing rom-com, stuck in astronauts and cowboys, he's still cool.
Not so cool: pre-emptive military strikes, random intrusions, predatory consumption, pathetic math estimates, and fat Walmart fruits automatically place Americans on any "most depraved" list.
4. Mongols
Here the air is filled with some mystery. These unperturbed freedom-loving souls lead a nomadic lifestyle, preferring throat singing and a yurt. Everything is fur - boots, coats, hats. It adds its splendor to the historical mysticism. Who else keeps eagles as pets?
Cool Icon: Actress Khulan Chuluun, who played the wife of Genghis Khan in the very cool movie "Mongol".
Not so cool: Yaks and dairy products at every meal.
Jamaicans are the envy of the English speaking world and have the most distinctive and recognizable hairstyle on the planet. Tourist Note: Dreadlocks only look cool on Jamaicans.
Cool Icon: Usain Bolt. The fastest man and nine-time Olympic champion.
Not so great: a high homicide rate and widespread homophobia.
2. Singaporeans
Just think: in this digital age, where blogging and updating Facebook are almost everything that interests today's youth, old school concepts have been rebooted. Geeks now inherit the Earth.
With its absurdly computer-literate population, Singapore is a geek hub and its residents can claim their rightful place as avatars of modern cool. Now they're probably all tweeting about it.
Cool Icon: Lim Ding Wen. This child prodigy could program in six computer languages at the age of nine. A glorious future awaits him.
Not so great: with everyone addicted to computers, the local government is actually encouraging Singaporeans to have sex.
1. Brazilians
Without Brazilians, we wouldn't have samba and Rio carnival. We wouldn't have Pele and Ronaldo, we wouldn't have tiny swimsuits and tanned bodies on Copacabana beach.
They don't use their sexy reputation as a cover to exterminate dolphins or invade Poland, so we have no choice but to call Brazilians the coolest people on the planet.
So, if you're Brazilian and you're reading this, congratulations! Although, since you're sitting at your computer and not showing off your abs on the beach, you probably don't feel cool.
Cool Icon: Seu Jorge. Thanks to Bowie's Portuguese, you want Ziggy Stardust to be from Brazil, not from outer space.
Not so cool: Mmmmm, Brazilian meat and cocoa are delicious, but the destruction of vast tracts of rainforest by agriculture leaves a bitter aftertaste.
