#siberian tatars

[nonrussian]

Tatars.Minusinsky District. 1897 Татары. Минусинский район. 1897

from Baye, Joseph. De Penza à Minoussinsk

[thenuclearmallard]

Otyken - Lord of Honey

[fabienneaudeoud]

[rinzdets]

fuck it it's fallout vipers but they're inspired by northeast asia shamanism time

[ratuszarsenal]

South-Eastern Poland, December, 1662 - three teenage girls of different faiths form a short-lived but memorable travel friendship

(from the left: a Tatar mercenary's sister, an Arian refugee and the daughter of a travelling Karaite Hakham. history notes under the cut)

the Arians, or Socinians, or as they called themselves, the Polish Brethren, were a radical branch of protestantism that constituted one of many religious minorities of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. their doctrine rejected many foundational Calvinist doctrines (such as predestination, divine nature of Christ, the trinity, etc) and preached principles of pacifism, separation of church and state, and equality between the genders. during the 1660s, when Poland-Lithuania was under attack by protestant Sweden, Arian men were banished from the country under threat of death - in 1662, the law was expanded to include Arian women, too. the Polish Brethren would not survive as a religious movement after exile.

Karaites are an ethnic and religious group of (most likely) Semitic origin, which have formed communities in Eastern Europe as far back as the 10th century. the Karaite faith split from Rabbinic Judaism probably around the 1st century bc. Karaims don't recognise Oral Law as legitimately binding and spiritual leaders/scholars, called Hakhams, have more of an advisory than authoritative role. Karaite communities in the Commonwealth suffered exceptionally heavy losses in the 1650s as a result of armed conflicts. today there are around 340 Karaites living in Poland and 200 or so in Lithuania, where the Karaim language is now used for liturgy, as opposed to the traditional Hebrew. despite the Karaite people Semitic origin, the Karaim language emerged in Crimea, from the Turkic language family, being derived from the now-extinct Kipchak - Karaim shares this origin with Tatar, Siberian Tatar and Crimean Tatar.

Tatar is an umbrella term for many different ethnic groups originating from 12th century Mongolia. Tatar settlers, polytheistic as well as Muslim, first came to Lithuania in the 14th century. as they started to be an integrated ethnic & religious minority of the Commonwealth, they came to be known as Lipka Tatars. their contribution to Polish-Lithuanian history mostly has to do with warfare, in which the conflicts of the 1600s are an important episode. today, there are 10-15 thousand Lipka Tatars in Poland, Lithuania and Belarus. (speak Polish? check this out!)

[kalevalaandothers]

Seto maiden from Pskov Region and siberian tatar maiden from Tobolsk.

By Буя́ва

[folkfashion]

(Sorry for my bad English) Um, Siberian Tatars and/or (ethnic) Russians from the Urals? Thank you in advance

Hi, request taken !

[ladyimaginarium]

Indigenous History Month ask game !

What is your Indigenous identity/identities?

Are you connected, semiconnected reconnecting or disconnected to your culture?

What is your favorite indigenous character? (Canon, headcanon and OC's are okay!)

What does your indigeneity mean to you?

Where are your traditional lands?

What's something that you'd like to see for indigenous representation in media and why?

Can you speak your traditional indigenous language(s)? If so, can you say something in it?

Can you share some traditional knowledge if possible?

If you're connected, semiconnected or reconnecting, can you share a favorite traditional story of your people?

What's an unpopular opinion you have?

What's an intracommunity discussion you'd want to see be talked about more?

Do you have any pet peeves surrounding your community?

How does your indigeneity effect your queerness?

How does your indigeneity affect your plurality, if you are plural and if applicable?

What are your peoples' architecture like?

If you could share one thing with your ancestors, what would it be?

Indigenous vampires or Indigenous werewolves?

What's something you'd want nonindigenous peoples to understand?

What is your faith, if applicable?

Do you practice your traditional indigenous religion?

If you don't practice your indigenous religion, what do you practice, if applicable?

What's something that you feel the loss of with colonization?

Do you own traditional attire?

What is your favorite cultural clothing?

Do you have plant & ecological knowledge?

What's something that makes you proud of your indigeneity?

How has decolonization impacted you?

How do you show up for your community?

Who's your favorite indigenous celebrity, if applicable?

What's something you'd want to say to your future descendants, biological or otherwise?

Note: this is by Indigenous people for Indigenous peoples ONLY! While this was mostly made for Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island, it's by no means exclusive to these groups, it's not specific to one culture, but nor is it open for all POC to use. This inherently includes First Nations, Métis, Inuit, Indigenous Americans, Alaska Natives, Greenlandic Inuit / Kalaalit Nunaat, Indigenous Mexicans, Indigenous Central Americans, Indigenous peoples of Abya Ayala (South America), Afroindigenous people in the diaspora (ie Black ndns, Black Americans, Black Canadians, Black South Americans, Black Carribeans, Black Mexicans, etc), Indigenous Africans (Maasai, Somalis, Tigrayans, Xhosa, Zulu, etc), African Diasporic Asians (ie the Siddi in India), Pasifika (Native Hawaiians / Kanaka Maoli, Polynesians, Melanesians, Micronesians, etc.), Aboriginal Australians & Torres Straits Islanders, Māori, Papuans, Black Austronesian peoples, colonized people in China (ie Tibetans, Uighurs, etc), the Ainu of Ainumoshir & Ryūkyūans/Okinawans of Ryūkyū in Japan, colonized people in India, Central Asia & Southeast Asia, Indigenous Taiwanese, peoples of West Asia (Indigenous Palestinians, Jewish people predominantly in the diasporas, Armenians, Kurds, etc.), Indigenous Europeans (Sámi, Karelians, Basque, Crimean Tatars, Irish Travellers, etc.), Indigenous Siberians, Romani & mixed race indigenous peoples! Do not use these for yourselves if you're not Indigenous in any way and especially not if you're white. Zionists, Kahanists, blood quantum purists & enrollment enforcers & assimilated Indigenous peoples who have no intention of connecting to their cultures whatsoever & do not fight for indigenous sovereignty DNI with this post. Please no discourse in the notes or with each other, I want us all to be kind to each other and to have fun with each other, ty!! 💕

[octopath-archivist]

A project I’ve been working on for a while now, I’ve basically wondered what the travelers would be like if their regional cultures were pulled from all across Asia rather than Europe. Travelers and their cultures are under the cut;

Tressa: Malaysia

H’aanit: Matagi tribe of Japan

Primrose: China (I know not known for its desert but deserts are almost always Arabic and I wanted to try smth different)

Ophilia: Tatar Siberian

Therion: Kazakhstan

Alfyn: Bangladesh

Cyrus: Pakistan

Olberic: Tibetan

[aoawarfare]

The Russian Revolution and the Alash Orda

It’s 1917 and Central Asia is adjusting to a Tsarless reality. To briefly recap, because a lot has already happened and it’s about to get even more complicated:

Russian settlers created the Tashkent Soviet in the city, Tashkent. It is purely Russian managed and was created in response to indigenous organizing.

Various indigenous peoples such as the Jadids, the Ulama, and even the Alash Orda spent all year organizing different organs of government, ending 1917 with the Kokand Autonomy. This is an independent state created in Kokand, a city that neighbors Tashkent, in response to the Tashkent Soviet.

The Bukharan Emir kicked out his Jadids and relied on conservative elements in his society to strengthen his hold on power before Russia returns.

The Khiva Khanate is dependent on a warlord that is planning a coup.

Up to this point, we’ve focused on an Uzbek/Tajik Jadid perspective. Today we’ll be switching focus to the Kazakh and Kyrgyz intellectuals in the Steppe and the creation of the Alash Orda government and the Autonomous Alash state.

Alash Origins

As we discussed in our interview with Dr. Adeeb Khalid, the Muslim world was going through severe soul searching in the 1900s as they tried to understand the rise of European empires and the crumbling foundation of, not just the Ottomans, but Islamic nations in general. This was true in the Kazakh Steppe as well, although for the Kazakh intellectuals, it wasn’t just a question of how does Islam survive, but how do we define Kazakhnessand how do we ensure it survives?

The Kazakh identity crisis was sparked by the land crisis. We’ve talked about this in some of our other episodes, but starting in 1890, Russian settlers streamed into the Kazakh lands, taking important arable land that the nomadic Kazakhs relied on to survive. The Russians performed several exhibitions and surveys in the region between 1890 and 1912 and the Kazakh land grew ever smaller and smaller. Of course, this came to a head in 1916 and by 1917 the Tsar was gone, Russia was in disarray, and the Kazakh peoples had an opportunity to create their own government and address land rights.

Yet, while there was a real threat from Russian incursion, the Kazakhs also took advantage of opportunities the Russian presence offered. Many Kazakhs learned Russian and went to school in Russian run schools as well as local Kazakh schools (as opposed to the madrasa education mandated in places such as Tashkent and Bukhara), they had a long history of trading and even working with Russians, and the Kazakhs were also familiar with the Tatars and even the indigenous people of the Siberian oblast that the Russians relied on to support their colonial administration. And in an odd way the land crisis brought the Kazakhs closer to their Kyrgyz and Bashkir neighbors because they were experiencing the same problem.

This connection with Siberia seems to have provided the Kazakh intellectuals the support they needed to survive Russian persecution and take their ideas and grow it into a full-fledged movement. In fact, there is a great article by Tomohiko Uyama which details how the Russia attempts to banish important Kazakh activities such as Akhmet Baitursynov and Mirjaqip Dulatov to the outskirts of the Steppe (and sometimes in Siberia itself) allowed them to make widespread connection with other activities as well as each other and only fanned the flames of their work.

Akhmet Baitursynov described this time in Kazakh society as being caught between “two fires”: the influence of Muslim culture and the influence of Russian and Western culture. Out of this tension came the Alash, modernizing intellectuals. But even the Kazakh intellectuals couldn’t decide what was the best way to save Kazakhness, so they split into two big-picture groups: the Western-centric modernizers who were the editors for the newspaper Qazaq and the Islamic-centric modernizers who were the editors for the newspaper Aiqap. Some of the most important editors of the Qazaq newspaper was Akhmet Baitursynov, who was editor-in-chief, Alikhan Bokeikhanov, and Myrzhaqyp Dulatov, and they would go forth to become key members of the future Alash state. Some of the most important editors of the Aiqap newspaper were Mukhamedzhan Seralin, Bakhytzhan Qaratev, and Zhikhansha Seidalin.

What was the Alash platform? The two key pillars of their platform were land rights and preserving Kazakh identity.

Akhmet Baitursynov, Alikhan Bokeikhanov, and Myrzhaqyp Dulatov

[Image Description: An image of three Asian men sitting together. The man on the left has short black hair and a droppy mustache. He is wearing glasses and a white shirt, black tie, and black suit. The man in the middle has shaved black hair and a heavy mustache. He is also wearing a white shirt, black tie, and black suit. The man on the right has black hair and thin mustache. he is wearing a white shirt, a black bowtie, and a grey suit.]

Land Rights

We’ll start with land rights, because that is why really differentiates the Steppe from the rest of Central Asia. As we mentioned, the Russians were taking Kazakh land, and making land ownership dependent on one’s sedentary behavior. The Russians also published numerous pieces of propaganda belittling nomadic life. So, the Kazakhs had to determine whether to maintain their nomadic lifestyle or adopt a sedentary lifestyle.

Bokeikhanov, an editor of Qazaq newspaper, argued that the Russians wanted the Kazakh to settle down so they could give even more land (and most certainly the best land) to the Russians while giving the useless land to the Kazakhs and then blaming them for failing. Baitursynov picked up that argument and pointed out that the Kazakhs could not succeed unless they first learned how to farm, but the Russians weren’t interested in that aspect of sedentary life at all. They just pushed the Kazakhs to settle down and worry about the rest later. This could have come out of Russia’s (and the Tatar’s) lack of knowledge of the Kazakh situation but could have also been purposeful ignorance.

Bokeikhanov and Baitursynov argued for a gradual transition to sedentarization due the Steppe’s climatic conditions and lack of agricultural knowledge otherwise they would risk starvation (which Stalin proved in the 1930s). In a series of article, they argued that:

“If we ask what kind of economy is more suitable for Kazakhs-the nomadic or the sedentary-the question is incorrectly posed. A more correct question would be: what kind of economy can be practiced under the climatic conditions of the Kazakh steppe? The latter vary from area to area and mostly are not suitable for agricultural work. Only in some northern provinces do the climatic conditions make it possible to sow and reap. The Kazakhs continue wandering not because they do not want to settle down and farm or prefer nomadism as an easy form of economy. If the climatic conditions had allowed them to do so, they would have settled a long time ago.” - Gulnar Kendirbai, '"We are Children of Alash...", pg. 9

Displaying a better understanding of the science behind climate and agriculture than the Russians or the Soviets that would follow, the editors argued that the climate was the number one factor in nomadism and the Kazakhs could not become sedentary until they learned how to adjust to the demands of the land. Another article argued that sedentarism would lead to failed farming which would lead to wage work which led to great abuses and a higher chance of being converted to Christianity, so the Kazakhs must also learn handicrafts in addition to science. They described the Russian’s disinterested in their arguments as

“One may compare it with the dressing some Kazakh in European fashion and sending him to London, where he would either die or, in the absence of any knowledge and relevant experience, work like a slave. If the government is ashamed of our nomadic way of life, it should give us good lands instead of bad as well as teach us science. Only after that can the government ask Kazakhs to live in cities. If the government is not ashamed of not carrying out all the above-mentioned measures, then the Kazakhs also need not be ashamed of their nomadic way of life. The Kazakhs are wandering not for fun, but in order to graze their animals.” - Gulnar Kendirbai, '"We are Children of Alash...", pg. 10

It should be noted that the Alash did not equate nomadism with Kazakh identity. Instead, they argued that the Kazakhs (and I would argue extend that to the Kyrgyz and Bashkirs) were nomadic for a sensible and scientific reason and if the Russians were truly interested in helping the Kazakhs successfully transition to sedentarism, then they needed to provide the tools otherwise they were setting the Kazakhs up for failure.

Mukhamedzhan Seralin, an editor of the Aiqap newspaper, believed that the sooner the Kazakhs settled down the sooner they could gain a European level education and become competitive in the modern world while increasing the role of Islam in Kazakh society. He argued that:

“We are convinced that the building of settlements and cities, accompanied by a transition to agriculture based on the acceptance of lands by Kazakhs according to the norms of Russian muzhiks, will be more useful than the oppose solution. The consolidation of the Kazakh people on a unified territory will help preserve them as a nation. Otherwise, the nomadic auyls will be scattered and before long lose their fertile land. Then it will be too late for a transition to the sedentary way of life, because by this time all arable lands will have been distributed and occupied.” - Gulnar Kendirbai, '"We are Children of Alash...", pg. 10

The editors of Aiqap argued with the others on the need for greater education, various options for work, etc., but they believed that the Kazakhs could never have these things untilthey became sedentary whereas the editors of Qazap believed that the Kazakhs could not become sedentary until they had those things.

Kazakh identity

This leads to the second pillar in the Alash platform: preserving Kazakh identity.

For the Kazak intellectuals of all stripes, the second most important element of Kazakh society was education and literature. They were worried about the poor education opportunities that centered Kazakhness instead of Russianness, available to Kazakh children. Even after primary school, the Kazakh educational options were limited: either they try to get accepted into a madrassa or go to Russia for further education. The Kazakh intellectuals learned of the new teaching methods the Jadids championed via their southern neighbors as well as the Tatars in the area and used literature to encourage the Kazakh people to focus on schooling.

Akhmet Baitursynov was focused on reforming primary schools and the lack of teaching materials, especially on the Kazakh language. The Qazap newspaper was the only newspaper who wrote in pure Kazakh. Baitursynov answered their detractors as followed:

“Finally, we would like to tell our brothers preferring the literary language: we are very sorry if you do not like the simple Kazakh language of our newspaper. Newspapers are published for the people and must be close to their readers.” - Gulnar Kendirbai, '"We are Children of Alash...", pg. 19

The Kazakh intellectuals resisted the Tatar clergy’s attempts to subsume Kazakh language to the Tatar language, eventually arriving at a compromise. This pressure around language inspired Akhmet Baitursynov to reform the Kazakh language, creating spelling primers, and improving the Kazakh alphabet multiple times. This book was soon used in primary schools. He also published a textbook on the Kazakh language which studied the phonetics, morphology, and syntax of the Kazak language as well as a practical guide to the Kazakh language and a manual of Kazakh literature and literary criticism.

Meanwhile Bokeikhanov focused on creating a unified Kazakh history, believing that “History is a guide to life, pointing out the right way.” Together Bokeikhanov and Baitursynov focused on collecting Kazakh folklore, the history of their cultures and traditions, and shared world history with other Kazakhs through their newspapers. They encouraged Kazakh writers to write down their poems and stories, fearful that they would be lost if Kazakhs stuck purely to an oral tradition.

For intellectuals like Bokeikhanov and Baitursynov, Kazakhness was connected to a cultural identity as opposed to a religious identity. Bokeikhanov supported the idea of separation between religion and state and resisted the Aiqap’s call for introduction to Sharia law. Bokeikhanov believed that they should codify and record Kazakh laws, customs, and regulations to counter corruption and bribery, instead of relying on Sharia law. The Kazakh people had a different relationship to Islam than the other peoples of Central Asia (which may have been why the Russian missionaries were initially confident the Kazakhs would be easiest to convert). While the editors of Aiqap believed that sedentary life would create closer ties to Islam, the editors of the Qazap newspaper believed that Islam was a part of Kazakh society but didn’t equal Kazakh society.

1905 Russian Revolution

We’ve talked quite a bit about what the Alash stood for, but how did this translate into political action? The Kazakhs, like many other Central Asians, were initially excited about the 1905 Revolution, which created a State Duma that “welcomed” Central Asians as members for about two Dumas. When the Kazakhs could participate, they sent Alikhan Bokeikhanov and Mukhamedjan Tynyshpaev.

After the Second Duma, the Kazakhs were no longer permitted to send their own deputies, so they either had to rely on the Tatar deputies of the Muslim Faction of the Russian Duma or find support elsewhere. The Kazakh intellectuals believed that the Tatars had no real knowledge of Kazakh needs and distrusted them. So, they turned to the Russian Constitutional-Democratic Party i.e., the Kadets.

The Kadets sold themselves as an umbrella party that advocated for civil rights, cultural self-determination, and local legislation that would allow for the use of native languages at schools, local courts, administrations, and institutions. Even though the Kadets and the Alash didn’t agree on land rights, they still became allies. The tension between the two parties would not disappear, especially following the 1916 Revolt (which the Alash, like the Jadids, tried to prevent), but they also acknowledged that the Kadets were the only game in town.

1917 Russian Revolution

The 1917 Revolution changed all of that by allowing the indigenous peoples and settlers to create their own forms of government. In April 1917, they would form their own All-Kazakh Congress in Orenburg where they passed a resolution calling for the return of Steppe land to Kazakh peoples, control over local schools, and the expulsion of all new settlers in Kazakh-Kyrgyz territories.

The Alash used 1917 to win local support, focusing on winning the support of the most influential leaders of the local communities and trusting the elders to use tribal affiliations to mobilize the people under the Alash banner. The Kazakh intellectuals dug deep into Kazakh history to unify the people under Alash, the father of all Kazakhs, creating a unified history from creation to modernity. This can be thought of as similar to the Jadids attempts to trace Uzbekness back to Timur.

They also worked with the Provisional Government in Russia, and with the various councils and meetings held by their Jadid counterparts in Turkestan, but ran into great friction because their Tatar, Uzbek, Tajik, etc. counterparts didn’t truly appreciate how important the land issue was for the Kazakhs. They were also wary of the Ulama’s version of a council, wanting to maintain the traditionally limited role of Islam in Kazakh society.

Because of the differences in priorities and the role of Islam, the Alash would go their own way while continuing to support the efforts of other indigenous peoples. They would continue to serve on the various councils and even took part in the creation of the Kokand Autonomy, but knew they needed their own Congresses and their own autonomous state to protect their people and achieve meaningful land reform.

The Kokand Autonomy created three seats for Alash members, believing that two southern Kazakh oblasts would be part of the Kokand Autonomy whereas the Alash wanted a unified Kazakh state. Bokeikhanov explained the Alash’s position as follows:

“Turkestan should first become an autonomy on its own. Some of our Kazakhs argue it would be correct to join the Turkestanis. We have the same religion as the Turkestanis, and we are related to them. Establishing an autonomy means establishing a country. It is not easy to lead a country. If our own Kazakhs leading the country are unfortunate, if we make the argument that Kazakhs are not enlightened, then we can argue that the ignorance and lack of skill among the people of Turkestan is 10 times higher than among Kazakhs. If the Kazakhs join the Turkestani autonomy, it would be like letting a camel and a donkey pull the autonomy wagon. Where are we headed after mounting this wagon?” - Ozgecan Kesici, 'The Alash Movement and the question of Kazakh ethnicity', 1145

The Alash similarly considered joining the Siberian Autonomy movement but broke away once more over the issue of Kazakh autonomy. As Bokeikhanov explained:

“In practice, the autonomy of our Kazakh nation will not be an autonomy of kinship, rather, it will be an autonomy inseparable from its land.” - Ozgecan Kesici, 'The Alash Movement and the question of Kazakh ethnicity', 1146

Failing to find neighbors who would respect their autonomy and facing extreme violence because of the Russian Civil war that was working itself way through Siberia, the Alash would proclaim the creation of the Alash Autonomy during the Second All-Kazakh Congress in December 1917. This would be the first time a Kazakh state existed since the Russian invasion in 1848. This autonomous state would be ruled by the Alash Orda, a government made up of many of the modernizing intellectuals who worked at the Qazap and Aiqap newspapers. Alikhan Bokeikhanov was elected its president. Whatever relief they may have felt at creating a state government must have been quashed by the understanding that civil war was at the Steppe’s door and sooner or rather they would have to choose a side and risk their long fight for autonomy.

References

'Challenging Colonial Power: Kazakh Cadres and Native Strategies' by Gulnar Kendirbai, Inner Asia 2008, Vol 10 No 1

'"We are Children of Alash..." The Kazakh Intelligentsia at the beginning of the 20th century in search of national indeitty and prospects of the cultural survival of the Kazakh people' by Gulnar Kendirbai, Central Asian Survey, 1999, Vol 18 No 1

'The Alash Movement and the question of Kazakh ethnicity' by Ozgecan Kesici, Nationalities Papers, 2017, Vol 45 No 6

'Repression of the Kazakh Intellectuals as a sign of weakness of Russian Imperial Rule'by Tomohiko Uyama Cahiers du Monde russe 2015 Vol 56, No 4

Making Uzbekistan: Nation, Empire, and Revolution in the Early USSR by Adeeb Khalid

Russia and Central Asia: Coexistence, Conquest, Coexistence by Shoshana Keller Published by University of Toronto Press, 2019

[nonrussian]

Tomsk tatars. 1812-1813 Томские татары. 1812-1813

from "llustrations de Les peuples de la Russie". Karl Rechberg "Народы России. Описание нравов, обычаев, костюмов и др". Карл Рехберг. Художник Емельян Корнеев

[thenuclearmallard]

Pictures: Bio mom, myself, biological cousin (left)

Sometimes I get apprehensive about sharing how I look because there's the ongoing battle and worry if I am good enough. It stems a lot from my upbringing and the area I grew up in. 

I was adopted and brought to the US when I was 18 months old and I grew up in a poor city in Appalachia without any Native community or group. In 2019, I decided to do my first DNA test due to being an adoptee and I was hopeful I'd find relatives through the app. Unfortunately, I did not but I was able to confirm the beginning of my reconnection journey. With the results, it showed I am 97.9% connected to Russia with a breakdown of regions that are Native regions: Novaya Zemlya/Arkhangelsk (Nenets), Altai Republic (Altai), and Krasnador Krai (Circassian).

With those regions in mind, I decided to follow up with Ancestry to see, once again, if I was also able to find relatives. I was not, but the DNA aspect confirmed the already existing test that I've taken.

Being fortunate and in contact with my family, I brought up the regions that DNA pulled from and talked to my family about Nenets and Altaian lineage. They confirmed these regions and lineages and also said my biological mother grew up Tatar. It is very important to have family confirmation, as DNA is not your answer to who you are, it's merely a foundation point that you need to build on. With DNA, you can start a journey, but without confirmation of family/community, it's still just DNA and not full reconnection.

With a lot of research, I decided to get a red chin line that extends half of my chin as an attribute of reconnection. The artist who did this has rules for Natives as he is Native himself: I will not tattoo it you do not know what you are getting done. The red line means spiritual growth, maturity, and connectiveness to ancestors. Usually there is a major transition in life to have these chin lines or facial markings complete. I clinically died May 8, 2022 and got my line completed in summer of 2022. Black, blue, and red are colors that the Altaians will use for facial tattooing. Red is used to indicate a healing role within society. It was also chosen to assure there would no misunderstandings with other tribes and to separate ourselves.

Chin tattoos and other facial tattooing has died off significantly within the Soviet Union due to the forced assimilation and the liquidation of people. A lot of people were forced to lose their culture and those reconnecting are tying to preserve what's left.

I am honored to share my Indigenous lineage and to put our Natives on the map. I do not regret getting into activism. I do not regret reconnecting and continuing what is right. I will continue to be a voice for my people and my family. We will not be silent. We are still here. 

[gokitetour]

Exploring Russia: Top Must-Visit Destinations and Visa Information

Russia, the largest country in the world, is a land of rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture. From the majestic cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg to the remote wilderness of Siberia, Russia offers a wealth of experiences for travelers. In this guide, we'll explore the top must-visit destinations in Russia, along with essential information about obtaining a Russia visa.

1. Moscow

The capital city of Russia, Moscow, is a vibrant metropolis steeped in history and culture. Visit iconic landmarks such as the Kremlin, Red Square, and St. Basil's Cathedral, explore world-class museums like the Tretyakov Gallery and the Pushkin Museum, and stroll through the historic streets of Old Arbat. Don't miss the chance to experience the grandeur of the Bolshoi Theatre and take a leisurely cruise along the Moscow River. Also Read: Georgia visa

2. St. Petersburg

Known as the "Venice of the North," St. Petersburg is a city of palaces, canals, and cultural treasures. Explore the opulent Winter Palace and the Hermitage Museum, stroll along the elegant Nevsky Prospekt, and marvel at the gilded domes of the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood. Take a boat tour of the city's picturesque canals, visit the majestic Peterhof Palace and Gardens, and immerse yourself in the city's vibrant arts scene.

3. Trans-Siberian Railway

Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with a journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway, one of the world's most iconic train routes. Travel across Russia's vast and diverse landscape, from the bustling streets of Moscow to the remote wilderness of Siberia. Pass through picturesque villages, towering mountains, and endless forests, and experience the rich cultural tapestry of Russia's diverse regions. Also Read: Armenia visa

4. Kazan

Located on the banks of the Volga River, Kazan is a vibrant city where East meets West. Explore the UNESCO-listed Kazan Kremlin, a stunning blend of Russian and Tatar architecture, and visit the historic Kul Sharif Mosque and the Annunciation Cathedral. Discover the city's rich cultural heritage at the Tatarstan State Museum of Local History and take a leisurely stroll along the bustling pedestrian street of Bauman. Also Read: Philippines visa

5. Lake Baikal

Journey to the heart of Siberia to discover Lake Baikal, the oldest and deepest freshwater lake in the world. Explore the pristine shores of this natural wonder, hike through the surrounding forests, and marvel at the crystal-clear waters and unique flora and fauna. Experience the hospitality of the local Buryat people, learn about their traditional way of life, and savor authentic Siberian cuisine. Also Read: India visa

6. Golden Ring

Step back in time and explore the historic towns of Russia's Golden Ring, a series of ancient cities surrounding Moscow. Visit picturesque towns like Suzdal, Vladimir, and Sergiev Posad, each boasting stunning architecture, charming cobblestone streets, and centuries-old churches and monasteries. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of medieval Russia as you wander through these timeless destinations. Also Read: Cameroon visa

Russia Visa Information

Travelers planning to visit Russia will typically require a Russia visa to enter the country. The type of visa required will depend on the purpose and duration of the visit. Tourist visas are usually valid for stays of up to 30 days and can be obtained through the Russian consulate or embassy in your home country. It's essential to apply for your visa well in advance of your planned travel dates and to ensure that you have all the necessary documentation, including a valid passport and invitation letter if required. Also Read: Hong Kong Visa

In conclusion, Russia is a vast and diverse country with a wealth of must-visit destinations for travelers. From the historic cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg to the natural wonders of Lake Baikal and the cultural treasures of Kazan, there's something for everyone to discover in this fascinating country. With proper planning and a Russia visa in hand, you can embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Russia's rich history and breathtaking landscapes.

[rinzdets]

what if the vipers from fallout originally descended from siberian immigrants?? does it sound terribly stupid or is it actually an awesome headcanon???? idk 😢😢😢😢😢

[lookbookfly21]

Uncover the Charms of Russia with the Cheapest Tour Package from India

If you've always dreamed of exploring the vast landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture of Russia, Look Book Fly is here to make your dream a reality. As a leading travel agency, we specialize in creating unforgettable experiences for our clients. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or an avid adventurer, our cheapest Russia tour packages from India will take you on a remarkable journey through this fascinating country. In this blog, we'll showcase the highlights of our affordable Russia tour package and give you a glimpse of the wonders that await you.

 Russia, the largest country in the world, boasts a myriad of attractions that will captivate your senses. From the iconic cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg to the scenic landscapes of the Siberian wilderness, Russia offers a diverse range of experiences for every traveler. With our carefully curated tour package, you'll get to explore the best of what this incredible country has to offer, all while staying within your budget.

 Our cheapest Russia tour package from India is designed to provide you with an immersive experience that covers the key highlights of the country. Starting in Moscow, the capital city, you'll witness the grandeur of the Red Square, visit the iconic Kremlin, and marvel at the stunning architecture of St. Basil's Cathedral. The tour will also take you to the historic city of St. Petersburg, where you'll explore the magnificent Hermitage Museum, stroll along the beautiful canals, and be mesmerized by the grandeur of the Peterhof Palace.

 One of the highlights of our Russia tour package is a visit to the ancient city of Kazan, located on the banks of the Volga River. Here, you'll discover the unique blend of Tatar and Russian cultures, visit the UNESCO-listed Kazan Kremlin, and explore the vibrant streets of the historic city center. From there, the tour will take you to the picturesque city of Yekaterinburg, where you can learn about the last days of the Romanov family and their tragic fate.

 As you venture further into the Russian landscape, you'll get to experience the natural wonders that make this country so enchanting. Our tour package includes a visit to Lake Baikal, the deepest and oldest lake in the world. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, you'll have the opportunity to take in the beauty of the lake, go hiking in the surrounding mountains, and learn about the unique flora and fauna that call this region home.

 For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, our Russia tour package also includes a journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway. This legendary railway is one of the most iconic travel experiences in the world, taking you through the vast Siberian wilderness and offering glimpses of remote villages, stunning landscapes, and the opportunity to interact with locals along the way. It's an experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories.

 At Look Book Fly, we understand the importance of providing our clients with affordable yet quality travel experiences. Our cheapest Russia tour package from India is carefully designed to offer exceptional value for money, without compromising on the quality of the itinerary or the level of service. We work closely with our local partners in Russia to ensure that you have a seamless and enjoyable travel experience from start to finish.

 When you book our Russia tour package, you can expect comfortable accommodations, knowledgeable guides, convenient transportation, and a well-planned itinerary that covers the must-see attractions while also allowing for some free time to explore on your own. We believe that travel should be accessible to everyone, and our cheapest Russia tour package is a testament to that belief.

 So, if you've been longing to experience the magic of Russia, now is the perfect time to embark on this adventure with Look Book Fly. Our affordable Russia tour package from India will take you on an unforgettable journey through the enchanting country of Russia. With our focus on affordability, you can explore the wonders of Russia without breaking the bank.

 Our tour package starts in the vibrant city of Moscow, where you'll discover the iconic landmarks that make this city so captivating. From the majestic Red Square to the impressive Kremlin and the world-famous Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow offers a blend of history, culture, and architectural marvels. Our knowledgeable guides will provide insightful commentary, immersing you in the rich tapestry of Russian heritage.

 Next, we'll take you to the cultural gem of St. Petersburg, known for its opulent palaces, picturesque canals, and world-class museums. Explore the magnificent Hermitage Museum, home to an extensive collection of art and artifacts, including works by masters such as Rembrandt, Picasso, and Van Gogh. Marvel at the grandeur of the Peterhof Palace and its stunning gardens, often referred to as the "Russian Versailles."

 Our tour also includes a visit to Kazan, a city that beautifully showcases the fusion of Tatar and Russian cultures. Admire the architectural splendor of the Kazan Kremlin, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the city's bustling streets. Sample traditional Tatar cuisine and experience the warm hospitality of the locals.

 As we venture deeper into the Russian landscape, you'll have the opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Lake Baikal. Known as the "Pearl of Siberia," this pristine freshwater lake is surrounded by majestic mountains and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take a leisurely stroll along its shores, breathe in the crisp air, and be captivated by the sheer magnitude of this natural wonder.

 Our tour also includes a journey on the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway, offering a truly immersive experience. Traveling through vast expanses of untouched wilderness, you'll witness the changing landscapes and have a glimpse into the lives of the people who call these remote areas home. It's a journey that embodies the spirit of adventure and offers a unique perspective on Russia's diverse landscapes.

 Throughout your tour, you can expect comfortable accommodations that cater to your needs and provide a haven of relaxation after a day of exploration. We carefully select our partner hotels to ensure they meet our high standards of quality and comfort. Additionally, our experienced guides will accompany you every step of the way, sharing their knowledge and insights to enhance your travel experience.

 At Look Book Fly, we are committed to sustainable and responsible travel practices. We encourage eco-friendly initiatives and support local communities. In line with our values, our tour package includes visits to local markets and establishments that showcase traditional crafts and products, allowing you to support local artisans and immerse yourself in authentic Russian culture.

 Embark on a journey of discovery with our cheapest Russia tour package from India. Let us take care of the logistics while you focus on creating lifelong memories. Immerse yourself in the rich history, awe-inspiring landscapes, and warm hospitality of Russia. Book your tour with Look Book Fly today and unlock the beauty of this captivating country.

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Here are the top 20 places to visit in Russia:

1. Moscow - The capital city, known for Red Square, Saint Basil's Cathedral, Kremlin and rich history. Moscow has some of the most iconic landmarks in the country.

2. Saint Petersburg - Russia's cultural capital, full of museums, historical buildings and monuments like the Winter Palace, Hermitage Museum, Peterhof Palace and St. Isaac's Cathedral. It is also known as the "Venice of the North".

3. Golden Ring - A ring of historic cities northeast of Moscow, including Vladimir, Suzdal, Kostroma, Pereslavl-Zalessky, Rostov Velikiy, Yaroslavl, Kostroma, and Ivanovo. Full of ancient churches, monasteries and historic sites.

4. Lake Baikal - The largest freshwater lake in the world, surrounded by mountains. A natural wonder and home to numerous animals and plants. Great for hiking, camping, boating and outdoor activities.

5. Kamchatka Peninsula - A remote volcanic area in the Russian Far East, great for wildlife viewing, hiking and other adventure activities. Home to massive volcanoes, geysers and hot springs.

6. Ural Mountains - The border between Europe and Asia, filled with scenic beauty like canyons, peaks, waterfalls and rock formations. Popular for hiking, camping, rafting and mountain climbing.

7. Sochi - A popular Black Sea resort town, hosting the 2014 Winter Olympics. Miles of beaches, Palm tree-lined streets, historic sites and subtropical climate.

8. Irkutsk - A city near Lake Baikal in Eastern Siberia, full of cobbled streets, wooden houses and historic churches. Starting point for hiking and trips to Lake Baikal.

9. Kazan - The capital of Tatarstan, a mix of Russian and Tatar cultures. Home to many mosques, churches, museums and the Kazan Kremlin.

10. Yekaterinburg - A major city in the Ural Mountains, known for being the place where Czar Nicholas II and his family were executed. Full of museums, historical sites and a vibrant cultural scene.

11. Karelia - A region in Northern Russia bordering Finland, covered in lakes, forests and marble rock formations. Great for boating, hiking, fishing and other outdoor activities.

12. Veliky Novgorod - An ancient city with a history spanning over 1000 years. Full of historic churches like St. Sophia Cathedral and Yuriev Monastery, as well as a well-preserved kremlin.

13. Vladivostok - A major port city on the Pacific coast, with beaches, seafood, scenic ocean vistas and proximity to Chinese and North Korean borders. Starting point for cruises.

14. Kizhi Island - An island on Lake Onega with an open-air museum of iconic Russian wooden architecture like the 22-dome Transfiguration Church. Accessible only by boat.

15. Suzdal - A historic town in the Golden Ring with medieval monasteries, churches, museums and traditional wooden architecture. Like stepping back in time.

16. Kaliningrad - A Russian exclave on the Baltic Sea, separated from the rest of Russia. Full of Prussian-style architecture, castles, beaches and UNESCO World Heritage sites.

17. Murmansk - A city in the Arctic circle, ideal for viewing the Northern Lights. Surrounded by tundra and located on the Kola Peninsula. Gateway to Arctic exploration.

18. Astrakhan - A city in Southern Russia on the Caspian Sea. Filled with historical sites, Buddhist temples, mosques and churches. Starting point for exploration of the Volga Delta.

19. Krasnoyarsk - A Siberian city on the Yenisei River, surrounded by forests, hydroelectric dams and nature reserves. Good for hiking, boating and outdoor activities.

20. Nizhny Novgorod - A historic city in Western Russia filled with medieval kremlins, monasteries, museums and Soviet-era architecture along the Volga River. Great for cultural exploration.