Telengits

Telengits or Telengut are a Turkic ethnic group primarily found in the Altai Republic, Russia. Telengits mainly live in a territory of Kosh-Agach District of the Altai Republic. They are part of a larger cultural group of Southern Altaians. These other groups include: Altai, Telengut, and Tolos.

History

Chinese chroniclers might have mentioned Telengits as 多覽葛 ( Mand. ''duōlǎngé'' < MC: *''tâ-lâm-kât''). Telengits certainly emerged from the mixing of Kipchak Turkic tribes with Mongols. During Dzungar domination, the Telengits had to pay a fur tribute or yasak to the Dzungars.

The Telengits (presumably) in the 14th century created their own principality ( Ulus), known in Russian documents as the "Teleut land" (Телеутская Землица) .called by modern historians as the
Telengit Ulus
The Telengit princes ( Biy) for a long time retained independence, and later only a formal dependence between the states (Russia and the Dzungar Khanate) and even inflicted defeats on both, until in the 18th century they were finally conquered by the Dzungar Khanate and became part of it as an otok of 4 thousand yurts. During the beginning of the turmoil in Dzhungarskoand even inflicted defeats on both, until in the 18th century they were finally conquered by the Dzungar Khanate and became part of it as an otok of 4 thousand yurts. During the beginning of the turmoil in In the Dzungar Khanate, the Telengits, whom Khuntaiji resettled on the Ili River, decided to return to their homeland and tried to get to Altai, having lost many people along the way due to the raids of the Manchurians, Kazakhs, Mongols

At the beginning of the XVIII century, the Telengits formed two volosts, which became part of Russia much later, unlike other Altai duchins. On October 10, 1864, the First Chui Volost became part of the Russian Empire, and only on January 12, 1865, the inhabitants of the Second Chui Volost became citizens of Russia.

Background and issues

Since there are many groups that live in the Altai region, it is often difficult to distinguish between the different groups. The territorial groupings are somewhat fluid. Telengits (or Telengut) live along the Chuya River in the western Altai, and call themselves Chui-kizhi (Chuya people). L. Krader. ''A Nativistic Movement in Western Siberia.'' pg 284 Sometimes they intermix with other groups that live around the river. With this intermixing, it is often difficult to establish boundaries and distinguish the individual groups. There are no sharp distinctions among the different subgroups of the Altaians, identified as they are by the territory they occupy. This inevitably caused many problems, including how to ethnically classify them. It was the political leaders of the Ulagan district who first advocated that the Telengits be recognized as a separate indigenous group in Russian law. Before this, there was often confusion because the Telengits were classified under the Altaians. Even after the Telengits were classified as a separate group, there were still discrepancies as to what subgroups would be included under the ethnic group of the Telengits.

In 2000, Telengits were listed as part of "Small Numbered Indigenous Peoples of the Russian Federation on the Russian and Soviet censuses".

In 2002, they were considered their own category on the census and there were 2,398 Telengits. However, this number may be wrong because in the context of the census questions, many Telengits, 8,000 or 9,000 would consider themselves Altaians and not Telengits.

In 2004, the NGO "Development of the Telengit People" was established. This group is an active part in the local political area in regard to issues of Telengit land rights.

Culture

Most Telengits used to be nomadic or semi-nomadic cattle herders. They commonly raised sheep, cattle, goats, and horses.

Traditional Telengit dwellings included felt yurts. Modern Telengits live in wooden homes but commonly inhabit yurts during the summer months.

Traditional Telengit dress was similar for both men and women. Traditional Telengit dress was composed of long sleeved shirts, breeches, and robes. Double-breasted sheepskin coats, fur hats, and high boots were also commonly worn. Married women additionally wore a sleeveless jacket over their coats.

Religion

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

Connection to the land

The Altaians and the Telengits feel a connection to the land that they live on. They are supposed to worship their special homeland that is considered sacred. The Telengits say that if an Altaian leaves the Altai, he or she will become ill and die. This is not because of any longing or emotional distress, but because of physical separation. Halemba, Agnieszka E. “The Altai, the Altaians, and the Telengits.” ''The Telengits of Southern Siberia: landscape, religion and knowledge in motion.'' New York: Routledge, 2006. pg 18 After they have lived on the land, they become one with it. That is why it is so severe when one is separated from their homeland.

See also

* Altay language
* Altayans
* Teleuts
* Turkic peoples

References

External links

United Nations University digital video (2009) "Rediscovering Altai's human-nature relationships - Russia": a Telengit community leader and shaman from the Russian Altai’s high altitude Kosh Agach Raion traversing Altai’s sacred lands
Accessed 1 December 2009

{{DEFAULTSORT:Telengit
Altai people
Turkic peoples of Asia
Ethnic groups in Russia
Indigenous peoples of North Asia
Indigenous peoples of the Altai Republic
Indigenous small-numbered peoples of the North, Siberia and the Far East
Indigenous peoples in the Arctic