Nogais

Carte répartition nogaïs

Laminit Nogay princess

Nogais are a Turkic ethnic group who primarily live in the North Caucasus region of Russia, as well as in the Crimean Peninsula. They are one of the Turkic peoples and have a rich history that dates back to the medieval period. The Nogais speak the Nogai language, which belongs to the Kipchak branch of the Turkic languages.

History

The ancestors of the Nogais originally inhabited the vast steppes of what is now Kazakhstan, Russia, and Ukraine. They were part of the Golden Horde, a Mongol and later Turkicized khanate that emerged in the 13th century after the breakup of the Mongol Empire. The Nogais are named after Nogai Khan, a prominent leader in the late 13th and early 14th centuries who played a significant role in the politics of the Golden Horde.

Following the disintegration of the Golden Horde in the 15th century, the Nogais formed their own political entities, known as the Nogai Horde. They were divided into several groups, with the most notable being the Great Nogai Horde in the North Caucasus and the Lesser Nogai Horde in the Crimean Peninsula. Throughout their history, the Nogais engaged in pastoral nomadism, moving with their herds of livestock across the vast steppes.

Culture

The Nogais have preserved many aspects of their traditional culture, including their language, music, dance, and crafts. Their society was traditionally organized around clans and tribes, which played a significant role in social and political life.

Music and dance are important parts of Nogai culture, with traditional instruments and folk dances being passed down through generations. Nogai crafts, such as carpet weaving and jewelry making, are also well-known for their intricate designs and craftsmanship.

Religion

The majority of Nogais are Sunni Muslims, and Islam plays a significant role in their cultural and social identity. The adoption of Islam by the Nogais dates back to the period of the Golden Horde, and it has since become an integral part of their way of life.

Language

The Nogai language is part of the Kipchak branch of the Turkic languages. It is divided into several dialects, which can be broadly categorized into the Central, Western, and Eastern Nogai dialects. Despite the pressures of Russification and the dominance of the Russian language in the North Caucasus and Crimea, the Nogais have made efforts to preserve their language and pass it on to future generations.

Demographics

Today, the Nogais primarily reside in the North Caucasus region of Russia, particularly in Dagestan, Chechnya, and Stavropol Krai. There is also a significant Nogai community in the Crimean Peninsula, although their numbers have decreased since the annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014. The total population of Nogais is estimated to be around 100,000, although accurate numbers are difficult to ascertain due to mixed ethnicities and migration.

Current Issues

The Nogais face several challenges today, including issues related to cultural preservation, economic development, and political representation. The migration of young Nogais to urban centers in search of employment has led to concerns about the sustainability of traditional nomadic lifestyles and the preservation of the Nogai language and culture.