ItäKarjalan

ItäKarjala, often translated as East Karelia, refers to the eastern part of the historical Karelian region. This geographical and cultural area is primarily situated in modern-day Russia, west of the Ural Mountains and east of the Finnish border. Historically, ItäKarjala has been inhabited by the Karelian people, an ethnic group with close cultural and linguistic ties to the Finns.

The region's history is marked by shifting political control and influence. For centuries, it was a contested territory between various powers, including Novgorod, Sweden, and later the Russian Empire. The Karelian language, a Finnic language, is spoken in ItäKarjala, though its dialects and the number of speakers have been influenced by historical events and Soviet-era policies.

Culturally, ItäKarjala shares many traditions with Finland, including a rich heritage of folklore, music, and craftsmanship. However, distinct regional variations have also developed over time due to different historical trajectories and influences. The area is characterized by its extensive forests, lakes, and rivers, which have shaped the livelihoods and traditional practices of its inhabitants, historically centered around logging, fishing, and agriculture. Today, ItäKarjala is part of several administrative regions within Russia, including the Republic of Karelia and Arkhangelsk Oblast, and its population comprises a mix of ethnic Russians and Karelians.