Izhori

Izhori, also referred to as Izhorian, denotes a Finnic ethnic group traditionally associated with Ingria, a region around the Izhora River and the northeastern shore of the Gulf of Finland. The Izhorians have historically inhabited parts of what is now Russia, particularly in the vicinity of Saint Petersburg and the Leningrad Oblast. Today the community is small, and people identifying as Izhorians are largely integrated within the wider Russian population, with many also identifying as Finnish or Ingrian Finns in various contexts.

The Izhorian language is a Finnic language closely related to other Finnic tongues such as Votic and Karelian. It is endangered, with only a limited number of native speakers remaining. Efforts to document and revive the language include linguistic research, educational programs, and cultural initiatives, often carried out by community groups and scholars in collaboration with regional authorities.

Historically, the Izhorians were part of the Ingria region that experienced significant interaction with Russian, Swedish, and Finnish populations, as well as shifts in state control over the centuries. In the 20th century, political upheavals and population displacements affected the community, contributing to demographic changes and assimilation pressures. Despite these trends, remnants of Izhori cultural heritage persist, including traditional crafts, music, and folk practices, and there are ongoing efforts to preserve and revitalise Izhorian language and culture.

Today, Izhorians are recognized as a small ethnic group within Russia, contributing to the broader tapestry of Finnic peoples in the Baltic region.