Urums

Urums, also referred to as the Urum people, are a Turkic-speaking ethnic group in the Caucasus. They are traditionally associated with Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, with smaller communities in Russia, Ukraine, and Turkey. The self-designations of Urums vary by region, and some individuals identify primarily with the local Georgian or Armenian communities while retaining a distinct Turkic linguistic heritage. The community is defined by language, rather than a single national origin.

Language and identity play central roles in Urums. They speak the Urum language, a Turkic tongue belonging to the Oghuz group and closely related to Azerbaijani and Turkish. In daily life many Urums are bilingual, using Georgian or Armenian for education and interaction with neighbors, alongside Urum or Azerbaijani in other contexts. The language exhibits influence from Armenian and Georgian, reflecting long-standing contact with neighboring communities.

Historically, Urums emerged in the South Caucasus through migrations and settlement during Ottoman and Persian dominance, with communities forming in various districts over several centuries. In contemporary times, Urums inhabit areas across Georgia and Armenia, and in Azerbaijan, with diaspora ties to Russia and Ukraine.

Religiously, Urums display regional variation. Many have historically adhered to Christianity, including Georgian Orthodox and Armenian Apostolic traditions, while some communities show Muslim ties due to historical contact with Azerbaijani populations. Cultural life preserves elements of Turkic linguistic heritage, including music, folklore, and crafts, alongside local Georgian or Armenian cultural practices.

Today, Urums are recognized as a distinct ethnic minority in some countries, maintaining language and cultural traditions amid assimilation and demographic change.