Ustalians

Ustalians are an ethnic group primarily located in the Ustali region of the former Soviet Union, now divided between modern-day Ukraine and Russia. Their origins trace back to the medieval period, with historical ties to the Cossack communities that emerged along the Black Sea coast. The term "Ustalian" itself derives from the historical name of the region, *Ustaly*, which was a key Cossack settlement area during the 16th and 17th centuries.

The Ustalians developed a distinct cultural identity shaped by their Cossack heritage, blending elements of Slavic, Turkic, and Greek influences. Their traditional way of life revolved around agriculture, fishing, and trade, with strong communal structures. Over time, many Ustalians adopted Orthodox Christianity, further integrating them into the broader Slavic cultural sphere.

During the 18th century, the region was incorporated into the Russian Empire, leading to Russification policies that gradually diminished the Ustalians' distinct ethnic identity. By the 20th century, Soviet policies promoted a more unified Ukrainian or Russian identity, reducing formal recognition of the Ustalians as a separate ethnic group. Today, the term "Ustalian" is rarely used in official contexts, though some cultural preservation efforts exist among descendants in Ukraine and Russia.

Ustalians are known for their traditional crafts, including pottery, weaving, and metalwork, as well as folk music and dance. Their language, a dialect closely related to Ukrainian and Russian, has largely faded, though some older generations retain knowledge of it. The Ustalian identity remains a subject of historical interest, particularly among researchers studying Cossack and Black Sea coastal cultures.