khutors

Khutors are traditional agricultural communities located in the Altai Mountains of Russia and southern Siberia. They are characteristic of the Altai Republic and are typically situated in high-altitude meadows with temperate climate conditions.

The khutors are inhabited by herders and farmers who engage in nomadic livestock breeding and crop cultivation. They generally consist of clusters of small houses made from wood, turf, and other local materials. The average size of a khutor varies from 100 to 300 inhabitants. These communities have maintained a unique cultural identity shaped by their geographical and environmental conditions.

The khutors were originally formed by local people migrating from lower-altitude areas for better grazing land and climate conditions. As a result, the residents of the khutors possess a distinct cultural heritage influenced by indigenous Siberian traditions and migratory customs. The communities' manners of dress, rituals, and social structures reflect a blend of regional cultures, making them distinctive examples of synthesis.

In favor of the preservation of their cultural heritage, the government of the Russian Federation has designated some khutors as historical and cultural sites. Specialized community programs focus on preserving khutor traditions, particularly agriculture and livestock breeding.