tuvan

The Tuvan people are an ethnic group native to the southern part of the Republic of Tuva in southern Siberia, Russia. They are part of the Turkic ethnic group and share cultural and linguistic ties with other Turkic peoples such as the Kyrgyz, Kazakh, and Uzbek. Tuvans are primarily indigenous to the Altai Mountains region, which spans across the borders of Russia, Mongolia, and China.

Tuvan culture is deeply rooted in traditional nomadic life, with a strong emphasis on oral traditions, including epic poetry and storytelling. The most famous of these is the *Kargyraa*, a long narrative poem about the hero Kargyraa, which reflects the Tuvan people’s history and values. Music and dance are central to Tuvan culture, with instruments like the *khoomei*—a throat singing technique—and the *moran*—a traditional stringed instrument—being particularly notable.

The Tuvan language, part of the Altaic language family, is closely related to Mongolian and Turkic languages. It has two main dialects, Northern and Southern, with Northern Tuvan being more widely spoken. The Tuvan alphabet was introduced in the 20th century, replacing the Cyrillic script used in Russian.

Tuvans traditionally practice a syncretic form of Buddhism and Shamanism, blending indigenous beliefs with Tibetan Buddhism. Today, many Tuvans also follow Islam, particularly among those who have migrated to other regions. The Tuvan economy historically relied on livestock herding, but modern agriculture and tourism have also played significant roles in their livelihood.

The Tuvan people are known for their resilience and cultural preservation efforts, maintaining traditions despite external influences. Their unique heritage continues to be celebrated through festivals, art, and oral heritage projects.