Russia is |
Peoples of Russia
Chuvash
Their self-designation is Chavashsem. They make up the majority of the population of the Chuvash Republic (889.3 thousand people).
Language
The Chuvash language is the only living language of the Bulgar-Khazar (Oghur) group of Turkic languages. Two very slightly differing dialects can be distinguished: the lower one (anatri, “u”-stressing) in the southern regions of the republic and the upper one (turi, “o”-stressing) in the northern ones, higher upstream on Volga. The majority of the Chuvash know Russian, some also know the Tatar language.
Ethnic groups
The Chuvash people within Chuvashia are divided into three ethnic groups: the upper (viryal, turi) on the north and northwest), the middle-lower (anat yenchi) in the center and northeastern regions of Chuvashia and the lower (anatri) on the south of Chuvashia and outside of it. Anat yenchi are closer to anatri in their culture and to viryal in language. Anatri language and culture has preserved the ancient Bulgarian component better; the upper groups have a more noticeable influence of the Finno-Ugric languages and people, most of all the Mountain Mari people.
Dwellings
Since the middle of the 19th century, the Chuvash homestead was separated into two parts: the front one – the yard itself with the residential building and the majority of the outbuildings, and the back one with the kitchen garden and the bathhouse. The dwelling entrance was directed to the east, and the windows to the south; there were no exhaust pipes to vent the smoke. Outside the dwelling was decorated with carving and wall painting. A typical trait of a Chuvash log house is the presence of “bulb” decorations along the roof ridge and large entrance gate, as well as painting the houses in a recognizable shade of blue.
Food
The dietary complex of the Chuvash was mostly based on plant products, less so the meat and dairy ones. Various soups, broths, shchi soup, gruels, flour starch drinks, pies with berries, potatoes, cabbage and grits were very popular. Meat was eaten on festive days. The favorite trinks are beer and uyran (ayran).
Occupations
The traditional occupation of the Chuvash is agriculture. They grew rye, spelt, oats, barley, also linen and hemp. Cattle breeding was not much developed. Beekeeping played a significant role. Crafts and businesses related to woodworking were widespread. Bast mat making, ropemaking, pottery, wickerwork, embroidery were also well developed.
