Mordviny

The Mordviny, also known as Mordvins, are a Finno-Ugric ethnic group native to Russia, primarily residing in the Republic of Mordovia and surrounding areas, including the Penza, Samara, Nizhny Novgorod, and Orenburg Oblasts. They are divided into two major subgroups: the Erzya and the Moksha, each with distinct languages, cultures, and identities, though they share a common origin and historical trajectory.

The Mordvin languages, Erzya and Moksha, belong to the Uralic language family. While closely related, they are not mutually intelligible. Russian is also widely spoken among the Mordviny.

Historically, the Mordviny were traditionally agriculturalists, engaging in farming, animal husbandry, and forestry. Traditional crafts such as weaving, embroidery, and woodcarving also played a significant role in their culture.

The Mordviny have a rich folklore, mythology, and oral tradition. Pre-Christian beliefs were prevalent before their gradual conversion to Orthodox Christianity, which began in the 16th century. However, elements of the older belief system continue to influence their cultural practices and worldview.

The history of the Mordviny is marked by periods of autonomy and subjugation, including incorporation into the Russian state during the expansion of Muscovy. They have experienced varying degrees of cultural assimilation and language loss throughout their history. The preservation of their languages and cultures remains an important concern for Mordvin communities. The Republic of Mordovia serves as a titular republic within the Russian Federation, offering a degree of cultural and linguistic autonomy, although the influence of the Russian language and culture remains significant.