The Traditional Culture of the Mordovians in the Kazan Province: A Historical and Ethnographic Perspective

Introduction. The wide settlement area of the Mordovian people presents a significant challenge for researchers studying traditional culture. The culture of the Mordovians, residing in various regions of our country, has evolved under the influence of multiple factors, primarily the cultures of different ethnic groups. This interaction led to mutual influence, cultural enrichment, and the development of distinctive features. In modern ethnographic studies, many aspects of these transformations in traditional culture remain insufficiently explored. Scholars face the task of tracing the cultural transformations of the Mordovian people. This study aims to identify the cultural characteristics of the Mordovian population residing in the Kazan Province during the 18th and 19th centuries. Materials and Methods. The study is based on expedition materials collected by researchers in the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as works by scholars from that period, which characterized the key features of the traditional culture of the Mordovian people living in the Kazan Province. The expedition participants used the method of direct observation when gathering information. The comparative-historical method was the primary approach in analyzing these materials. Results and Discussion. Scholars of the 18th and 19th centuries, tracing the population dynamics, identified a gradual increase in the Mordovian population in the Kazan Province. The traditional culture of the Mordovian population was significantly influenced by the ethnic groups living in close proximity, such as the Tatars, Chuvash, and Russians. By the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, the traditional culture of the Mordovians in the Kazan Province had become a unique blend, still fundamentally rooted in the traditional culture of the Mordovian people, while preserving national identity. Conclusion. The materials of the study contribute to the development of regional historical and ethnographic scien- ces and will be valuable to researchers studying the material culture, rituals, and religious beliefs of the Mordovian ethnic group.