Spatial features of the dynamics of Slavic-Turkic contact zones in the Volga-Ural region in 2010―2021

The article examines the dynamics of the territorial structure of contact zones between Slavic and Turkic peoples in the Volga-Ural region during the second decade of the 21st century. The empirical basis of the study consists of ethnic statistics at the municipal level, derived from the 2010 and 2021 population censuses. The article employs original methodologies for identifying the external boundaries of two-component ethno-contact zones, assessing their degree of distinctiveness and ethnic contrast, and determining the stages of their development over a given time period. The key trends in the dynamics of Slavic-Turkic contact zones in the second decade of the 21st century include an increase in contact intensity, manifested in the growing proportion of both Slavs and Turks, as well as the partial dissolution of ethno-contact zones in favor of titular ethnic groups within the borders of Turkic republics. Outside the Turkic republics of the Volga-Ural region, the dissolution of ethno-contact zones tends to favor Slavic populations.