Turkmens in Russia

Turkmens in Russia
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Group	Turkmens in Russia
Native name	Туркмены в России
Population	60,000+ (est.)
Popplace	Moscow, Stavropol Krai, Astrakhan Oblast, Tatarstan
Languages	Turkmen, Russian
Religions	Predominantly Sunni Islam
Related	Turkic peoples, Turkmen of Turkmenistan

Turkmens in Russia constitute a significant Turkic diaspora community with historical roots dating back centuries. Their presence has been shaped by imperial expansion, Soviet-era labor migrations, and post-1991 economic factors. Today, they form vibrant communities primarily in major urban centers and historically contiguous regions of southern Russia, maintaining distinct cultural traditions while integrating into the broader Russian society.

History of Turkmen migration to Russia

Initial contacts between Turkmen tribes and Russian forces occurred during the 18th and 19th-century expansion into Central Asia, particularly following the annexation of the Khanate of Khiva and the Turkmen lands. A more substantial diaspora began forming in the Soviet era, facilitated by policies of korenizatsiya and the need for labor in major industrial projects. The Second World War and subsequent post-war reconstruction saw increased movement within the USSR, with many Turkmens relocating to cities like Moscow and Leningrad for education and employment. A significant wave occurred after the Dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, driven by economic disparities between the newly independent Turkmenistan and Russia, leading to labor migration for work in construction, trade, and services.

Demographics and distribution

Official statistics from Rosstat are complicated by fluctuating labor migration, but estimates suggest a community exceeding 60,000 individuals. The largest concentrations are found in major economic hubs, especially Moscow and Saint Petersburg, as well as in the historically and geographically proximate regions of southern Russia. Significant populations reside in Stavropol Krai, Astrakhan Oblast, and the republic of Tatarstan, particularly in its capital, Kazan. Other communities are present in Sverdlovsk Oblast, Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, and Tyumen Oblast. The demographic profile is relatively young, with a high proportion of working-age migrants.

Socioeconomic status and occupations

Many Turkmens in Russia are engaged in the informal sector, with significant employment in construction, retail trade, and market vending, particularly in large bazaars like Moscow's Dorogomilovsky Market. A professional class also exists, including graduates of Soviet and Russian universities working in fields such as medicine, engineering, and academia. Remittances sent to families in Turkmenistan constitute a vital part of the home country's economy. Migrants often face challenges related to language barriers, complex residency regulations, and occasional instances of xenophobia.

Cultural and religious life

Community organizations, such as the Society of Turkmen Culture "Vatan" in Moscow, play key roles in preserving language and traditions, organizing celebrations of festivals like Nowruz and Gurban Bayram. Culinary traditions remain strong, with restaurants serving dishes like plov and manty. Religious life is centered around Sunni Islam of the Hanafi school, with prayers often conducted in private apartments or dedicated prayer rooms due to a scarcity of official mosques serving the Central Asian diaspora. Cultural exchange is fostered through events at institutions like the State Museum of Oriental Art in Moscow.

Notable individuals

Prominent Turkmens in Russia include political figure Pavel Gusev, the long-time editor of the newspaper Moskovskij Komsomolets. In arts and sciences, notable individuals include Maya Kuliyeva, a celebrated opera singer who performed at the Bolshoi Theatre, and Shamurad Mamedov, a respected specialist in petroleum engineering. Sports figures include footballers who have played for Russian clubs in the Russian Premier League.

Relations with Turkmenistan

The diaspora maintains strong familial and economic ties with Turkmenistan, though its relationship with the government in Ashgabat is complex. The Embassy of Turkmenistan in Moscow provides consular services but also monitors diaspora activities, reflecting the authoritarian policies of the President of Turkmenistan. Organizations like the World Turkmen Congress sometimes engage with diaspora communities. The flow of remittances is a critical issue, impacted by Russian financial regulations and Turkmenistan's currency controls.

Category:Ethnic groups in Russia Category:Turkmen diaspora Category:Central Asian diaspora