Bashkortostan (32 images)

Located 2000 kilometres South-East of Moscow, Bashkortostan is an Autonomous Republic of the Russian Federation composed of steppe and alpine landscapes. Almost the size of France, the country makes a living from agriculture, petrol refining and mining.
Three main ethnic groups (Bashkirs, Tatars and Russians) and two religions (Russian Othodox and Islam) coexist peacefully making interesting cultural and ethnic mixes. Its people value their cultural heritage and participate in numerous...
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Located 2000 kilometres South-East of Moscow, Bashkortostan is an Autonomous Republic of the Russian Federation composed of steppe and alpine landscapes. Almost the size of France, the country makes a living from agriculture, petrol refining and mining.
Three main ethnic groups (Bashkirs, Tatars and Russians) and two religions (Russian Othodox and Islam) coexist peacefully making interesting cultural and ethnic mixes. Its people value their cultural heritage and participate in numerous folk festivals. The year 2004 marked the 250th anniversary of the national hero, Salavat Yulayev who led a rebellion against the Tsar from 1773 to 1775, but he failed and was deported. Bashkirs are typically generous and welcoming, but a little idyllic with regards to what the west can bring them. This Republic deserves to be better known.
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