Samovar Gatherings Revive Bashkir Youth Traditions ^{CEFR B2}

The Samauryly Ritaiym — samovar gatherings — have become a visible sign of cultural revival among young Bashkirs in Ufa and beyond. The meetings began informally along the Agidel River five years ago; the very first gathering on June 17, 2020 drew no more than 15 people. Organizers now say the series has involved more than 2,000 participants overall, with some individual events attracting up to 1,000 people. Videos from Ufa have attracted thousands of views and similar gatherings now occur in remote towns across Bashkiria.

Meetings are held every other Wednesday evening on the river embankment. Volunteers set up a large samovar beside a small stage and clear space for a bonfire. Musicians play the kurai while young people in Bashkir dress spread tablecloths and serve chak-chak, kumis and beshbarmak. The program combines folk songs, contemporary tracks, poetry readings and open dancing. Rustam Abdrazakov says participants often spend three to four hours speaking freely in their native language, and he estimates about 12 or 13 couples formed after meeting at these events; those couples now come with their children.

Attendees give varied reasons for coming: some value cultural transmission, as Alina Zagidullina said after learning about ritaiym on social media and returning to take part; others, like regular participant Idel Gumerov, appreciate that the gatherings are free and alcohol-free and offer a pleasant midweek break. Organizers say the events are funded by donations and call questions about government backing “provocative,” while the regional Ministry of Culture says it has no involvement. Observers are divided: some welcome a return of communal customs such as kiske uyn and külägä, while critics argue public dancing is inappropriate after events following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022; supporters reply that the gatherings offer an important emotional break.