Samovar Gatherings Revive Bashkir Youth TraditionsCEFR B1
28 Nov 2025
Adapted from Anastasia Pestova, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Daniil Silantev, Unsplash
A revival of Bashkir youth gatherings has grown in Ufa and across Bashkiria. Organizers say the Samauryly Ritaiym started along the Agidel River five years ago and the first meeting, on June 17, 2020, had no more than 15 people. Since then the initiative has involved more than 2,000 participants overall, and some individual gatherings now attract up to 1,000 people.
Events take place every other Wednesday evening. Volunteers set up a large samovar beside a small stage, and musicians play the kurai. Young people wear Bashkir dress, spread tablecloths and serve traditional foods such as chak-chak, kumis and beshbarmak. Meetings mix folk songs, contemporary tracks, poetry and open dancing.
Organizers say the gatherings are funded by donations and the regional Ministry of Culture says it has no involvement. Some people welcome the return of old customs, while others criticise public dancing after events following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Difficult words
- gathering — A meeting of people for a purpose.gatherings
- heritage — Traditions and culture passed down from the past.
- transform — To change in form or appearance.transformed
- community — A group of people living together and sharing interests.community-driven
- identity — The qualities that make a person or group unique.
- nostalgic — Feeling a sentimental longing for the past.
- bond — Connections or relationships between people.bonds
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How can cultural events strengthen community ties?
- Why might young people feel disconnected from their heritage?
- What role do you think traditions play in modern society?
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