Tourists from all over the world come to the republic to study its culture and enjoy the sights. The area of ​​Bashkiria is large, and nature is diverse and unusual. If you ever wanted to go there, be sure to do it.
History
For the first time, the republic and its inhabitants are mentioned in written materials of the 10th century. Numerous mountains of Bashkiria were inhabited by one part of the indigenous people, the other part lived in the free steppes. Their main occupations are hunting, cattle breeding and fishing.
In the 12-14th centuries, the Bashkirs were oppressed by the Tatar-Mongols, after the collapse of the Horde, the very existence of the people was threatened - people were suppressed, divided. In 1557, it was decided to join the Russian state. Gradually, the territory of Bashkiria begins to be populated. To protect against enemy raids, several fortresses were founded. Locals adopted the Russian experience in farming. In the 18th century, the Southern Urals became the center of mining industry.
Bashkirs took an active part in the Peasant War. Their detachment was led by the poet and talented military leader Salavat Yulaev, captured by the government and sent into exile after the defeat. Subsequently, he became a national hero.
With the advent of the Soviets, an autonomous republic was formed. In 1992, in connection with the collapse of the USSR and the change of power, it was renamed. The beautiful land was called the Republic of Bashkortostan. That is how we know him today. To the question "how old is Bashkiria?" difficult to answer unambiguously. As an independent region, the republic was formed more than 700 years ago. But her birth dates back to the middle of the 15th century - it was then that she was annexed to Russia.
Bashkiria Square
The republic is located in the southern part of the Ural Mountains, at the turn of Europe and Asia. In the neighborhood are Perm, Sverdlovsk, Chelyabinsk, Orenburg regions. In the west and northwest it is adjacent to Tatarstan and Udmurtia, respectively. The exact area of ​​Bashkiria is 143,600 thousand square kilometers (0.8% of the entire territory of Russia).
The capital of the republic is the city of Ufa. Beloretsk, Ishimbay, Kumertau, Neftekamsk, Salavat, Sibay, Sterlitamak are large cities that Bashkiria can boast of. The language with which its inhabitants communicate is Russian. They also speak their native Bashkir, and in some areas people speak Tatar fluently. The population of the republic (according to the 2010 census) is 1,172,287 people. In the world there are about 2 million Bashkirs.
Weather and climate
The climate of the republic is continental. The weather in Bashkiria is variable, sometimes unpredictable. The low mountain range does not impede the penetration of Siberian air masses.
The summer is warm in the republic. The temperature in the steppe zone of the foothill Urals rises to 40 degrees. On average, in July, the temperature holds at a position of 16 to 20 ° C. The number of sunny days in the capital is around 260. The winter in Bashkiria is quite severe. The negative temperature is around 15 degrees, but sometimes the thermometer drops to -40 ° C. Buranas are typical for the steppes, which blow snow from the elevated places of the valleys of the Urals. Snow appears in September and lasts until April. The weather in Bashkiria is directly dependent on the wind, on average it has a speed of 3.4-5.2 meters per second.
Nature
Most tourists come to the republic to admire the diversity of its nature. When traveling in Bashkiria, be sure to look into the coniferous and deciduous forests. Proudly and majestically located in them are noble oaks, light lindens, holly maples, sharp firs. The area is rich in gorgeous flora and diverse fauna - animals characteristic of taiga live in these forests. Mice, jays, badgers and hedgehogs are just a small part of the animals that can catch the eye of a tourist.
The forest-steppe of Bashkiria is rich in foxes, wolves and hares, in some places you can find roe deer. In the most open areas live steppe rodents. Near the lakes settled gulls and ducks. The steppe area is sparse with trees, there are few plants, cereals grow - sheep and feather grass. Of the locals - gophers, jerboas. Many birds of prey - golden eagles, eagles, kites. Often they can be seen hovering in the air or sitting on the slopes - so they observe and look for prey. The steppe lakes of the Trans-Urals are teeming with birds, and next to the rivers you can meet the inhabitants of neighboring forests.
Mountains of Bashkiria
The main attraction of Bashkortostan is its magnificent mountains. Here is the largest mountain in the South Urals - an elevation with two peaks of Yamantau, from which numerous rivers flow. Another popular mountain is the sacred Iremal, which was strictly forbidden to climb until the 19th century. Mount Premel is the mother of two rivers, swimming in which you can recharge with remarkable strength for the long year ahead.
There are legends about the appearance of the mountains of Yurak-Tau, Kush-Tau, Shah-Tau and Tra-Tau. It is believed that many years ago, the arrogant dzhigit Ashak was in love with the daughter of the old Urals, the beautiful Agidel. He tried to attract the attention of the girl, but his feelings were not mutual. Ashak then mounted a horse and chased after his beloved. Having caught up, he hit her with a whip, which angered the old Urals. He turned his daughter into a fast river, and Ashak could not catch the naughty Agidel in any way - the water flowed through his fingers.
He decided to send a falcon for the girl, but he also could not cope. Ashak realized everything, tore his own heart out of his chest, threw it at the feet of his beloved. She touched him, but could not return to her human form. Now there are four shihanas on the scene of the tragedy - Yurak-Tau (heart), Kush-Tau (bird), Shah-Tau (Ashak) and Tra-Tau (mountain of the Bashkir tribe).
Rivers
Rivers, like mountains, are the pride of a beautiful republic. The largest and most powerful river in Bashkiria is the White. It flows, meandering, along the Cis-Urals and along the western foothills. Its tributaries are the Nugush, Sim, Ufa and Dema rivers. In November, after severe frosts, the rivers rapidly freeze. After 5 months, they gradually thaw.
In areas of forests and steppes, one can count a huge number of lakes of various sizes. They are wide, but shallow, and many of them are overgrown with reeds, saber and other marsh vegetation. The lakes are different - fresh, salty, but they are all beautiful in their individuality.
Nature reserves
A large area of ​​Bashkiria is occupied by valuable natural reserves.
- State Reserve . Located on the border of deciduous and birch forests, it is close to the Trans-Ural steppes. The flora and fauna are very rich, both mammals and large predators live here. The workers of the reserve monitor the conservation and breeding of birds and animals, many of which can be found in the Red Book.
- Shulgan-Tash . There are no analogues of this place in the Russian Federation - wild bead bees are protected and studied on the territory of the reserve. They easily tolerate cold and are resistant to diseases, and their productivity is many times higher. Rare birds are also protected in the reserve.
- Bashkir National Park . Filled with rare species of plants and animals. Tourists have the opportunity to walk on ecological trails (specially designed routes).
Modern Bashkiria
Bashkortostan is one of the most economically stable regions of the Russian Federation. The republic has a developed industry, and the capital is ideal for doing business (according to Forbes rating). The living wage in Bashkiria is set by the government in the amount of 8691 rubles per capita. For labor - 9205, for pensioners - 7061, for children - 8856.
Grain and industrial crops are grown in the fields, sheep, horses, and birds on farms. Woolen production and beekeeping are popular. The republic has developed oil refining, engineering and metalworking. Bashkiria factories are engaged in woodworking and the production of building materials.
There are 1,644 preschool institutions, 1,587 schools and 10 state universities in the republic.
Tourism industry
Tourism is one of the main areas in the life of Bashkiria. Often it is called second Switzerland because of the diversity of its natural resources. If you are going on a trip, be sure: here they can offer you different options for relaxing in sanatoriums and resorts. You can stay at camp sites, in comfortable hotels or budget hostels.
The Republic of Bashkortostan offers its guests to take advantage of numerous tourist routes. At your choice - hundreds of summer and winter bus tours, including passing through the capital and reserves. For lovers of horse riding, rafting on catamarans or kayaks, there is also fun. You can book a ski or bicycle tour, snowmobile safari, trekking, speleotour or a simple sightseeing tour.
Ufa - the capital of Bashkiria
Ufa is located in the very center of Bashkiria, at the confluence of the three main rivers. The history of the city originates in 1574 - then Ufa was the first Russian fortress. Gradually spreading its influence to all corners of the republic, the fortress held the defenses and repelled enemy raids.
Numerous theaters are open for visitors in the city, where you can see drama and comedy, opera and ballet, and watch a puppet show. Tourists can spend their time in the national and art museums of the city, as well as look at religious monuments and go to modern cinemas.
Ufa is a very beautiful and picturesque city. Limes, poplars and maples stand in even rows along the edges of busy highways. Houses are replaced by parks, and parks are replaced by houses. The main highlight of the city is the types of river distant places. They are accessible even to the naked eye: in the distance you can see the green floodplain, pouring out in the bends of lakes and rivers, which slowly go to the horizon. Round hills covered with bright green can be seen a little further. In the west - the magnificent valley of the Dema River with backwaters, forests and beaches - the favorite vacation spots of the city residents.
Head of the Republic
In 2014, Rustem Zakievich Khamitov was elected for a second term. His political career began with the appointment of the chairman of the Commission on Environmental Issues, then he worked as the director of the institute, and in 1994 became the minister of the environment. Behind him - many years of work in the structure of the Ministry of Emergencies. In 2010, the former president of Bashkortostan Murtaza Rakhimov resigned. Rustem Khamitov was appointed in his place by Dmitry Medvedev. The state assembly of the republic supported his candidacy. July 15, 2010 Rustem Zakievich Khamitov officially began work in this responsible position.
Khamitov instills in youth a love of sport, and develops international relations. The President of Bashkiria travels throughout the republic, actively participates in her whole life.
National cuisine
- Bishbarmak - boiled horse meat or lamb, cut into pieces. As a side dish - noodles with meat broth.
- Sun- dried horse meat sausage.
- Sweet and sour cheese (short).
- Berry pastille.
- Koumiss is a milk drink made from mare's milk. Sour taste, the benefits of koumiss are appreciated around the world.
- Buza - a drink based on sprouted grains of rye or barley.
- Ayran - sour milk diluted with water. The ideal assistant in the fight against thirst.
Traditional clothes
A long shirt with a turn-down collar and a short sleeveless jacket (camisole), worn on top, are the basis of the men's national costume. Warm sheepskin in winter or a warm bathrobe (Zhilyan). On the feet are boots with a cloth drumstick and soft leather ends (saryk) and handmade leather shoes (kata). The poor had to wear bast shoes. A skullcap could be worn on the head, and on top a hat made of otter or beaver fur.
The woman’s clothes are wide, long to five dresses, embroidered with colorful ribbons along the hem. They came into the light, putting on top an apron with rich embroidery and a sleeveless jacket trimmed around the edges with tinsel. Outerwear used robes decorated with plaques and beads, in the winter - a fur coat. Headwear - a chintz scarf and a fur hat. The shoes are similar to men's: saryk with embroidery, kata with heels. Girls from wealthy families wore various jewelry: rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, pendants.
Currently, you can see traditional costumes on the elderly or during special occasions, as well as performing folk dances and songs.
Solemn Events
- Bashkiria Day is associated with the adoption of the Declaration on State Sovereignty of the Republic. It is celebrated on October 11th.
- Constitution Day - December 24th.
- Uraza-bairam - is celebrated in accordance with the lunar calendar. Holiday in honor of the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.
- Eid al-Adha - like the previous holiday in Bashkiria, is assigned according to the lunar calendar. This is an Islamic holiday commemorated by the sacrifice of the prophet Ibrahim.
- Sabantuy. The time of celebration is established by government decree. Held in honor of the end of spring field work.
- Salauat yiyyny is another holiday in Bashkiria, a republican folk festival in honor of Salavat Yulaev.
Places to visit
Walking in Ufa? Visit the monument of Bashkir architecture - the mausoleums of Hussein-Bek and Keshene (in translation "house of decay"). It is located 40 kilometers from the capital, the time of their construction is the 11th and 13th century, respectively.
In the Shulgan-Tash Nature Reserve, do not pass by Kapova Cave (the right bank of the White). Having three floors with a total length of 1.8 kilometers, it is a significant monument of archeology. On the territory of the national park "Bashkiria" is the natural bridge of Cuperl. Many years ago, a river broke through an underground canal, forming a large cave that collapsed over time and created a work of art - part of it continues to hang over the river as a bridge.
In Birsk you can learn all about the crafts of the indigenous peoples of Bashkiria. Here is a factory of art products, which produces souvenirs from kapo-root (growth on the roots and trunks of birch trees) and various clay products.
The republic boasts many cultural monuments, as well as places that are not such - they are simply very beautiful. Guests of Bashkiria love to be in the place of the Ufa Plateau (along the Ufa River). The view is beautiful: a fast river framed by green forests, caves and funnels, beating springs - all this is breathtaking!
The nature of Bashkiria is striking in its unique and inexplicable beauty. In words it is impossible to describe all its beautiful places, but they can be seen live. When planning a trip, be sure to think about Bashkiria - a wonderful region with rich nature.