The Kalmyk Cultural Survival

        In my study of the Kalmyk culture thus far, I think that it has been extremely hard for the culture as a whole to survive.  From what I can see, there have been repeated attempts made by Russia to control the Kalmyk culture.  In addition to this, the tragic deportation of the entire Kalmyk culture during WWII by Stalin destroyed a significant number of the culture's population.  Also, the Kalmyk culture's predominate religion, Buddhism, is unique to their culture in that they hold the largest Buddhist population in the whole continent of Europe.  Therefore, cultural survival for the Kalmyks is tremendous feat that they have overcome, and it continues to be so.

Reference: http://www.festival.si.edu/2013/One_World_Many_Voices/language_communities/kalmyk.aspx

         The Kalmyk culture consists of three theaters, one of which is the State Touring and Concert Institution called "Kalmkoncert."  Kalmykia also consists of two museums, a School of Arts, children's music and art schools, and five professional dance teams.  These cultural institutions are often used by the republic to popularize traditional Kalmyk culture, using ancient stories and dances to bring the Kalmyk people together and appreciate their heritage.  Librarianship is a popular occupation within the Kalmyk culture, and in Kalmykia there are 175 libraries.  These aspects of the Kalmyk's world contribute to their cultural survival (Republic).

Reference: http://www.festival.si.edu/2013/One_World_Many_Voices/language_communities/kalmyk.aspx

        The Kalmyks have also successfully kept their culture alive through their oral traditions.  This aspect of their culture is centered on the stories of Jangar.  Jangar is a epic story regarding the origins of the Kalmyk people that took place about four hundred years ago.  This musical and story-telling revival is being done by teenagers and young adults within the culture (Smithsonian).

Works Cited:

"Smithsonian Folklife Festival - 2013 - One World, Many Voices." Smithsonian Folklife Festival - 2013 - One World, Many Voices. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 May 2014.

"Republic of Kalmykia | History." Republic of Kalmykia | History. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Mar. 2014. <http://www.kalm.ru/en/hist.html>.