Tourists from all over the world come to the republic to study its culture and admire the sights. The area of Bashkiria is large, and the 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, herding and fishing.
In the 12th-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, disunited. In 1557, it was decided to join the Russian state. Gradually, the territory of Bashkiria begins to be populated. Several fortresses were founded to protect against enemy raids. Local residents adopted the Russian experience of farming. In the 18th century, the Southern Urals became the center of the mining industry.
The Bashkirs took an active part in the Peasants' War. Their detachment was led by a poet and talentedmilitary leader Salavat Yulaev, taken prisoner by the government and sent into exile after the defeat. He subsequently 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 region was named the Republic of Bashkortostan. This 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 is attributed to the middle of the 15th century - it was then that she was annexed to Russia.
Square of Bashkiria
The Republic is located in the southern part of the Ural Mountains, on the border of Europe and Asia. Perm, Sverdlovsk, Chelyabinsk, Orenburg regions are located in the neighborhood. In the west and northwest, it is adjacent to Tatarstan and Udmurtia, respectively. The exact area of Bashkiria is 143,600 thousand square kilometers (this is 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 are fluent in Tatar. The population of the republic (according to the 2010 census) is 1,172,287 people. There are about 2 million Bashkirs in the world.
Weather and climate
The climate of the republic is continental. The weather in Bashkiria is changeable, sometimes unpredictable. The low mountain rangeprevents the penetration of Siberian air masses.
Summer in the republic is warm. The temperature in the steppe zone of the foothills of the Urals rises to 40 degrees. On average, in July the temperature stays at a position of 16 to 20 °C. The number of sunny days in the capital is around 260. Winter in Bashkiria is quite severe. The negative temperature is kept around 15 degrees, but sometimes the thermometer drops to -40 °C. Snowstorms 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 directly depends on the wind, on average it develops 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 around Bashkiria, be sure to look into coniferous and deciduous forests. Proudly and majestically, noble oaks, light lindens, sharp-leaved maples, sharp firs are located in them. The area is rich in chic flora and diverse fauna - animals characteristic of the taiga live in these forests. Mice, jays, badgers and hedgehogs are only 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 meet roe deer. Steppe rodents live in the most open areas. Seagulls and ducks settled near the lakes. The steppe area is sparse with trees, there are few plants here, cereals grow - sheep and feather grass. Of the local residents - ground squirrels, jerboas. There are many birds of prey - golden eagles, eagles, kites. Often they cansee hovering in the air or sitting on the slopes - this is how they observe and look out for prey. The steppe lakes of the Trans-Urals are teeming with birds, and near 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 of the Southern Urals - an elevation with two peaks 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, bathing in which you can recharge with remarkable strength for a long year ahead.
There are legends about the appearance of the mountains Yurak-Tau, Kush-Tau, Shah-Tau and Tra-Tau. It is believed that many years ago, the impudent horseman Ashak was in love with the daughter of the old Urals, the beautiful Agidel. He tried to get 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 man Ural. He turned his daughter into a fast river, and Ashak could not catch the naughty Agidel in any way - the water leaked through his fingers.
He decided to send a falcon for the girl, but he failed. Ashak realized everything, pulled out his own heart from his chest, threw it at the feet of his beloved. She touched him, but she could not return to human form. Now four shikhans stand at the site 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 the beautifulrepublics. The largest and strongest river in Bashkiria is the Belaya. 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 the areas of forests and steppes, you can count a huge number of lakes, different in size. They are wide, but shallow, and many of them are overgrown with reeds, cinquefoils and other marsh vegetation. The lakes are different - fresh, s alty, but they are all beautiful in their individuality.
Nature reserves
A large area of Bashkiria is occupied by valuable nature reserves.
- State Reserve. It is located on the border of broad-leaved and birch forests, is located close to the Trans-Ural steppes. The flora and fauna is very rich, both mammals and large predators live here. Reserve workers 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 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 along ecological trails (specially designed routes).
Modern Bashkiria
Bashkortostan is one of the most economically stableregions 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 at 8,691 rubles per capita. For labor - 9205, for pensioners - 7061, for children - 8856.
Grain and industrial crops are grown in the fields, sheep, horses, and poultry are grown on farms. Woolen production and beekeeping are popular. Oil refining, mechanical engineering and metalworking are developed in the republic. The factories of Bashkiria are engaged in woodworking and 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. It is often called the second Switzerland because of the variety of natural resources. When going on a trip, be sure: here they can offer you different options for recreation in sanatoriums and resorts. You can stay at camp sites, 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, passing through the capital and reserves. For lovers of horseback riding, rafting on catamarans or kayaks, there is also fun. You can book a ski or bike tour, snowmobile safari, trekking, caving or a simple guided tour.
Ufa is the capital of Bashkiria
Ufa is located in the very center of Bashkiria, at the confluence of three major rivers. The history of the city dates back to 1574 - then Ufa was the first Russian fortress. Gradually spreading its influence to all corners of the republic, the fortress kept the defense and repelled the attacks of enemies.
Numerous theaters are open to 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 city's national and art museums, 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 views beyond the river. They are accessible even to the naked eye: in the distance you can see a green floodplain, pouring out with bends of lakes and rivers that slowly go to the horizon. A little further you can see round hills covered with bright greenery. In the west - the luxurious valley of the Dema River with backwaters, forests and beaches - favorite places for recreation of the city's residents.
Head of the Republic
In 2014, Rustem Zakievich Khamitov was elected for a second term. His political career began with his appointment as chairman of the Commission on Ecological Problems, then he worked as director of the institute, and in 1994 he became Minister of the Environment. Behind him are many years of work in the structure of the Ministry of Emergency Situations. In 2010, former President of Bashkiria Murtaza Rakhimov resigned. Rustem Khamitov was appointed in his place by Dmitry Medvedev. The State Assembly of the Republic supported his candidacy. On July 15, 2010, Rustem Zakievich Khamitov officially began work in this responsible position.
Khamitov instills in young people a love of sports, develops international relations. The President of Bashkiria travels throughout the republic, actively participates in her entire life.
Ethnic cuisine
- Bishbarmak - boiled horse meat or lamb, cut into pieces. As a side dish - noodles with meat broth.
- Dried horsemeat sausage.
- Sour and s alty curds (short).
- Berry candy.
- Kumiss is a milk drink made from mare's milk. Sour in taste, the benefits of koumiss are appreciated all over the world.
- Buza is a drink based on sprouted grains of rye or barley.
- Ayran - sour milk diluted with water. An ideal assistant in the fight against thirst.
Traditional clothing
A long shirt with a turn-down collar and a short sleeveless jacket (camisole), worn on top, is 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 shin and soft ends made of leather (saryk) and hand-made leather shoes (kata). The poor had to wear bast shoes. You could wear a skullcap on your head, and on top - a hat made of otter or beaver fur.
Women's clothes are wide, long dresses to the heels, embroidered with multi-colored ribbons along the hem. They went out into the world, wearing an apron with rich embroidery on topand a sleeveless jacket trimmed around the edges with tinsel. Dressing gowns decorated with plaques and beads were used as outerwear, in winter - a fur coat. Headwear - a chintz scarf and a fur hat. Shoes are similar to men's: saryk with embroidery, kata with heels. Girls from we althy families wore various jewelry: rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, pendants.
Currently, traditional costumes can be seen on the elderly either during ceremonial events, as well as when performing folk dances and songs.
Celebrations
- The Day of Bashkiria is associated with the adoption of the Declaration on the state sovereignty of the republic. It is celebrated on October 11.
- Constitution Day - December 24.
- Eid al-Adha - celebrated in accordance with the lunar calendar. Holiday in honor of the end of fasting in the month of Ramadan.
- Eid al-Adha - like the previous holiday in Bashkiria, is appointed according to the lunar calendar. This is an Islamic holiday commemorating the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim.
- Sabantuy. The time of the celebration is set by government decree. Held to celebrate the end of spring field work.
- Salauat yyyny is another holiday in Bashkiria, a republican folklore holiday in honor of Salavat Yulaev.
Places to visit
Walking around Ufa? Visit the monument of Bashkir architecture - the mausoleums of Hussein-Bek and Keshene (translated as "the house of decay"). Located 40 kilometers from the capital, the time of their construction is the 11th and 13th centuries, respectively.
Breserve Shulgan-Tash do not pass by the Kapova cave (the right bank of the Belaya). 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" there is a natural bridge Kuperlya. Many years ago, the river broke through an underground channel, creating 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 everything about the folk crafts of the indigenous peoples of Bashkiria. Here is a factory of art products, which produces souvenirs from kapo-root (a 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 - they are just very beautiful. Guests of Bashkiria love to visit the Ufa Plateau (along the Ufa River). The view is beautiful: a fast river framed by green forests, caves and funnels, gushing springs - it's all breathtaking!
The nature of Bashkiria strikes with its unique and inexplicable beauty. It is impossible to describe all its beautiful places in words, but you can see them live. When planning a trip, be sure to think about Bashkiria - a wonderful land with rich nature.
