Ethnocultural transformation of the population in the ethnocontact zone of the Okinsky soyot district of mountainous Buryatia

The aim of this study is to identify the characteristics and factors of ethnocultural transformation of the population in a local bi-ethnic ethnocontact zone (ECZ) located in the mountainous Okinsky Soyot Municipal District of the Republic of Buryatia. Materials and Methods. The information base of the research comprises official statistical and archival materials. The principal methods employed include field research (in-depth interviews, sociological surveys, expert assessments, participant observation, and landscape reading of the cultural landscape), as well as statistical, chorological, comparative geographical, descriptive analytical, historical geographical, and cartographic methods. Results and Discussion. A tolerant bi-ethnic Soyot–Buryat ECZ (with a minor inclusion of representatives of other ethnic groups) has formed in the study region. Initially functioning as a "symbiosis" with elements of "xenia", it gradually transformed into a "mixed type" ECZ. This transformation was facilitated by the ethnic division of labour, which developed in the presence of ethno landscape niches. The most significant factors in the formation and ethnocultural transformation of the population are landscape, institutional, interethnic interactions, interethnic marriages, migrations, and the border factor. The authors have identified that changes in the numerical ratio of ethnic groups within the ECZ result from shifts in ethnic self identification among individuals born into mixed families. The growth in the Soyot population is associated with changes in ethnocultural regional policy and attempts to reconstruct Soyot ethnic culture. A development strategy that takes into account and prioritises the interests of the indigenous population — which could prevent their migration outflow — may play a decisive role in the future tolerant existence of the ECZ. Alongside the revival of traditional livelihoods, recreational development of the territory could serve this purpose. Conclusions. The results of comprehensive studies of the ECZ formed under mountainous conditions allow us to conclude that the constituent ethnic groups are undergoing ethnocultural transformation. The main objective factors of transformation are interethnic interactions, differences in the demographic behaviour of ethnic groups, and migrations, while the most important subjective factor is the institutional one. Further research is needed to monitor transformation, determine vectors for regional policy, prevent interethnic problems, and preserve ethnocultural diversity. The results of the study will be useful for the leadership of the republic and local administrations in formulating regional policy in the area.