Tatar facts for kids

The word Tatar usually refers to:

• The Tatars, a large group of people who live in parts of Asia and Europe.
• The Tatar language, which is spoken by the Tatar people.

Who Are the Tatars?

The Tatars are an ethnic group with a rich history. They mostly live in Eastern Europe and parts of Asia. Many Tatars live in the Republic of Tatarstan in Russia, but you can find Tatar communities all over the world. They are known for their unique culture, traditions, and language.

Where Do Tatars Live?

Most Tatars live in Russia, especially in the region of Tatarstan. This area is like their homeland. However, there are also many Tatars in other countries that used to be part of the Soviet Union, such as Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. Some Tatars also live in other parts of the world, including Turkey, China, and even the United States.

Tatar History: A Quick Look

The history of the Tatars is very long and interesting. They are believed to have come from different Turkic and Mongol groups. In the past, some Tatar groups were part of powerful empires, like the Golden Horde. This was a large empire that existed many centuries ago. Later, different Tatar states, like the Kazan Khanate, were formed. These states played an important role in the history of Eastern Europe.

Tatar Culture and Traditions

Tatar culture is a mix of different influences, including Turkic, Islamic, and Russian traditions.

• Music and Dance: Tatars have their own traditional music and dances, which are often performed during holidays and celebrations.
• Food: Traditional Tatar food is delicious! Some popular dishes include çäkçäk (a sweet pastry), peremech (meat pies), and echpochmak (triangular pastries filled with meat and potatoes).
• Clothing: Traditional Tatar clothing is colorful and often decorated with beautiful embroidery.
• Religion: Most Tatars are Muslims, and their faith is an important part of their culture and daily life.

The Tatar Language

The Tatar language is part of the Turkic language family. This means it is related to languages like Turkish, Azerbaijani, and Kazakh. It is the official language of Tatarstan, alongside Russian. Many Tatars speak both Tatar and Russian. The language has its own unique sounds and grammar. Learning Tatar can be a fun way to understand more about Tatar culture.

Images for kids

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  The areas of settlement of Tatars in Russia according to the National Population Census 2010

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  Khan's Palace in Bağçasaray.

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  Abandoned houses in Qarasuvbazar.

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  Swedish King Charles X Gustav in a skirmish with Tatars near Warsaw during the Second Northern War of 1655–1660.

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  Lithuanian Tartars of the Imperial Guard at the charge, by Richard Knötel

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  Tatar cavalry training in their sarai.

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  Tartary flag

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  Tatars in Kazan, 1871

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  Mintimer Shaimiyev (left), the president of the republic of Tatarstan, in the Qolşärif Mosque, Kazan, with Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow (right)

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  Siberian Tatars

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  Tatar elder and his horse.

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  Tatar woman

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  Tatar woman

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  Tatar woman

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  Tatars

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  Lithuanian Tatars of Napoleonic army

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  Daghestani Tatar elder

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  Tatar family

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  Tatar family in 1843

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  Siberian Tatars

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  Tatar child ca. 19th century

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  Tatars' raid on Moscow

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  Recovery of Tatar captives.

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  Tatar costumes.

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  Tatar horsemen

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  Tatars in the vanguard of the Ottoman army

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  Kazan Tatars 1862

See also

In Spanish: Tártaros para niños