In the Zainsk district, scientists from Kazan discovered unique examples of folk art.

      Specialists from the Institute of Language, Literature and Art summed up the results of an expedition held in the Zainsk district

      A comprehensive expedition of the G. Ibragimov Institute of Language, Literature and Art of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tatarstan — which this year celebrates 85 years of scientific activity — took place in the Zainsk district. Over the course of a week, from September 22 to 30, collection and analysis of materials on oral folk creativity were carried out by Doctors of Philological Sciences Leyla Davletshina, expedition leader, and Lilia Mukhametzyanova. The features of local dialects and vocabulary were studied and recorded by Candidate of Philological Sciences Alina Khusainova; traditional songs and musical instruments — by Gulnaz Gilemianova; folk applied arts and ethnography — by Aigul Zalyaleeva; written heritage — by Aigul Khasanova; and epigraphy — by Vener Usmanov.

      “The residents of the settlements Aksarino, Verkhnie Shipki, Imyanlebash, Sredniy Bagryazh, Sarsaz Bagryazh, Nizhnee Bishevo, Akhmetyevo, Karmanovo, Verkhniy Nalim, Sarmash-Bash, Begishevo, Durt-Muncha, Verkhnie Pinyachi, Bura-Kirta, Kush-Yelga, and Savaleevo received our expedition hospitably. They enthusiastically shared their knowledge and experience, helping the researchers in every way. It is gratifying that the residents of the district carefully preserve cultural traditions and their native language,” noted researchers of the G. Ibragimov Institute of Language, Literature and Art of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tatarstan, Aigul Zalyaleeva and Aigul Khasanova.

      The scholars discovered genuine treasures of folk art. Among them were unique examples of tambour embroidery in which the craftswomen embroidered religious texts instead of patterns, traditional costume elements, folk art products and shamail artworks. The study of weaving showed that it resembles samples from neighboring districts, indicating a unified regional tradition.

      In addition, the researchers recorded a close cultural affinity between Tatars and Kryashens. Despite religious differences, they are bound by deep mutual respect, a common language, and unity in traditional patterns and material culture.

      The scientists collected valuable information about folk craftsmen, which made it possible to form a substantial body of information about the bearers of traditional trades. However, the researchers noted that in the modern world there is a weakening of interest in folk crafts, especially among the younger generation.

      The materials collected by the scientists are a true treasure trove for research. They will help not only to rescue from oblivion unique examples of folk creativity, but also to thoroughly study the traditional way of life and cultural traditions of the region. These data will form the basis for further research in the field of ethno-cultural heritage.

      It is particularly pleasing that folk traditions in architecture are alive and continue. The researchers saw this with their own eyes: local residents still decorate their houses, fences and gates with carving and ornaments, as their ancestors did. This proves that traditional cultural codes are not forgotten and are successfully passed down from generation to generation.

      Thus, the expedition not only collected an exceptionally rich archive, but also revealed new, unexplored facets of folk culture that have been preserved in the Zainsk district. The results of the study will contribute to the further study and preservation of the historical and cultural potential of the region.

      Photo by the author

      Irina Smirnova

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      In the Zainsk district scientists from Kazan discovered unique examples of folk art

      Specialists from the Institute of Language, Literature and Art summed up the results of an expedition held in the Zainsk district

      A comprehensive expedition of the Institute of Language, Literature and Art took place in the Zainsk district 12:09 28.11.2025 News of Zainsk - Zainsk

      In the Zainsk district scientists from Kazan discovered unique examples of folk art

      Specialists from the Institute of Language, Literature and Art summed up the results of an expedition held in the Zainsk district

      A comprehensive expedition of the Institute of Language, Literature and Art took place in the Zainsk district 11:40 28.11.2025 Zainsk-Inform - Zainsk