Introduction / History

Buriat people are thought to be descended from Mongols who moved north to escape the rule of the Mongol Empire because there is a similarity in facial features and language.

Today, Buriats have incorporated Mongolian, Tibetan, and Chinese elements into their culture. Russians arrived in Siberia in the 17th century and did little to destroy the culture until the 20th century when they introduced communism. A large percentage of Buriats live in the lowlands along the Russia-Mongolia border.

Because they were once part of the USSR, some Russian Buriats migrated to other Soviet Socialist Republics in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Today, colorful Buriat clothing of bright blue, red, green and orange silks and brocades is only used for festivals. On a daily basis they wear standard Western clothing including shawls and felt hats.

Buriat society was founded on the clan or lineage, and a man's home, his political position, inheritance, and status were largely determined by his clan membership. Traditionally, marriages were arranged by parents, forming alliances between clans, since members could not marry within their own lineage. A bride could also be obtained by abduction, with or without her consent. Today, most marriages are initiated by the couples, themselves. Buriat people love music, folk dances, chess and sporting events.

What Are Their Beliefs?

In 1818, the first Protestant missionary began work among Buriats. The work lasted 22 years. After that time, the laborers were few. Buriat people are now Siberia's largest Buddhist group. Those residing east of Lake Baikal are devout followers of the Dal

What Are Their Needs?

Buriats are Tibetan Buddhists living in a Muslim land. They need gospel workers who will take Christ to them in a culturally sensitive way. Fortunately, there are some Bible-believing Christians among them that can spread Christ’s fame to others.

Prayer Points

Pray for Buriat disciples in Turkmenistan to make more disciples.
Pray the Buriat people will have a growing hunger for truth; Jesus is the personification of truth.
Pray for Buriat leaders in Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan to have the spiritual hunger to embrace Christ no matter the cost.

Scripture Prayers for the Buriat, Russian in Turkmenistan.

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buryats
https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/russia-mobilization-ethnic-minorities-buryat-1.6605501
https://meduza.io/en/feature/2022/05/05/everything-here-smells-like-the-dead-now