Tatars of the Southern Districts of the Vyatka Province in the Second Half of the 19th – Early 20th Centuries: Social, Religious, and Demographic Aspects

Abstract

This article examines the social, religious, and demographic characteristics of the Tatar population of the southern districts (Yelabuzhsky, Malmyzhsky, and Urzhumsky) of the Vyatka province in the second half of the 19th – early 20th centuries. I explore the dynamics and geographical distribution of the Tatar population in these areas, considering the class, religious, gender, age, and professional composition. I further discuss the general level of literacy among the Tatars of the southern districts in comparison to the representatives of other ethnic groups, as well as the ratio of literate men vs. literate women. The research is drawn on data collected at the Central State Archive of the Kirov Region and materials provided by the local history department of the Kirov Regional Scientific Library named after A.I. Herzen.