Introduction. The article deals with an understudied — though essential — episode in the history of the Kalmyk Khanate — the 1722 meeting of Peter I of Russia and Khan Ayuka of Kalmyks on the banks of the Volga. The issue proves not only topical but is also as interesting since personal written memoirs to have somewhat covered the event are scarce enough, even the latter often being controversial. Goals. The article analyzes little known private materials to attempt a clarifying insight into the actual historical circumstances of the meeting. The former are accounts of those to have attended and witnessed the event, such as the Operations Record Book of the 1722 Campaign by Peter the Great, travel notes of J. Bell (a Scotch physician in the Russian imperial service), Kalmyk-to-Russian translator V. Bakunin, and reports by hydrographer and navigator F. Soimonov. Results. The examination of the mentioned private 18th–19th century sources shows those often contradict each other, and eyewitness accounts need further detailed investigation. Unfortunately, such private sources dated to the 18th and 19th centuries provide no clear answers to multiple questions but rather tend to give rise to new ones and complicate any historical reconstruction of the 1722 meeting. However, the source base is extensive enough and requires meticulous analysis. Most significantly, those are archival documents that may contain additional details and put an end to arguments over the revealed controversial facts.

Introduction. The paper provides a first analysis — in Mongolian and Russian historiography — of all scientific journal publications, monographs and proceedings of academic conferences dealing with the Soviet diplomat Otto Ivanovich Makstenek, the first Authorized Representative of RSFSR People’s Foreign Affairs Commissariat to Mongolia who made a huge contribution to the success of the Mongolian Revolution of 1921 only to remain unheralded in history. Goals. The study aims at identifying and analyzing (in a historiographic perspective) all scientific works covering revolutionary and diplomatic activities of O. I. Makstenek and authored by Russian and Mongolian scientists. The objectives to be tackled thereto include as follows: 1) analysis of bibliographic publications for further identification of scientific works dedicated to the Soviet diplomat, 2) genre determination of such works (monographs, articles, proceedings of research conferences), historiographic analysis of publications by Russian and Mongolian scholars. Conclusions. The historiographic analysis show O. I. Makstenek as a historical figure whose life and deeds — though preserved in fragments only — illustrate revolutionary events in Livonia, Irkutsk Governorate, Transbaikalia, and Mongolia in the 1900s to 1920s. Makstenek’s activity as Authorized Representative of RSFSR People’s Foreign Affairs Commissariat to Mongolia was the pinnacle of his revolutionary work. And the research materials attest to that he made a most valuable contribution to the victory of the Mongolian Revolution of 1921.

Introduction. The article analyzes the recovery period of Kalmykia’s healthcare system after the 1957 return of Kalmyk people from deportation. The chronological framework coincides with the first Soviet seven-year plan — from 1959 to 1965. Goals. The paper aims to examine actual conditions of the healthcare sector in Kalmykia during the period examined. Materials and methods. The work mainly explores archival documents from the National Archives of Kalmykia, it employs both general scientific (analysis, comparison) and special historical research methods. The historical systemic method makes it possible to reveal the relationship between government policy and the changes that took place in the republican healthcare. The quantitative (statistical) method and the chronological principle prove as instrumental in achieving objectives set forth. Results. After the restoration of autonomy, the healthcare system of the republic becomes part of national health services to build its work in accordance with certain federal regulations. The period witnesses the establishment of foundations for further development of Kalmykia’s healthcare, emergence of specialized medical aid, and opening of new medical institutions. The health budget of the republic and subsidization for the construction of a regional medical institutions network were increasing. Conclusions. The participation of the Government manifested in financial, material, technical support and staffing had a definitely positive effect on the development of the republic’s healthcare system and laid the foundation for its further growth.

Goals. The article aims to determine the place of Mongolia and plots related to the history of this country in works of the famous Soviet and Russian historian Ilya I. Kuznetsov, to evaluate his contribution to the study of the military conflict between the Red Army and armed forces of Japan in 1939 at the River of Khalkhin, and to characterize the role of I. Kuznetsov in preparing the memoirs of Yu. Tsedenbal. Materials and methods. The article analyzes memoirs and correspondence of I. Kuznetsov, materials of periodicals and mainly scientific works of the historian dealing with exploits of Soviet and Mongolian soldiers during the conflict on the Khalkhin Gol River. The methodology employed — in addition to the general scientific method of analysis — includes special historical research methods, i.e. the retrospective and chronological ones. Results. The study determines the chronological framework of issues related to events on the Khalkhin Gol River and studied by I. Kuznetsov — from mid-1960s to mid-1980s. The scholar prepared a number of articles and monographs that forever inscribed his name in the historiography of the events at Khalkhin Gol. Assistance in the preparation of Yu. Tsedenbal’s memoirs also became an important and interesting part of the historian’s scientific path, although this work remained unfinished. Conclusions. The study shows that despite issues of Mongolian history were not central to the scientific endeavors of I. Kuznetsov, his insights into the events on the Khalkhin Gol River were important in developing another research interest of the historian — destinies of Heroes of the Soviet Union and feats accomplished by soldiers of the Soviet and Mongolian armies. Publications of I. Kuznetsov’s works in the Mongolian People’s Republic and the Soviet Union unequivocally attest to the significance of his academic efforts aimed at exploring destinies of the heroes of Khalkhin Gol. This is confirmed by the very fact the scholar was invited to assist Yu. Tsedenbal in writing the latter’s memoirs. I. Kuznetsov was a historian with diverse scientific interests who with genuine enthusiasm tackled new research topics. The Mongolian theme is undoubtedly a significant contribution to his scientific background. And for the Mongolian people proper, the perpetuation of their compatriots’ feats in the conflict at Khalkhin Gol was of great importance. 

Introduction. The study analyzes the development of humanitarian ties between the Soviet Union (Russia) and the Mongolian People’s Republic (Mongolia). The work focuses on processes of cultural, scientific and educational cooperation between the countries, provides insight into main mechanisms and areas of interaction over the century of official diplomatic relations. Goals. The article aims at performing a brief analysis of the legal framework for the implementation of mutual relations in the humanitarian sphere, as well as at identifying key stages in the development of cultural and educational contacts, which is of utmost importance in terms of creating strong ties between nations. Materials and methods. The study examines legal sources, publications, and scientific literature. Results. Ultimately, the paper determines main stages in the development of cultural and scientific cooperation, outlines objective reasons to have caused the cooling in relations between the countries after the collapse of the USSR. Despite the successor states of the USSR and the MPR were desperately seeking to distance themselves from the Socialist past and ideological foundations in the 1990s, the cultural essentials did not undergo any crucial reassessment of previous achievements. In the 2000s and onwards, a new stage in the development of relations between the Russian Federation and Mongolia has begun. The contemporary nature of interaction has reached the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership. One of the important markers characterizing the level and conditions of bilateral relations is the essential number of scientific events held as part of the centenary celebrations. The work highlights main contradictions that arise between countries under current conditions, though shows those contradictions are not actually systemic by nature. Conclusions. So, the study presents key prospects for the implementation of joint projects aimed at developing scientific and humanitarian cooperation that lay sound foundations of mutual relations. A special role therein was once played by professional training of Mongolia’s citizens at Soviet universities.

Introduction. The article examines ‘yasak’ books and explores Daurs to have resided in Yakutia in 1634-1678. Goals. The study aims to analyze all available data on Daurs who had inhabited the Aldan River Basin (‘Aldan Daurs’). The objectives to be pursued thereto include as follows: 1) analysis of sources mentioning the 17th-century Aldan Daurs, 2) identification of similarities and differences between the Daur population of Yakutia and kindred ethnic groups. Materials and methods. The study primarily analyzes scientific works on the history of Yakutia, as well as published archival documents of that period ― yasak books, orders, and petitions. The work employs historical research methods, i.e. the historical descriptive (narrative), comparative ones, and that of linguistic analysis. Results. The paper articulates assumptions about origins of individuals mentioned in the yasak book, and provides a detailed linguistic analysis of Daur and other names for the former’s ethnic identification. The article deals with the Daurs of Yakutia only, and does not address the issue of the origin of the Sakha people (Yakuts). The work shows that the available sources are insufficient for accurate ethnic identification of Yakutia’s Daurs. This question requires further comprehensive research. 

Introduction. The article provides a first insight into local and regional folk medicine traditions of Alar Buryats (once a part of Balagansk Buryats) nowadays inhabiting Alarsky District of Ust-Orda Buryat Autonomous Okrug (Irkutsk Oblast, Russia) and clustering with Buryats from the western coast of Lake Baikal, the latter therefore referred to as ‘western’ or ‘Cis-Baikalia’ (sometimes ‘northern’) Buryats. Healing practices of present-day Alar Buryats include richest experiences of previous generations, the former largely determined by a number of natural and  geographic factors and conditions of the forest-steppe zone that resulted in consistent combinations of economic patterns, such as arable farming, semi-sedentary livestock breeding, seasonal hunting and fishing. Folk medicine of this sub-ethnic group retains strong ties to shamanic beliefs to have survived the long decades and centuries of persecution. The research topic proves interesting enough since the region under consideration — like the entire Baikal Region — is characterized by a lack of Tibetan medicine influence to have resulted from Orthodox Christianity’s resistance to the expansion of Buddhism. This factor made it possible to preserve the unique ancient traditional treatment techniques, while shamanic healing patterns based on a mythological worldview also constitute a large unexplored area of Baikalia at large. So, local healing traditions remain somewhat understudied. There are only fragmentary data in some works on this subject. Goals. The study aims to analyze the available data on traditional healing practices of Alar Buryats — publications, archival materials, and field notes. Results. The article classifies a set of animal and plant medicines, methods of psychological impact, irrational practices, preventive healthcare approaches and shamanic healing methods. Special attention is paid to etymologies of names of certain diseases and dialect medical terms. An effort is made to analyze the nature of some diseases and phenomena in comparison to healing traditions of other ethnic groups with due regard of modern medical knowledge. 

Goals. The article aims at characterizing a unique animal of Inner and Central Asian nomads — the domestic yak (sarlyk) and its hybrid (khainak) that have been bred by Mongols and Buryats for hundreds of years. The work provides a first ethnographic insight into statistical data on yak population dynamics in synchronous and diachronous perspectives, reviews adaptive properties of the animal instrumental in surviving in extreme conditions of highlands, its exterior, breeding and behavioral specifics, economic significance. Materials and methods. The article explores literary, field and online sources to employ the methodology of comparative analysis, in particular, the comparative-historical-genetic method. Materials about yak breeding among Turkic peoples are essentially verifying by nature. Results. When it comes to declare the five traditional types of livestock bred, Mongols and Buryats mention no yak, the latter be clustered with cattle. Mongolia’s yak population ranks second worldwide — after China. The post-Socialist era witnessed an increase in yak numbers in Mongolia paralleled by a decrease in Russia. Domestic yaks have unique adaptive properties towards low oxygen partial pressure, extreme cold, and meagre fodder resources. The incomplete domestication of animals is determined by high profitability via such extensive farming techniques. Being meat, dairy and working animals, sarlyks and khainaks were most essential to the traditional economy of nomads. In the 21st century, their products become exotic and environment friendly food items, while skin, hair, wool, undercoat and other components serve as unique raw materials for light industry, pharmacology and cosmetology. Conclusions. The 21st century Mongolia with its vast yak friendly territories witnesses a significant head increase resulting in industrial processing facilities of yak raw materials nationwide. In the 1980s, the Soviets were undertaking active purposeful efforts to develop yak breeding, while the free market period decreased both numbers of animals held by Buryats and their habitat. The situation is due to the lack of demand for yak products and the lack of infrastructure for industrial processing of raw materials. The domestic yak and its hybrid had made it possible for nomads of Inner Asia — Mongols and Buryats — to significantly extend economic boundaries of their ethnic territories and inhabit montane grasslands and shrublands.

Introduction. The article examines a yarliq from Dastur al-Katib (14th c. CE) and attempts to an insight into the principles of using the Mongol language in the 13th–14th century Persian records management system. Goals. The study provides an interdisciplinary analysis of the historical monument — a yarliq appointing a bakhshi (senior scribe) included in Dastur al-Katib fi Tayin al-Maratib (A Scribe’s Guide to Determining Ranks) compiled in the mid-14th century by Muhammad ibn Hindushah Nakhchivani, a financial statesman under the late Hulaguids and early Jalairids. To facilitate this, the paper shall: 1) translate the examined document into Russian, 2) characterize the latter as a valuable source on history of state, law and chancellery culture of Mongol Iran, 3) analyze the yarliq as an official act and a source of law, 4) identify the legal status of the Mongolian language in 13th–14th century Iran. Materials and methods. The study explores the yarliq proper and other materials of Dastur al-Katib, additional medieval sources on Mongol Iran and Genghisid states, including works by Rashid al-Din, Wassaf, etc., official documents of Genghisid chancelleries. The work employs a series of historical and legal research methods, such as those of source criticism, diplomatics analysis, comparative historical research, formal legal approach, historical legal and comparative legal analyses. Results. The paper introduces the yarliq appointing a secretary (bakhshi) from the medieval Persian treatise titled Dastur al-Katib into Russian-language scientific discourse and supplements it with a detailed interdisciplinary analysis. The work clarifies specific features of a bakhshi’s legal status as a senior scribe responsible for translating official edicts from Persian into Mongolian, his functions, rights, requirements for candidates. An attempt to identify the person to have been appointed scribe therein was made. Conclusions. The works concludes Mongolian had a status of the official language in records management system of Iran throughout the late 13th and 14th centuries, the former having been extensively used by nomadizing subjects of Hulaguid and Jalairid Ilkhans, including top-rank executives of Mongolian descent. This was reflected in the appointment of a special official responsible for articulating legal and other documents into Mongolian for nomadic elites and warlords. However, to extrapolate this conclusion onto other Genghisid states it is necessary to compare the researched document and additional information on Mongol Iran with similar sources from other heirs of the Mongol Empire, such as the Golden Horde, Chagatai Ulus, etc.

Introduction. The article examines peculiarities of missionary activities performed by the Russian Orthodox Church among Buddhists of Eastern Siberia in the mid-to-late 19th century. Goals. The paper aims to analyze — in social and archaeographic perspectives — a Tibetan manuscript collection at the Institute for Mongolian, Buddhist and Tibetan Studies (SB RAS) compiled through efforts of the Orthodox Christian missionary Konstantin K. Stukov (1809–1883). Materials and methods. The so called ‘cognitive history’ and certain elements of historical phenomenology serve as a methodological basis of the research. The structure of the Stukov Collection contributes to further understanding of both functioning patterns inherent to mid-to-late 19th century Buddhist communities of Eastern Siberia — and essentials of concurrent Orthodox Christian missionary endeavors across the region. The main research problem is to determine the substantial specifics of this collection for subsequent reconstruction of certain aspects in missionary activities of the priest. Conclusions. Ven. Stukov was interested in exploring worldviews and ritual practices of lay Buddhists for the cause of his missionary work. Those to be learnt knowledge areas (besides fundamental Buddhist doctrines proper) were to include visions of life characteristic of native inhabitants and largely rooted in pre-Buddhist culture of Siberia, South and Inner Asia. And the paper suggests that very interest proved crucial to the success of Ven. Stukov’s missionary deeds. The analysis claims personal initiative was an important factor of missionary work in mid-to-late 19th century Eastern Siberia integral to the then (and there) government policies at large. The article also introduces some newly discovered episodes from the biography of Konstantin K. Stukov — an Orthodox Christian priest, ethnographer, and social activist. 

Introduction. The article examines and introduces into scientific circulation a set of archival documents discovered at the State Archive of Astrakhan Oblast (file 480, collection 597 ‘Astrakhan Eparchial Committee of Missionary Orthodox [Christian] Society’) and supplemented with publications of Astrakhan periodicals (Astrakhanskiy Listok, Astrakhanskie Vedomosti) containing interdepartmental messages of regional authorities pertaining to a memorial facility (Kalm. tsatsa) in the locality of Chapchachi (Iki Tsokhor Ulus of Kalmyk Steppe). Materials and methods. The article employs the comparative and historical descriptive methods of research. The analyzed narratives comprise a number of 1900–1902 archival documents as follows: report by Ven. V. I. Kryazhimsky, missionary of Astrakhan Eparchial Committee; letters of response by the Committee of Kalmyk People’s Administrative Department and Astrakhan Governor M. A. Hasenkampf; article published in Astrakhanskiy Listok. Results. The work introduces documents dealing with the early 20th century interdepartmental discussion over preservation of the Ven. Kögshn Bagshi memorial facility in the locality of Chapchachi. Conclusions. The attitudes towards the memorial building of tsatsa (the tradition of worshiping Ven. Kögshn Bagshi) was typical of Russian spiritual and secular authorities in the latter’s contacts with the Buddhist tradition throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries at large. The Russian Orthodox Church was wary of the active ritual practices performed by Buddhist clerics of Kalmyk Steppe and sought to prevent an increase in the number of Buddhist priests and neutralize their influence on the population. Operating within the legal framework, the provincial authorities remained neutral towards the activities of the Buddhist clergy and made efforts to legally oppose the aggravation of confessional controversies in the region. 

Introduction. The article examines issues of accumulation, formation, preservation, usage arrangements, and peculiarities of historical sources in accordance with the adopted periodization of Kalmykia’s history by geographic and chronological parameters (the Central Asian and European periods, respectively) from earliest to modern times. Historical sources from the mentioned periods differ in degrees of preservation, volume and availability. Goals. So, the paper aims at surveying actual circumstances to have influenced the shaping of Kalmykia’s historical scientific sources and arrangements undertaken to have facilitated the use of multiple documents in exploring events of the past. For that purpose, the work shall attempt to identify certain unbiased factors of sociopolitical development at different stages of history (in a temporal perspective), determine roles and impacts of respective government agencies (depositories) of Russia in the shaping and accumulation of sources in Kalmykia’s history and development of archival affairs nationwide. Materials and methods. The study primarily employs diverse reference apparatuses of public and departmental depositories, collected documents, and data from scientific publications. The research principles are those of historicism, objectivity, comprehensiveness. Results. The Kalmyk people’s history is characterized by an extensive documentary base that includes different types of sources currently housed by federal and regional archives all across Russia. However, the problems of the former’s further growth and usage arrangements can be successfully solved under certain circumstances. 

Introduction. The article examines peculiarities of missionary activities performed by the Russian Orthodox Church among Buddhists of Eastern Siberia in the mid-to-late 19th century. Goals. The paper aims to analyze — in social and archaeographic perspectives — a Tibetan manuscript collection at the Institute for Mongolian, Buddhist and Tibetan Studies (SB RAS) compiled through efforts of the Orthodox Christian missionary Konstantin K. Stukov (1809–1883). Materials and methods. The so called ‘cognitive history’ and certain elements of historical phenomenology serve as a methodological basis of the research. The structure of the Stukov Collection contributes to further understanding of both functioning patterns inherent to mid-to-late 19th century Buddhist communities of Eastern Siberia — and essentials of concurrent Orthodox Christian missionary endeavors across the region. The main research problem is to determine the substantial specifics of this collection for subsequent reconstruction of certain aspects in missionary activities of the priest. Conclusions. Ven. Stukov was interested in exploring worldviews and ritual practices of lay Buddhists for the cause of his missionary work. Those to be learnt knowledge areas (besides fundamental Buddhist doctrines proper) were to include visions of life characteristic of native inhabitants and largely rooted in pre-Buddhist culture of Siberia, South and Inner Asia. And the paper suggests that very interest proved crucial to the success of Ven. Stukov’s missionary deeds. The analysis claims personal initiative was an important factor of missionary work in mid-to-late 19th century Eastern Siberia integral to the then (and there) government policies at large. The article also introduces some newly discovered episodes from the biography of Konstantin K. Stukov — an Orthodox Christian priest, ethnographer, and social activist. 

Introduction. Exploration of plots from late epic narratives is an urgent task of contemporary Jangar studies. A total of twelve epic texts (audiotapes) recorded by N. Bitkeev from jangarchi T. Lidzhiev in 1970 were transcribed for comprehensive insights into the mid-to-late epic-telling tradition. Goals. The article aims at considering plot structures of two narratives recorded from jangarchi Teltya Lidzhiev and introducing the unpublished texts into scientific circulation. Materials. The explored epic narratives are as follows: The Song of How Jangar [Bogdo] Came to Grips with Altan Cheeji; The Song of How Alya Monkhlya, the Son of Duta, Raided Eighteen Thousand Blood Red Horses from Jangar [Bogdo]. Results. The narratives are not interconnected, each being an independent poem manifesting one certain plot ‘move’. The common elements are characters, localization of events in space and time, a certain epic era and domain ruled by its Khan. The Song of How Jangar [Bogdo] Came to Grips with Altan Cheeji  is distinguished by that it contains no prologue which results from the plot proper deals with the era to have preceded the emergence of Bumba and Jangar’s enthronement. As compared to texts of Eelyan Ovla, Teltya Lidzhiev’s songs are notably reduced. However, despite the decreased number of poetic lines, the epic plot structure consisting of separate complete episodes is preserved in full.

Introduction. The article analyzes legends and songs about Genghis Khan recorded in expeditions across Buryatia, Mongolia and China — to further compare them with related archival and published materials. Goals. The work aims at identifying distinctive features inherent to folklore texts dealing with Genghis Khan in different linguistic and ethnic environments. The issue of revival of ethnic consciousness actualizes insights into ethnic culture and its peculiarities. Methods. The paper is first to consider local versions of Buryat songs about Genghis Khan in a comparative aspect. Semantic contextual analysis proves instrumental in revealing ethnic markers. Results. The article discusses songs about Genghis Khan of both local and general Mongol significance. Songs about kinship with Genghis Khan and the ancestral homeland of Buryats — Nayan Nava — have a local and specifically tribal meaning being connected to the history of the Khori Buryats proper. Songs with a motif of chase contain parallels with plots of all-Mongol toponymic legends. The song titled ‘Two Steeds of Bogdo’ (Bur. Bogdyn hoyor zagal) and known among the Mongolic peoples dates back to the Mongolian medieval literature — The Tale of Two Steeds of Genghis Khan. The songs are examined in comparison with legends and The Secret History of the Mongols. Conclusion. Contextual analysis of songs about Genghis Khan along with legends and The Secret History reveals a hidden deep layer in the semantics of texts. The songs of Russia and Mongolia’s Buryats identify ancient roots of the motif of kinship with Genghis Khan that date back to the historical homeland. The Shinehen Buryats of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (China) have shown a perfect preservation of authentic materials in an isolated environment, while Mongolia’s Buryats experienced a transformation and song borrowings in the close ethnic culture. The paper also concludes there are virtually no such songs about Genghis Khan among modern Buryats of Russia. In general, the comparative analysis of Buryat songs about the legendary warlord proves those had been created in their historical homeland of present-day Russia to be further preserved both in the alien (China) and kindred (Mongolia) ethnocultural environments.