Qaratay

From Freepedia

Qaratays are an ethnic group within Mordvins in Kamsko-Ustyinsky District, Tatarstan around Mordva Qaratay village. They speak Tatar complemented by Mordvin words, sometimes considered as Qaratay Dialect of Kazan Tatar language.

Their ancestors were Finno-Ugric tribes who lived on the territory of contemporary Tatarstan and were assimilated by Volga Bolgars/Tatars between the 8th and 15th centuries. Living around Tatars, they started speaking Tatar language. Neighbouring Mordvins in the Tetyushsky District speak a Finno-Ugric language).

Qaratays were converted to Christianity between the 16th and 18th, although the pre-Christian elements were preserved until the 20th century.

Qaratays have a local saint, Michail the Killed (Ubienny in Russian), who was killed by Qaratays 300 years ego. His house is now regarded as a sacred place.