. Gagauz in Belarus: forms of identification and degree of adaptation

Abstract

The article examines the Gagauz of Belarus – one of the small and dispersed regional groups of this ethnic group. For the first time, both in Belarusian ethnology and in Gagauz studies, the Gagauz of Belarus became the object of scientific research. The periods of formation of this ethnic group in Belarus are noted: Soviet and post-Soviet. The author analyzes the forms of identification used by the Gagauz of Belarus and the degree of their adaptation in the Belarusian sociocultural space. This article is based on field research data collected personally by the author in 2020–2022.

From the data obtained during the survey, it follows that the Gagauz people feel comfortable in Belarus: the advantages of the Soviet era and socio-economic stability have been preserved here, there is no national question, the Russian language is one of the state languages, stable wages, housing, there is a future for children, etc. It is noted that the historically established tradition of intercultural dialogue and peaceful coexistence of various confessions among the population of Belarus, as well as the national policy pursued by the state, contribute to the formation of the significance of civic identity.