Bashkir Mythology

On Saturday, March 28, 2026, CHAKCHAK Foundation presented Bashkir Mythology as part of the AY 2025-2026 Hidden Mythologies of the Volga and Ural Region lecture series. Dr. Golshat Safiullina introduced the audience to the rich mythological traditions of the Bashkir people, exploring figures such as Ġäyšä-Fatima, a protective spirit; Azhdaha, a dragon-like being who can appear as both a fearsome demon and a benevolent helper; and Tulpar, the legendary winged horse and companion of the batyrs (heroes). The lecture also explored the Bashkir epic poem Zayatulyak and Khyukhuylu "Zayatulyak and Khyukhuylu" that tells a tragic love story between a legendary warrior and a water maiden.

The program concluded with a musical performance by Dr. Inna Moiseeva (piano), Victoria Popritkin (soprano), and Ron Kalinovsky (bass) of the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, who performed arias from Tulyak and Susylu, an opera by Tatar composer Nazib Zhiganov.