Preserving Kalmyk Culture and Heritage

The Kalmyk people — the only native European Buddhists — have called America home for over 70 years. Their language, traditions, and stories are at risk of disappearing. We exist to make sure they don't.

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A desert landscape with white Buddhist stupas and prayer flags under a clear blue sky.

Who Are Kalmyks And Where Do We Come From?

The Kalmyks are a Western Mongol people who migrated from Central Asia to the lower Volga region of Europe in the 17th century, establishing the sovereign Kalmyk Khanate before being absorbed into the Russian Empire following a mass exodus of their population back to China in 1771.

Traditionally nomadic pastoralists and practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism, our history is characterized by a strong military tradition as Russian Cossacks and a tragic WWII-era exile to Siberia that severely reduced our numbers.

Today, the global Kalmyk and Oirat population is estimated between 600,000 and 700,000—with over 183,000 residing in Russia's region of Kalmykia—as we continue to preserve our unique cultural identity and critically endangered native language.

Women in traditional Korean hanbok performing a dance outdoors with a large yellow flag featuring the blue and white emblem of the United Nations in the background.
Young musicians dressed in traditional costumes perform on stage with stringed instruments against a red curtain backdrop.
Children dressed in traditional costumes holding tulips, watching a performance at a cultural event indoors.
Smiling young girl in a traditional bright pink dress with black and gold accents at an outdoor festival or celebration.
Children sitting in a circle on chairs and the floor, listening to an adult holding a yellow paper, in a room decorated with Christmas ornaments on the windowsill.

Community news

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Group of people, including children in traditional costumes, gathered inside a room with brick walls and large windows, celebrating an event or cultural occasion.
Two people dancing in traditional costumes outdoors, with colorful prayer flags hanging above them.
Group of children and adults in traditional clothing standing on a stage with a large screen displaying a blue and white lotus flower logo behind them.
Young girl performing a traditional dance in elaborate green and gold costume with headpiece, jewelry, and braid, indoors with flags in the background.
Group of people on stage in front of red curtain, celebrating during a cultural event with lion dance costumes, holding certificates, and colorful banners with Chinese characters.

Kalmyk History

New York City Department of Cultural Affairs

Our partners

The organizations we were honored to work with.
The New York City Council

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