Formation and Development of the Religious Identity of the Mongolian Ethnos
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25178/nit.2026.1.23Keywords:
religious identity, national identity, Mongols, Buddhism, Tengrianism, shamanism, Mongolian cultureAbstract
The article presents a socio-philosophical analysis of the religious identity of the Mongols from ancient times to the present day. This study involves examination not only of the Mongolian form of Buddhism but also of ancient religious beliefs, particularly Tengrianism and shamanism. Tibetan Buddhism played an important role in the formation of Mongolian religious and ethno-cultural identities. Under the influence of Tibet, a new Buddhist identity spread among the Mongols, exerting a significant impact on their culture and mentality.
The article traces the origins of the religious identity of the Mongolian peoples associated with the phenomenon of Tengrianism (12th–14th centuries). It also explores the process of the formation of Buddhist identity among the Mongols (17th–19th centuries), examines the reformist movement within Mongolian Buddhism (early 20th century), and considers the transformation of Mongolian religious identity throughout the 20th century as well as its state at the contemporary stage (late 20th – early 21st centuries).
In the 20th century, Mongolia underwent complex socio-political and socio-cultural processes that led to a transformation of its religious identity. Religion was in fact prohibited, restricting the development and preservation of the Buddhist tradition. Nevertheless, Buddhism remained a significant factor shaping the self-identification of the Mongolian people. In the post-socialist period, Buddhism managed to partially restore its lost positions, regaining an important place in the socio-cultural life of the Mongols.
The modern identity of the Mongolian peoples remains inextricably linked with Buddhism as a part of their cultural code. Despite a certain crisis of ethnic identity caused by processes of globalization and Westernization, Buddhism continues to be one of the most important markers of ethnic self-identification among the Mongols.
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Ulanov M.S., Badmaev V. N. and Purevsuren B. Formation and Development of the Religious Identity of the Mongolian Ethnos. New Research of Tuva, 2026, no. 1, pp. 411-434 (In Russ.). DOI: https://doi.org/10.25178/nit.2026.1.23
Author Biographies
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Mergen S. Ulanov Southern Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Doctor of Philosophy, Candidate of History, Leading Researcher, Department of Scientific Research and Applied Research Southern Scientific Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
Postal address: 41 Chekhov Ave., 344006, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation.
E-mail: ulanov1974@mail.ru
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Valeriy N. Badmaev Southern Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Doctor of Philosophy, Professor, Leading Researcher, Department of Scientific Research and Applied Research, Southern Scientific Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
Postal address: 41 Chekhov Ave., 344006, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation.
E-mail: badmav07@yandex.ru
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Byambakhishig Purevsuren Institute of Philosophy, Mongolian Academy of Sciences
PhD, Professor, Director, Philosophy Institute, Mongolian Academy of Sciences.
Postal address: 15, Baruun Selbe St., Chingeltei district, Ulaanbaatar, 15141, Mongolia.
E-mail: puujee@yahoo.com
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