Oirat

Oirat refers to a group of western Mongolic peoples and their language, historically forming part of the larger Mongol Empire's culture. The Oirats primarily live in western Mongolia, parts of China (Inner Mongolia), and Russia. They speak the Oirat language, a dialect of the Mongolic language family, and have a distinct cultural identity linked to nomadic traditions, Buddhism, and historical alliances. Historically, the Oirats played significant roles in Mongolian and Central Asian history, often resisting external domination. Today, they maintain their cultural heritage while integrating into modern nation-states, contributing to Mongolia’s diverse ethnic mosaic.