Ossetian people

The Ossetian people are an ethnic group from the Caucasus region, primarily residing in North Ossetia (Russia) and South Ossetia (a breakaway territory). They speak Ossetic, an Indo-European language related to Persian and historically connected to ancient Scythian and Sarmatian tribes. Ossetians have a rich cultural heritage, including distinctive music, dance, and folklore. Their history is marked by being at the crossroads of empires, often dealing with political tensions, especially regarding South Ossetia's independence claims. They are predominantly Eastern Orthodox Christians, with a strong sense of regional identity rooted in their resilient traditions and history.