Is Ossetia a country?
Is Ossetia a country?
South Ossetia, Russian Yuzhnaya Osetiya, autonomous republic in Georgia that declared independence in 2008. Only a few countries—most notably Russia, which maintains a military presence in South Ossetia—recognize its independence.
Is there a North Ossetia?
North Ossetia–Alania, also called North Ossetia, Russian Severnaya Osetiya–Alaniya, respublika (republic) in southwestern Russia, on the northern flank of the Greater Caucasus range. It is bordered on the south by Georgia and on the north by the Sunzha and Terek ranges. The capital and largest city is Vladikavkaz.
Is South Ossetia Russia?
On 17 August, Russian president Dmitry Medvedev announced that Russian forces would begin to pull out of Georgia the following day. Russia recognised Abkhazia and South Ossetia as separate republics on 26 August.
Where do the Ossetians come from?
In the present day, their homeland is divided into North Ossetia (part of the Russian Federation) and South Ossetia. The Ossetians probably descend in part from the medieval Alan (As) people. Under the influence of the Khazars, with whom the Alans were in alliance at one time, some of the Alans converted to Judaism.
Who are the Ossetians in Russia?
Ossetians. The Ossetians mostly populate Ossetia, which is politically divided between North Ossetia–Alania in Russia, and South Ossetia, a de facto independent state with partial recognition, closely integrated in Russia and claimed by Georgia .
What is the language of Ossetia?
The Ossetian language is in the Iranian family of languages, although Ossetian and Iranian (Farsi or Persian) are not mutually comprehensible. There are three main dialects of Ossetian: Digor, Iron, and Tual. The Digor speakers live mainly in North Ossetia, the Tual in the South, and the Iron in both North and South Ossetia.
Are South Ossetians more similar to North or South Caucasian populations?
However, for the Y-chromosome, North Ossetians are more similar to other North Caucasian populations, and South Ossetians to other South Caucasian populations, than to each other. The SAMOVA analysis also identifies a boundary between South Ossetians and other groups for the Y chromosome, but not for mtDNA.
