Zaysanism in Traditional Tuvan Society: History and Transformation in the Mid-18th – Early 20th Centuries

The article examines the history and transformation of zaysanism within traditional Tuvan society between the mid-18th and early 20th centuries, since the phenomenon remains one of the least investigated social institutions of Tuvan tribal structure. Goals. The work seeks to explore the history and transformation of zaysanism. Nowadays, on the eve of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Tuvan People’s Republic — the official date marking the duration of Tuvan statehood — it is necessary to go back to historical roots and explore the institution of clan / tribal rulers. Methods. The study involves extensive ethnographic materials, documentary archival sources, and employs the problem-chronological, structural and historical-comparative methods to analyze the backgrounds and transformation of zaysanism in Tuva. Results. It is known that well before the defeat of Dzungaria and conquest of Tuva by the Qing Empire, the Tuvan ethnic groups already had a stable social structure characterized by an established administrative system — zaysans (Tuv. чейзен). Despite all innovations of the Manchu government, the institution of zaysanism — enforced by traditions and customs – survived in Tuva to the early 20th century. Moreover, the conquest lead to its further transformation into state authorities with certain hierarchy, functions and differentiation. Conclusions. Due to the specific geopolitical whereabouts, the transformation of the institution of zaysans in Tannu-Tuvan banners resulted in the emergence of a special administrative apparatus characterized by significant internal autonomy, well-defined structure, rigid hierarchy, and independence of local rulers.

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