Historical and Cultural Connections between the Tatars and the Jurchen in the Eurasian Space

Abstract

The article presents an ethno-historical study based on food culture, emphasizing its role as a significant element in preserving ethnic identity and transmitting cultural memory from generation to generation. The use of similar culinary technologies may be directly linked to ancient migration processes, trade routes, and phenomena of cultural diffusion. From this perspective, a comparative analysis of national dishes serves as an additional source that complements written records and archaeological materials. Therefore, this study constitutes part of a comprehensive historical and cultural analysis aimed at revealing the multifaceted nature of interactions among the peoples of the Eurasian space.

The region inhabited by the Tatars, which spans from East Asia to Central Asia and the southern parts of the Russian Federation, encompasses thousands of kilometers. However, the Manchu "Sachima" pastry resembles the Tatar "Chakchak" in both appearance and texture, despite the vast geographical distances between these cultures. This paper examines the historical and cultural connections between the Tatars and the Jurchen, utilizing these two similar pastries as a secondary research subject. Through the comparison of these foods, this study seeks to shed light on the social relations between the two peoples and explore the broader implications for understanding their historical connections. By analyzing the origins of these pastries, this research challenges conventional academic perspectives on the origins of the Tatars and the Jurchen.