“NOTE” (“RISALA”) BY IBN FADLAN AND FEATURES OF THE EARLY STAGE OF THE VOLGA BULGARS FORMATION (X century)

The tribes mentioned in Ibn Fadlan’s “Note” before their migration to the Middle Volga lived on territory of Khazar Khaganate (the North Caucasus, Volga-Don steppes). It was there that they began move a settled life, as well converge language and culture. main part genetically belonged Turkic-Ogurs, ancestors Bersils were Persian-speaking, Esegels Ugrians. Consequently, ethnonyms constructed completely different form. During formation state Bulgars, term as-Sakaliba meant not only specific ethnic group, but political unification various northern tribes. From 10th century its place taken by polytonym Bolgars (Bulgars), known Byzantine world since end 5th meaning Oghur-speaking heirs Huns. process interaction between intraethnic groups Bulgars time based traditions, one hand, migrants from Caucasus and, other, Bulgar steppes. leaders these 922 were, Fadlan described, Emir Almysh certain “imposter” Suvars, nicknamed “thief, robber, bandit” (Vărăh). reason for public unrest official acceptance religion Islam Bulgarian king, which followed oblivion traditions ancestors. society divided into two groups: traditionalists passionaries. cult Muslim saints developed through development early genealogical Oguro-Bulgar Over time, merged with images Judeo-Muslim literature. new consciousness function two-level mode. At interstate level, exoethnonym is approved, at level region ethnos – endoethnonym Bulyar.