On the territory of each country there is a certain number of diasporas. They are classified according to relevant characteristics and historical origin. However, what is a diaspora? What is its role in strengthening national culture? We will understand in the article.
Terminology. general information
The word "diaspora" has Greek roots and is interpreted as "scattering." In modern conditions, this term refers to a part of the people or certain stable ethnic groups living outside the territory where they were formed. However, in the "foreign state" they have social institutions whose activities are aimed at supporting and developing their identity. Throughout the world, relations with these ethnic groups are considered a significant achievement in the development of the country's foreign policy and the development of national consciousness.
The diaspora is especially important for Israel, India and Armenia. This is due to the fact that in the political and economic direction of this kind, the community provides substantial support to its country.
Historical understanding
In the ancient world, what is the diaspora, the Phoenicians, Jews and Greeks knew well. The reason for this was the small area of the states of these peoples, which forced certain groups to emigrate and create colonies in the newly conquered territories. The traders were the first to leave the spaces of their historical homeland as a result of voluntary or forced migration. They emigrated mainly to newly created colonies with open trade routes. Among the Hellenized Jews, the meaning of the word "diaspora" was very specific. They were considered Jewish communities that voluntarily resided outside the lands of Israel. These included groups that were not forcibly expelled by the Babylonians from the kingdom of Judea and the Romans from the province of Judea. The definition with the creation of the Septuagint took on a narrower meaning. Communities were understood as Jewish groups forcibly expelled from the Land of Israel.
Modern interpretation of the definition
A more in-depth issue of what the diaspora was was considered at the beginning of the 20th century. However, the definition was not associated with the Jewish people. There is still no modern accurate interpretation of the concept. And there are ongoing discussions around this issue, not only in Russia, but also beyond its borders. In many countries, a fairly strong relationship is established with communities living abroad. An example is Georgia. This country has created a special ministry to maintain contacts with its diaspora around the world.
Classification
Now in Russia there are 193 ethnic groups that have their own characteristics and specific features. In order to conduct research, a temporary classification has been carried out. It provides for the division of diasporas into three groups:
- historical, represented by Jews and Armenians;
- modern, which brought together the Chinese and Koreans;
- an emerging group that brought together migrants from Central Asia.
Popular Ethnic Communities of the World
Speaking about what the diaspora is, a few figures should be given. One of the largest communities in the world is considered Chinese. It includes more than 35 million people. Indian and Russian diasporas unite 25 million citizens. The Ukrainian ethnic group includes 12 million people. Adyghe, Gypsy, Armenian, Greek and Jewish diasporas include about 8 million. Vietnamese and German groups unite 3.5 million people. The Azerbaijani diaspora is considered the smallest. It consists of 2.4 million people.
Features of the Azerbaijani Diaspora
In the Leningrad region, this ethnic group belongs to one of the largest ethnic communities. The main reason for this was the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh, which led to a significant growth of the group. Today, the Azerbaijani diaspora in St. Petersburg owns a Sunday school, the Consulate General of the Republic, and the editorial board of the Azeri newspaper.
The strategic goal of the great powers
Significant changes in the Azerbaijani diaspora occurred in the early 2000s. Then its communities in individual countries were united and the effectiveness of existing ones was greatly enhanced. Over the past three years, the number of public structures created has been more than 80. The committee has contributed to this in the Middle East and Europe. And although the Azerbaijani diaspora is still at the formation stage, significant positive changes are already visible. The first congress of the leading members of community organizations was held. In 2004, the Azerbaijan Congress of Europe was founded. In modern conditions, the Republic itself has become the center of international strategic plans. Therefore, one can fully understand the interest of many states in the Azerbaijani diaspora.