Kozak Козак | |
Total population | |
~ million | |
Regions with significant populations | |
Trigunia | ~ million |
Languages | |
Kozaki language, Rodshyan language | |
Religions | |
Terran Patriarchal Church, Aurorian Patriarchal Church | |
Related ethnic groups | |
Rodshyan people |
The Kozak people (Kozaki: Козак; tr. Kozak; Rodshyan: Козак; tr. Kozak) are an ethnic group located on the islands of Trigunia. The Kozaki are predominately found in the Zarvosopol region. Kozaki are largely divided into two sub-groups: Modern Kozaks (Kozaki: Сучасний Козак; tr. Suchasnyy Kozak) and Traditional Kozaks (Kozaki: Традиційний козак; tr. Tradytsiynyy kozak). The Modern Kozaki are the largest component of the Kozaki in Trigunia, they encompass 10% of the 15% of Kozaks in Trigunia whereas Traditional Kozaki encompass only 5% according to recent census. Kozak's speak Kozaki which is closely related to the Rodshyan language and culturally they share similarities.
Kozak's have along been very independent from their Rodshyan brothers and sisters, notable events such as the Kozak War of Independence or governments such as the Kozak Commonwealth. Kozaks historically have been known for their democratic values, their keen militaristic culture and fierce love and skill with horses, a skill only paralleled with the Jelbek people. While Modern Kozaks do not espouses such views or values as openly as the Traditional Kozaks, they are cut from the same stock.
Unlike their ethnic Rodshyan neighbors, the Kozak people have no links to other ethnic groups on outside of Keris. They trace their heritage, along with most Rodshyan ancestors, to the original inhabitants of the the Kerisian islands. However, just like their more numerous Rodshyan cousins, Kozaks adopted a Deltarian Delic language and Tokundian alphabet. over time, this language became distinct and different. Some Rodshyan nationalists have claimed throughout the centuries that Kozak is merely a dialect of Rodshyan but is treated as a separate language due to political correctness rather than reality. Despite these claims, Kozak people continue to consider their language separate and their culture unique within the larger Trigunian state.
Kozak hosts[]
Traditionally Kozak's have divided themselves in "Hosts" which is similar to a tribe. Leadership within the host is elected and each of the Kozak hosts have an elected Hetman which essentially serves as their leader. Kozak hosts overtime have died out, been conquered or outright destroyed due to various wars, conflicts or attempts at independence. Several hosts have migrated overseas, notably in Hobrazia and Aldegar during conflicts between Aldegar and Trigunia.
- Alazinder host - The most prominent Kozak host remaining today, the Alazinder host's became close allies of the various Monarchs of Trigunia and have regularly elected the reigning monarch of Trigunia as their Hetman due to their close ties. In the Kozak community there is a debate regarding the status of the Alazinder host as either "traitors" or "patriots", this is especially due to the majority of Alazinder Kozaks being Rodshyan compared to Kozaki.
- Khavrati host - Hobrazia
- Astrov host - Hobrazia
- Aldegarian host - Aldegar