Ingrians

(Izhora, Izhortsy), a small group of people living in the Lomonosov and Kingisepp raions, Leningrad Oblast. In ancient times, Izhora Land, the territory settled by the Ingrians, was part of Novgorod the Great. Until the early 20th century, the Ingrians preserved their own language (a language of the Finnic branch) and several distinctive features of their material and spiritual culture (for example, clothing, food, and dwellings). They now speak Russian (the older generation also speaks the Ingrian language). Their culture and way of life is almost indistinguishable from that of the surrounding Russian population. Ingrians who adhere to a religious faith are members of the Orthodox Church. The Ingrians are engaged primarily in agriculture; however, some are employed in industry.