I have long been intrigued by the Republic of Tuva (Tannu Tuva). Here’s what I know about it: It was annexed by the Soviet Union, but was not one of the 15 Socialist Republics, and I don’t believe it’s an independant country today. It is famous for its throat-singers, who can do amazing things with their voices like sing more than one note simultaniously, or impeccably imitating the sounds of babbling brooks or birdsongs. It is one of those tiny nations, like San Marino, Togo, or Monaco that derives a significant income from the export of unusual stamps to the world’s philatelists. It has an unpronounceable capitol (Kyzzyz, I believe it is called.) And from what I can glean, it lies somewhere on the Russia-Mongolia border. However, I cannot seem to locate it on any map! So, does anyone out there have any helpful information on this magical land? What is it’s political designation? Does it exist? Help!
It’s a republic in the Russian sense of a “Republic” - not a fully sovereign nation, but something like a State in the US, part of the Russian Federation.
It had been a sovereign nation since it seceded from China in 1911, but soon got under Soviet influence and joined the USSR in 1944.
I get this from Microsoft’s Encarta.
Oh, and you might be interested in this:
http://www.fotuva.org/index.html
Rent Genghis Blues. It’s not real deep on the culture, but it’s an enjoyable documentary that takes place mostly in Tuva.
Read the book"Tuva or Bust!" by Ralph Leighton, about Richard Feinman et al. It’s very entertaining.
Not to nitpick but . . .Feynman, not Feinman. Good by BTW
In approximately the way that Tibet “joined” China. No, there wasn’t much blood shed, but neither was it the result of a plebiscite.
Thanx for all the info, everyone. Apparently Tuva seened as distant and exotic to Feynman as it does to me. I’ll write back if I ever make it there.