Kalmyk Émigré Periodicals in W. Kotwicz’s Collection at the University of Warsaw

During the period of Kalmyk immigration into various European countries between the 1920s to the 1940s, Kalmyk intellectuals established organization and societies, such as Kalmyk Commission of Culture Workers in Czechoslovakia, Kalmyk National Organization “Khal’mak Tangachin Tuk”, and the Kalmyk National Committee. They also started periodicals such as Ulan Zalat (Улан Залат), Tsagan övsni dolgan (Цаган öвсни долган), Khal’mäg (Хальмәг) and Khonkho (Хонхо), etc. The periodicals were an effective means for Kalmyk intellectuals to express, disseminate, and advocate their ideas, ideologies, and political beliefs. Via these periodicals they were able to articulate their perspectives and contribute to the cultural and political landscape of their community. Today this Kalmyk material is to be found in European libraries and private collections, including Prof. Władysław Kotwicz’s notable collection in the Library of Mongolian and Tibetan Studies Programme at the Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Warsaw. The research in the field has recently started with brief discussions of the background and characteristics of some of the periodicals, but, unfortunately, inaccuracies are not avoided, the data on collections is not complete, and comprehensive bibliographies are lacking. Thus, to underline the value of the unique sources in question, as well as to provide a comprehensive introduction to Kalmyk émigré periodicals in Europe, the present paper focuses on Prof. Kotwicz’s collection and emphasizes the need for further research in the field.