The Buryat people are an indigenous ethnic group primarily found in Buryatia, a region in Siberia, Russia, near Lake Baikal. They are the largest ethnic minority in this area and have a rich cultural heritage that includes traditional music, dance, and crafts. The Buryats speak the Buryat language, which is part of the Mongolic language family. Historically, the Buryats are closely related to the Mongols and share many cultural similarities, including shamanistic beliefs and practices. Their traditional lifestyle has included herding and agriculture, and they are known for their unique cuisine, which features dishes like buuz (steamed dumplings) and khuushuur (fried meat pies).