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Khotons
A Muslim community of Turkic origin in western Mongolia. They now speak Mongolian, but their roots go back to the Turks of Central Asia.
The Khotons are a people of Turkic origin living in Uvs Province in western Mongolia. Their ancestors are believed to have been Muslim Turks moved here from East Turkistan in the 17th–18th centuries.
Having lived for centuries among the Mongol Oirats, the Khotons lost their language and switched to Oirat. They nevertheless kept a Muslim identity, and their faith also includes Buddhist and shamanist elements.
Updated: September 28, 2026