Most of them rely on farming and some animal breeding for their livelihood. Horses and sheep are usually raised, along with some cattle and goats. The sheep are raised for their wool, skins, and meat. They enjoy a fermented drink, called koumiss , that is made from horses' milk. Bashkir marriage ceremonies usually take place in their homes.
Young newlyweds live with the husband's parents until they are ready to form their own family.
A man may have more than one wife if he has a high social status, or if his first wife needs help in fulfilling her responsibilities. The only national schools that are available to the Bashkir children are those within their national boundaries. Similarly, the only printing press in their language is located within their region. There, they are dominated by Russian schools, newspapers, and cultural practices. While the rural dwellers have managed to preserve their national identity, those living in the urban colonies have been absorbed into the Russian way of life.