Cultures of the World: Dagestan

Cultures of the World: Dagestan book cover
DAGESTAN TODAY 5 1 GEOGRAPHY Mountains and foothills Caspian coast and lowlands Rivers Climate Wildlife 11 2 HISTORY The ancient Caucasus Empires and invasions Russian advances The imamate Developing Dagestan A Soviet republic After the Soviets 19 3 GOVERNMENT Relationship with Russia Branches of government The problem of representation Levels of government 35 4 ECONOMY A growing industry Important resources Hydroelectric power Building connections Artisan crafts New directions 43 5 ENVIRONMENT Contamination in the Caspian Polluted lands Investing in the environment 53 6 DAGESTANIS Heritage and ethnicity 59 7 LIFESTYLE Family Clans Community bonds Welcoming guests Homeland Childhood School Marriage Wedding celebrations Traditional roles for men and women Elders Death 63 CONTENTS