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
8 RELIGION 9 LANGUAGE 10 ARTS Spiritual development Ancient rituals Rise of Islam 79 Writing systems Mass media Daily communication 87 Handwoven carpets Metalsmiths Pottery Wood carving Ropewalking Folk dances Cultural tattoos Architectural accomplishments Folktales Literary traditions Fine arts Music and theater 93 11 LEISURE Urban leisure Rural attractions Socializing Music Athletics Cheering on Khabib 107 12 FESTIVALS Islamic holidays Folk holidays Secular holidays 115 13 FOOD Sharing meals Diverse dumplings Savory pies Ethnic recipes Modern dining 123 MAP OF DAGESTAN 133 ABOUT THE ECONOMY 135 ABOUT THE CULTURE 137 TIMELINE 138 GLOSSARY 140 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 141 BIBLIOGRAPHY 142 INDEX 143
WITH MUCH OF ITS LAND SANDWICHED BETWEEN MOUNTAINS and sea the Republic of Dagestan is a beautiful but imposing place Dagestan’s harsh landscape has had a powerful impact on the course of the republic’s history and the people who live there A long parade of conquerors and invaders have entered Dagestan seeking land resources and access to the countries beyond its borders That line of invaders began with the Persians in the sixth century and ended with the Russians in the 19th century Today Dagestan represents the southernmost reaches of the Russian Federation LAND OF MOUNTAINS Over half of Dagestan is made up of rugged mountainous terrain It is difficult to cross even with modern paved roads and well-equipped vehicles The mountains rising throughout the southern half of Dagestan belong to the Greater Caucasus mountain range In their upper reaches mountain glaciers feed the region’s mighty 5 DAGESTAN TODAY
