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
snow waterways An extensive system of rivers carve through breathtaking gorges and canyons before emptying into the Caspian Sea For centuries Dagestanis have creatively navigated the mountainous terrain Early indigenous groups relied chiefly on raising livestock like sheep goats and cattle Shepherds made seasonal migrations with their herds They lived on the mountainsides in the spring and summer and traveled to lower pastures as colder temperatures set in A system of using distant seasonal pastures is still in practice for those who raise livestock in Dagestan today Ancient peoples with access to Dagestan’s limited arable land used terrace farming to make the most of the challenging environment This strategy along with extensive irrigation systems is also a major part of the agricultural industry in modern Dagestan Dagestan’s landscape is a study in contrasts from covered peaks to blooming valleys and from rushing rivers to rolling sand dunes The Andysky-Salatau mountain range is pictured here 6 Dagestan
SEAWAYS AND THOROUGHFARES The current republics of the North Caucasus region including Dagestan have a dynamic history of shared allegiances struggles for independence and indigenous ethnicities They have been the subject of repeated wars Empires in search of trading routes radicals fighting holy wars rulers looking to expand their domain and soldiers seeking military advantages all pursued their own agendas against the backdrop of the North Caucasus region Dagestan was particularly desired by outsiders because of its strategic location The port city of Derbent in southern Dagestan one of the oldest cities in Russia was the gateway to the Caucasus Positioned on the coast of the Caspian Sea near a critical mountain pass Derbent was an important stop along the Silk Road trade route Travelers merchants and armies crossing between Europe and the Middle East passed through Derbent The city was besieged by Caucasian Albanians Persians Khazars Arabs Seljuk Turks Azeris Mongols and the Russian Empire at various points in its long timeline The Caspian Sea forms Dagestan’s eastern border This important natural landmark makes sea routes for trade and transportation possible between Dagestan and its neighbors Dagestan Today 7
