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
For Dagestanis the Caspian coastline continues to be an important center of collective history cultural exchange and natural resources Two of Dagestan’s most important modern cities Derbent and Makhachkala are situated on its shores The Caspian Sea offers plentiful economic resources for Dagestan with its rich oil and natural gas reserves critical habitat for native species and popular seaside tourist attractions MANY ETHNICITIES Dagestan is remarkable for its range of cultures and languages as a multinational republic It is the most ethnically diverse entity in the Russian Federation Members of more than 30 indigenous ethnic groups and 110 nationalities live in Dagestan The republic has 14 official languages belonging to the 14 most populous ethnic groups in the area The five largest ethnic groups are Avars Dargins Kumyks Lezgins and Laks Indigenous peoples their unique cultural and religious traditions and their interaction with outside powers have created a deep legacy in Dagestan Five locations in Derbent are designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites because of their historic and cultural importance These include the ancient wall of Derbent the Derbent Lighthouse the Juma Mosque Naryn-Kala in the Derbent Fortress and the Armenian Church of the Holy Savior The artisan crafts of many indigenous groups are also distinctive hallmarks of Dagestani culture Handwoven carpets from southern Dagestan are known around the world for their exquisite artistry Goldsmiths silversmiths potters woodworkers and weavers have strong ties to the ethnic communities that have sustained a legacy of excellence in each field for centuries SEEKING STABILITY Only a small portion of Dagestan’s population survives in the highlands today but the majority of people still live outside of the republic’s major cities Raising livestock growing crops and other agricultural activities employ a large portion of Dagestan’s workforce However the area continues to suffer from 8 Dagestan
economic setbacks unemployment and poverty Dagestan is one of the poorest republics in Russia A turbulent history of invasion and political struggle from ancient times to the more recent Chechen Wars have led to poverty corruption and conflict in Dagestan Ongoing violence related to ethnic and religious tensions have given Dagestan an international reputation as a dangerous place to live and visit Violence reached new levels after the Second Chechen War Then religious extremism plagued the republic as fundamentalist Islamic factions gained support in the region Dagestan also made international headlines in 2013 when ties between the Boston Marathon bombing in the United States and Dagestan came to light Although religious radicals have harmed the republic Dagestan’s identity as a majority-Muslim republic has helped it to weather social and political changes With more than 90 percent of the population sharing a common bond of religion attitudes toward ethnic and cultural differences are more open Dagestan may be perceived by some as a dangerous land but it also has a reputation for exceptional hospitality Travelers to the remote region draw attention and they are often warmly welcomed with feasts and a glimpse into the cultural ways that have persevered throughout Dagestan’s long history The tiered layout of Gimry village shows how Dagestanis have adapted their settlements to the mountainous terrain of the region Dagestan Today 9
