Nations of Nations of DagestanDagestan

Mikhail NokhovMikhail Nokhov

Gymnasium # 1Gymnasium # 1

KhasavyurtKhasavyurt

Land of dreams and myths Dagestan is situated in the North-East of the Caucasus mountain range. It borders the Caspian Sea in the East, the Chechen Republic and Stavropol Territory in the West, the Kalmukya Republic in the North, and Azerbaijan and Georgia in the South. The republic measures 50.300 square km and had 37.5 inhabitants per square km in 1989. 28 percent Avar, 16 percent Dargin, 13 percent Kumyk, 11 percent Lezgi, 9 percent Russian, 5 percent Lak, 4 percent Tabasaran, 4 percent Azeri, 2 percent Nogai and others (1989). Rural population: Avar 69 percent, Dargin 69 percent, Kumyk 54 percent, Lezgi 52 percent, Lak 34 percent, Tabasaran 63 percent, Nogai 81 percent and Rutul 69 percent (1989).

It is one of the most ethnically It is one of the most ethnically diverse regions in the world, diverse regions in the world, counting 36 ethnic groups and counting 36 ethnic groups and 80-odd nationalities. Dagestan 80-odd nationalities. Dagestan was the center for Islam in the was the center for Islam in the North Caucasus and the North Caucasus and the capital, Makhachkala, is the capital, Makhachkala, is the seat of the Muslim spiritual seat of the Muslim spiritual board of Dagestan and the board of Dagestan and the North Caucasus. The Dagestan North Caucasus. The Dagestan landscape changes from high landscape changes from high mountains in the South to flat mountains in the South to flat steppe land in the North. steppe land in the North. Because there is no easily Because there is no easily accessible pass over the accessible pass over the Caucasian mountains, the Caucasian mountains, the coastal plain of Dagestan, coastal plain of Dagestan, bordering the Caspian Sea, is bordering the Caspian Sea, is an important North-South an important North-South passage. The mountainous passage. The mountainous areas are still extremely areas are still extremely isolated, notably in winter. isolated, notably in winter.

Dagestan is the largest republic in the Dagestan is the largest republic in the region with almost two million people. It is region with almost two million people. It is a highly multiethnic republic with 10 a highly multiethnic republic with 10 groups sharing power. Many of the groups sharing power. Many of the smaller peoples have been assimilated by smaller peoples have been assimilated by bigger ones. This has happened mainly bigger ones. This has happened mainly through lack of official recognition in through lack of official recognition in terms of official registration as well as in terms of official registration as well as in terms of language. Dagestan still has a terms of language. Dagestan still has a strong Islamic identity of the more strong Islamic identity of the more conservative kind and the clan structure is conservative kind and the clan structure is still functioning and is the foundation for still functioning and is the foundation for today's ethnic structure. Birth rates are today's ethnic structure. Birth rates are high - the population has doubled in the high - the population has doubled in the last 30 years - and there is an increasing last 30 years - and there is an increasing pressure on land.pressure on land.

The capital of Dagestan The capital of Dagestan Makhachkala. The Makhachkala. The population in population in Makhachkala is about 400 Makhachkala is about 400 000.It is seaport and main 000.It is seaport and main industrial and cultural industrial and cultural centre of the country. centre of the country. Makhachkala is situated Makhachkala is situated between the Tarki between the Tarki mountainside and Caspian mountainside and Caspian sea.sea.Climate is transitive from Climate is transitive from sea to continental. Winter sea to continental. Winter is soft; average is soft; average temperature of January-temperature of January-1C. Summer is very 1C. Summer is very warm , dry; average warm , dry; average temperature of July +24 temperature of July +24 C. C.

Makhachkala, Petrovskoye in Makhachkala, Petrovskoye in the past, was founded by the past, was founded by Peter I in summer 1722. In Peter I in summer 1722. In 1857 it was renamed as Port- 1857 it was renamed as Port- Petrovsk and in 1921 it was Petrovsk and in 1921 it was again renamed in again renamed in Makhachkala to honor one of Makhachkala to honor one of the local revolutionaries. the local revolutionaries. Since then it became the Since then it became the official capital of the official capital of the Dagestan Republic. Dagestan Republic. Makhachkala has a number Makhachkala has a number of industries, different of industries, different universities , cinemas, universities , cinemas, theatres and museums.theatres and museums.Makhachkala is the largest Makhachkala is the largest railway junction in Dagestan railway junction in Dagestan on a turnover of goods.on a turnover of goods.Makhachkala is the main Makhachkala is the main seaport on Caspian sea, seaport on Caspian sea, where the new seaport of the where the new seaport of the International value now is International value now is under construction. In a city under construction. In a city boundaries the international boundaries the international airport is constructed.airport is constructed.

The AvarsThe Avars The self-name is the The self-name is the

Maarulal. The Language is Maarulal. The Language is the Avarian. The Avars (577 the Avarian. The Avars (577 thousand persons were in thousand persons were in 1996; the Iberian-Caucasian 1996; the Iberian-Caucasian language group) are settled language group) are settled in the central and western in the central and western Dagestan, in the basin of the Dagestan, in the basin of the Sulak river inflows. The Sulak river inflows. The Andian (the Andians, the Andian (the Andians, the Akhvakhs, the Bagulals, the Akhvakhs, the Bagulals, the Botlikhs, the Godoberins, the Botlikhs, the Godoberins, the Karatins, the Tindals, the Karatins, the Tindals, the Chimalals) and the Didoian Chimalals) and the Didoian (the Bezhtins, the Ginukhs, (the Bezhtins, the Ginukhs, the Gunzibins, the the Gunzibins, the Khvarshins, the Tsezy - Khvarshins, the Tsezy - Didoians) nationalities and Didoians) nationalities and the Archins are related with the Archins are related with them by origin, culture and them by origin, culture and languagelanguage

They occupy basins of the They occupy basins of the riversrivers Andijskoe and Avarian Koysu and Andijskoe and Avarian Koysu and the Kara-Koysu riverhead. the Kara-Koysu riverhead. Traditional occupations are: Traditional occupations are: cattle breeding and agriculture. cattle breeding and agriculture. Crafts: cloth weaving, pileless Crafts: cloth weaving, pileless carpets and carpet products (the carpets and carpet products (the Khunzakh, the Chirkey, the Khunzakh, the Chirkey, the Urma), pattern knitting (the Urma), pattern knitting (the Tlyrata, the Bezhta, Tlyrata, the Bezhta, theTsumada), manufacture of theTsumada), manufacture of felt, felt cloaks (the Andians), felt, felt cloaks (the Andians), processing of a leather, wood and processing of a leather, wood and stone engraving (the Sogratl, the stone engraving (the Sogratl, the Rugudja, the Gidatl, the Rugudja, the Gidatl, the Charoda), blacksmith's craft, Charoda), blacksmith's craft, copper embossing, weapon, copper embossing, weapon, jeweler crafts (the Gotsatl, the jeweler crafts (the Gotsatl, the Ichichaly, the Gamsutl, the Ichichaly, the Gamsutl, the Chokh, the Sogratl), gold sewing Chokh, the Sogratl), gold sewing (the Chokh, the Khunzakh), a (the Chokh, the Khunzakh), a wood peening (the Unzukul). wood peening (the Unzukul). Diversified economy present by: Diversified economy present by: cattle breeding, field husbandry, cattle breeding, field husbandry, gardening. Most of the Avars are gardening. Most of the Avars are employed in the industry. employed in the industry.

During the Soviet times the During the Soviet times the Avars preserved an Islamic Avars preserved an Islamic and the Sufi way of life. In and the Sufi way of life. In some places the sheiks and some places the sheiks and the theologians as bearers of the theologians as bearers of the Islamic traditions has the Islamic traditions has survived prosecutions. survived prosecutions. Privately many settlements Privately many settlements had a mosque. Now mosques had a mosque. Now mosques actively are under actively are under construction, the Arabian construction, the Arabian literacy is distributed. The literacy is distributed. The main Muslim holidays - the main Muslim holidays - the End of Fasting and the End of Fasting and the Sacrifices are widely Sacrifices are widely celebrated. The Prophets celebrated. The Prophets birthday also is popular birthday also is popular among the Avars. The Saints among the Avars. The Saints cult is also widespread. Some cult is also widespread. Some elements of pre-monotheistic elements of pre-monotheistic beliefs still exist: belief in beliefs still exist: belief in demons, observance of demons, observance of agricultural and family agricultural and family ceremonialism.ceremonialism.

The DarginsThe Dargins The Dargins are considered to The Dargins are considered to

be an indigenous people of the be an indigenous people of the Caucasus, that lived relatively Caucasus, that lived relatively isolated from foreign influence isolated from foreign influence until the beginning of the until the beginning of the great Arab conquests in the great Arab conquests in the 8th c., when they were 8th c., when they were exposed to Islam for the first exposed to Islam for the first time. From the 14th c., they time. From the 14th c., they were controlled politically by were controlled politically by the Kaytaks, who are now the Kaytaks, who are now considered a sub-group of considered a sub-group of Dargins. Dargins. Although introduced to Islam Although introduced to Islam in the 8th c., the Dargins in the 8th c., the Dargins remained primarily animist remained primarily animist until the 15th c., when Muslim until the 15th c., when Muslim influence became stronger, influence became stronger, with Persian traders coming in with Persian traders coming in from the south, and the Golden from the south, and the Golden Horde increasingly pressing Horde increasingly pressing from the north. from the north.

In the 16th c., the In the 16th c., the Ottoman Turks Ottoman Turks occupied the area, and occupied the area, and also helped to also helped to consolidate Islam. By consolidate Islam. By the 19th c., all but a few the 19th c., all but a few of the Dargins had been of the Dargins had been converted to Islam. The converted to Islam. The Dargins refused to Dargins refused to participate in programs participate in programs to relocate them out of to relocate them out of the highlands and into the highlands and into lowland towns and lowland towns and collective farms. Thus, collective farms. Thus, the majority of the the majority of the Dargins still maintain a Dargins still maintain a traditional lifestyle. traditional lifestyle.

The KumyksThe Kumyks The Kumyks live in the The Kumyks live in the

Republic of Dagestan, Republic of Dagestan, Chechnya, Ingushetia Chechnya, Ingushetia and North-Ossetia.and North-Ossetia.The Kumyks are divided The Kumyks are divided into three traditional into three traditional groups: The northern groups: The northern Kumyks (Khasavyurt Kumyks (Khasavyurt dialect), the central dialect), the central Kumyks (Buynaksk Kumyks (Buynaksk dialect) and the dialect) and the southern Kumyks southern Kumyks (Kaytak dialect).(Kaytak dialect).Language: Kumyk (3 Language: Kumyk (3 main dialects + more), main dialects + more), mutually intelligible mutually intelligible with Azeri/Azerbaijanian with Azeri/Azerbaijanian

Religion:Sunni-muslims, Religion:Sunni-muslims, a few Shia Muslims a few Shia Muslims

The Kumyks probably The Kumyks probably originated from a mixing of the originated from a mixing of the indigenous Caucasus peoples indigenous Caucasus peoples with Turkic-speaking people, with Turkic-speaking people, that started with the 5th c. that started with the 5th c. migrations of Turkic and migrations of Turkic and Mongolian people heading west Mongolian people heading west across the steppes of Central across the steppes of Central Asia. Between the 11th and Asia. Between the 11th and 13th c., the Kumyks 13th c., the Kumyks strengthened their sense of strengthened their sense of ethnic identity and moved into ethnic identity and moved into the lowlands of the steppes in the lowlands of the steppes in the North Caucasus. The rate the North Caucasus. The rate of urbanization is high among of urbanization is high among the Kumyks, but still, they have the Kumyks, but still, they have maintained a strong sense of maintained a strong sense of ethnic identity. The vast ethnic identity. The vast majority of them use Kumyk as majority of them use Kumyk as their first language, and Kumyk their first language, and Kumyk is actually also being adopted is actually also being adopted by large numbers of individuals by large numbers of individuals of neighboring groups, of neighboring groups, especially Dargins and Avars.especially Dargins and Avars.

The Territory Where the Kumyks Live

The LezginsThe Lezgins The Lezgins live in Dagestan. The Lezgins live in Dagestan.

Neighboring ethnic groups Neighboring ethnic groups are: the Tsakhurs, the Rutuls, are: the Tsakhurs, the Rutuls, the Aguls, the Tabasarans the Aguls, the Tabasarans and the Azerbaijanians.and the Azerbaijanians.There are three sub-groups, There are three sub-groups, all with distinctive dialects: all with distinctive dialects: the Kurin, the Kuba, and the the Kurin, the Kuba, and the Akhty (Sumar). Akhty (Sumar). Before the Russian Before the Russian revolution, also the Aguls, revolution, also the Aguls, Rutuls and Tabasarans were Rutuls and Tabasarans were counted as Lezginscounted as LezginsLanguage: Lezgin (three Language: Lezgin (three main dialects). Most Lezgins main dialects). Most Lezgins are bilingual with Azeri as are bilingual with Azeri as second language. second language. Religion: Sunni-Muslims, also Religion: Sunni-Muslims, also Shia Muslim minority Shia Muslim minority concentrated in one region. concentrated in one region.

The Lezgin ethnic group The Lezgin ethnic group probably resulted from a probably resulted from a merger of the Akhty, the Alty merger of the Akhty, the Alty and Dokus Para federations, and Dokus Para federations, and some clans from among and some clans from among the Rutuls. the Rutuls. Although they were first Although they were first introduced to Islam perhaps introduced to Islam perhaps as early as the 8th c., the as early as the 8th c., the Lezgins remained primarily Lezgins remained primarily animist until the15th c., when animist until the15th c., when Muslim influence became Muslim influence became stronger, with Persian stronger, with Persian traders coming in from the traders coming in from the south, and the Golden Horde south, and the Golden Horde increasingly pressing from increasingly pressing from the north. In the 16th c., the the north. In the 16th c., the Ottoman Turks occupied the Ottoman Turks occupied the area, and also helped to area, and also helped to consolidate Islam. By the consolidate Islam. By the 19th c., the Lezgins had all 19th c., the Lezgins had all been converted to Islam, and been converted to Islam, and they have since then been they have since then been very devout in their faith. very devout in their faith.

The LaksThe Laks They live in Lak, Kuli and They live in Lak, Kuli and

New Lak regions of Dagestan New Lak regions of Dagestan and Stavropolsky Krai. and Stavropolsky Krai. Neighboring ethnic groups Neighboring ethnic groups are the Avars and the are the Avars and the Dargins.Dargins.language: Lak (5 main language: Lak (5 main dialects), closely related to dialects), closely related to Dargin, belongs to Nakhsko-Dargin, belongs to Nakhsko-dagestanian group The Laks dagestanian group The Laks are one of the indigenous are one of the indigenous groups of the Caucasus, groups of the Caucasus, probably descendants of the probably descendants of the Gumik tribe. Gumik tribe. They were first introduced to They were first introduced to Islam through Arab traders in Islam through Arab traders in the 8th c., but the majority the 8th c., but the majority kept their traditional beliefs. kept their traditional beliefs. More Muslim influence came More Muslim influence came with Persian traders in the with Persian traders in the 15th c., and with Mongol 15th c., and with Mongol invasions in the 16th and invasions in the 16th and 17th c. 17th c.

The Laks were slower than The Laks were slower than most other Dagestani peoples in most other Dagestani peoples in adopting Islam, however, and adopting Islam, however, and not until the mid-1800s they not until the mid-1800s they had been thoroughly converted, had been thoroughly converted, religiously and culturally. religiously and culturally. Coming late, they still Coming late, they still developed a very strong and developed a very strong and devout faith. devout faith. The Laks had their own semi-The Laks had their own semi-independent principality, independent principality, known as the Shamkhalat, on known as the Shamkhalat, on the Southern border of the the Southern border of the Golden Horde from the 14th c. Golden Horde from the 14th c. They expanded to the northeast They expanded to the northeast in the 15th c., and came to in the 15th c., and came to control a large amount of control a large amount of Kumyk land. Kumyk land. In the beginning of the 19th c., In the beginning of the 19th c., the Laks fought to resist the the Laks fought to resist the increasing Russian influence, increasing Russian influence, but to no avail. In 1865, Russia but to no avail. In 1865, Russia abolished the Shamkhalat and abolished the Shamkhalat and brought Lak territory under brought Lak territory under direct Russian administrative direct Russian administrative control.control.

The RutulsThe Rutuls The Rutuls live in 20 The Rutuls live in 20

villages of the Rutul villages of the Rutul District on the upper District on the upper reaches of the River reaches of the River Samur in South Dagestan Samur in South Dagestan (19,5 th. p.) The region (19,5 th. p.) The region inhabited by the Rutuls is inhabited by the Rutuls is not ethnically not ethnically homogeneous. Interlaced homogeneous. Interlaced with Rutul villages are with Rutul villages are settlements of Laks, settlements of Laks, Azerbaijani and Lezgi Azerbaijani and Lezgi people. Two Rutul villages, people. Two Rutul villages, Shin and Kainar, are Shin and Kainar, are situated in Azerbaijan. The situated in Azerbaijan. The biggest Rutul villages, biggest Rutul villages, Rutul, Borch, Khnov, Rutul, Borch, Khnov, Luchek, Ikhrek, Amsar and Luchek, Ikhrek, Amsar and Mjukhrek, are on the Mjukhrek, are on the banks of the Rivers Samur, banks of the Rivers Samur, Ahty-Chai and Kara-SamurAhty-Chai and Kara-Samur

Like everywhere in the Caucasus, Like everywhere in the Caucasus, the climate is severe - cold winter, the climate is severe - cold winter, cool, foggy and windy in summer. cool, foggy and windy in summer. In winter all communication with In winter all communication with the outer world is broken off. There the outer world is broken off. There are numerous pastures on the are numerous pastures on the mountain slopes as well as mountain slopes as well as occasional forests. Neighbours are occasional forests. Neighbours are the Laks to the north, the Dargwas the Laks to the north, the Dargwas to the north-east, the Lezginst to to the north-east, the Lezginst to the east, the Azerbaijanis to the the east, the Azerbaijanis to the south and the Tsakhurs to the west.south and the Tsakhurs to the west.The self-designation is mjukhadar The self-designation is mjukhadar meaning 'an inhabitant of the meaning 'an inhabitant of the Mjukhad village'. Among the Mjukhad village'. Among the Lezgins and Azerbaijan the village Lezgins and Azerbaijan the village is known as Rutul, hence the is known as Rutul, hence the internationally recognized name for internationally recognized name for the people. The Rutul language has the people. The Rutul language has numerous dialects, and belongs to numerous dialects, and belongs to the Lezgian -Samur subgroup of the the Lezgian -Samur subgroup of the Dagestan languages. At present the Dagestan languages. At present the majority of the Rutuls recognize majority of the Rutuls recognize their ethnic unity, although the their ethnic unity, although the inhabitants of some bigger and inhabitants of some bigger and older villages still apply to older villages still apply to themselves their village names. The themselves their village names. The Rutuls have no written language. Rutuls have no written language.

The AgulsThe Aguls The self-name is the Aguls; The self-name is the Aguls;

the Agular is the nation in the Agular is the nation in Russia. They are indigenous Russia. They are indigenous population of Dagestan. The population of Dagestan. The Aguls live in the central part Aguls live in the central part of southeastern Dagestan - in of southeastern Dagestan - in the Agul, the Kurakh and the the Agul, the Kurakh and the Derbent areas - in remote Derbent areas - in remote gorges or in cities. A total gorges or in cities. A total number of the Aguls is 18.7 number of the Aguls is 18.7 thousand people. The thousand people. The traditional occupations are traditional occupations are agriculture and cattle agriculture and cattle breeding. The crafts are breeding. The crafts are wood-working, stone wood-working, stone processing, carpet weaving, processing, carpet weaving, patten knitting and patten knitting and manufacture of leather. By manufacture of leather. By religion the Aguls are the religion the Aguls are the Moslems-Sunni. Moslems-Sunni.

Rather large sizes of theRather large sizes of the Middle Age monuments Middle Age monuments on the Agul area and huge on the Agul area and huge quantity of the deserted quantity of the deserted terraces in vicinities of terraces in vicinities of these settlements testify these settlements testify to intensive agricultural to intensive agricultural development of the given development of the given area and various kinds of area and various kinds of craft manufacture. "The craft manufacture. "The day of the first plough" day of the first plough" was the most important was the most important point of the ploughing. In point of the ploughing. In different districts this day different districts this day fell on different calendar fell on different calendar day. The Entry into the day. The Entry into the field was accompanied by field was accompanied by a number of archaic a number of archaic ceremonies, celebrations ceremonies, celebrations etc. The celebrations etc. The celebrations lasted for two days. Only lasted for two days. Only after that the home-folks after that the home-folks could start the field could start the field works.works.

The TabasaransThe Tabasarans In the foothills of northeast In the foothills of northeast

Dagestan and in the mountains Dagestan and in the mountains of the Darvag, Rubas, Chirah-of the Darvag, Rubas, Chirah-Chai and Karchag-Su rivers, Chai and Karchag-Su rivers, there is a people whose self-there is a people whose self-designation is Tabasaran (tab - designation is Tabasaran (tab - 'top', saran -- 'district'. 'top', saran -- 'district'. The Tabasaran language The Tabasaran language belongs to the southeast group belongs to the southeast group of Dagestan languages (the of Dagestan languages (the Lezgi-Samur languages). Lezgi-Samur languages). Administratively, the Administratively, the Tabasarans do not inhabit a Tabasarans do not inhabit a single defined territory but are single defined territory but are spread through the Tabasaran spread through the Tabasaran (centre, Khuchni) and Khiv (centre, Khuchni) and Khiv (centre, Khiv) districts of (centre, Khiv) districts of Dagestan. In the former, there Dagestan. In the former, there are 98 Tabasaran settlements, are 98 Tabasaran settlements, in the latter, 25in the latter, 25

Most Tabasarans, however, still live in their ancient region Most Tabasarans, however, still live in their ancient region where the people are united by a common economy and where the people are united by a common economy and language. Nevertheless, Tabasaran rural life is not without language. Nevertheless, Tabasaran rural life is not without problems. The development of agriculture and gardening, as problems. The development of agriculture and gardening, as well as the onslaught of Soviet ideology, caused many well as the onslaught of Soviet ideology, caused many changes in the domestic situation and mentality. An increase changes in the domestic situation and mentality. An increase in crop capacity has diversified and enlarged the food in crop capacity has diversified and enlarged the food supply, living standards have risen, all of which have supply, living standards have risen, all of which have facilitated the use of manufactured goods in households. facilitated the use of manufactured goods in households. Food is vegetative (grain, beans, wild-growing grasses) and Food is vegetative (grain, beans, wild-growing grasses) and meat-and-milk. The basic daily dish is khinkal with meat and meat-and-milk. The basic daily dish is khinkal with meat and without meat. without meat. The basic drink is airan. The basic drink is airan.

The AndiansThe Andians The Andians call themselves The Andians call themselves

the Andal, the Andny, the the Andal, the Andny, the G'vanal. They live in Russia. G'vanal. They live in Russia. The Andians have 25 The Andians have 25 thousand persons of thousand persons of population. The Andians is population. The Andians is the aboriginal population of the aboriginal population of Dagestan; they are related Dagestan; they are related with the Andian nations. The with the Andian nations. The Andians speak the Andian Andians speak the Andian language. There are 7 patois, language. There are 7 patois, which are united in 2 which are united in 2 dialects - the Upper Andian dialects - the Upper Andian and Lower Andian. The and Lower Andian. The writing is based on the writing is based on the Russian writing. The Russian writing. The Avarian, Russian and Avarian, Russian and Chechen languages are Chechen languages are common among the Andians. common among the Andians. The Religion is the Islam of The Religion is the Islam of the Sunni kind. the Sunni kind.

The traditional occupations of The traditional occupations of the Upper Andians were the Upper Andians were agriculture and the Alpine agriculture and the Alpine cattle breeding and the Lower cattle breeding and the Lower Andians - the specialized Andians - the specialized gardening. gardening. Traditional family is not large. Traditional family is not large. Traditional settlements are Traditional settlements are dense. Village of Andy, as other dense. Village of Andy, as other settlements, has traditional settlements, has traditional medieval city topography. The medieval city topography. The Andians wear the Avarian type Andians wear the Avarian type of clothes. The products of of clothes. The products of agriculture and cattle agriculture and cattle breeding, vegetables and fruits breeding, vegetables and fruits are the basis of the Andians are the basis of the Andians nutrition. Dishes basically are nutrition. Dishes basically are local and the Caucasian. local and the Caucasian. Traditional entertainment is a Traditional entertainment is a horse gallop. The most horse gallop. The most significant events are significant events are weddings, the First Furrow weddings, the First Furrow Celebration, the End of the Celebration, the End of the Fasting. The Andians have kept Fasting. The Andians have kept belief in magic and different belief in magic and different spirits. spirits. Folklore is bilingual Folklore is bilingual (the (the AndianAndian and the Avarian). and the Avarian).

The NogaiThe Nogai The Nogai, often called the The Nogai, often called the

Caucasian Mongols,Caucasian Mongols, are a are a Turkic people and an Turkic people and an important ethnic group in important ethnic group in the Dagestan region who the Dagestan region who speak the Turkic Nogai speak the Turkic Nogai language. They are related language. They are related to the Crimean Tatars. to the Crimean Tatars. Caucasian Mongols is the Caucasian Mongols is the Mongol horde that Mongol horde that controlled the Caucasus, controlled the Caucasus, when the Mongol arrived in when the Mongol arrived in the region. The Nogai are the region. The Nogai are descendants of Kipchaks descendants of Kipchaks who mingled with their who mingled with their Mongol conquerors and Mongol conquerors and formed the Nogai Horde. formed the Nogai Horde. Most Nogai are Sunni Most Nogai are Sunni Muslims. The name Muslims. The name NogaiNogai is is derived from Nogai Khan, a derived from Nogai Khan, a general of the Golden general of the Golden Horde. Kipchaks are an Horde. Kipchaks are an ancient Turkic people, first ancient Turkic people, first mentioned in the historical mentioned in the historical chronicles of Central Asia in chronicles of Central Asia in the 1st millennium BC. the 1st millennium BC.

Their language was also Their language was also known as Kipchak. Nogai known as Kipchak. Nogai Khan aka Kara Nogay (died Khan aka Kara Nogay (died 1299) was a Khan of the 1299) was a Khan of the Golden Horde and a great-Golden Horde and a great-grandson of Genghis Khan. grandson of Genghis Khan. The Nogai separated from The Nogai separated from the Golden Horde in the the Golden Horde in the fourteenth century. Until fourteenth century. Until the sixteenth century their the sixteenth century their nomadic pastures were nomadic pastures were located easy of the Volga located easy of the Volga when they came under when they came under territorial pressure from territorial pressure from Kalmyks and Russians. They Kalmyks and Russians. They came under the rule of the came under the rule of the Crimean Tatars, and in the Crimean Tatars, and in the eighteenth century were eighteenth century were finally pressured into the finally pressured into the Caucasus region by Kuban Caucasus region by Kuban Cossacks. Some of their Cossacks. Some of their summer pasturelands are summer pasturelands are located in Kalmykia. They located in Kalmykia. They mostly live in Nogai region mostly live in Nogai region in the north of Dagestan. in the north of Dagestan.