DAGESTAN

Dagestan, the most heterogeneous republic of Russia.

Dagestan, a little-known republic in the North Caucasus, is one of the most fascinating and diverse regions of Russia.

Nestled between the Caspian Sea and the towering Caucasus Mountains, this land of contrasts is home to over 30 ethnic groups, each with its own language and traditions. Once an essential stop along the Silk Road, Dagestan has long been a crossroads of Eastern and Western influences.

Today, this land of mountains (Dag = mountains – Stan = mountains), fortified hilltop villages (Auls), medieval fortresses, and ancient mosques offers a deep dive into a culture as rich as it is mysterious.

To me, Dagestanis (it’s actually wrong to say that) are of some of the most, if not the most, hospitable people I have met in Russia !

All my posts on Dagestan

Quick Dagestan Overview

  • Population : About 3 millions
  • Minorities : 30+. The largest ones are the Avar, Dargin and Lezgin
  • Capital : Makhachkala
  • Religions : 80% Muslims and the majority of them are Sunnis. There are also small communities of Shias, Orthodox Christians and Jews
  • Protected areas : Dagestansky Nature Reserve
  • Must try food : Chudu, Khinkal
  • Best time to visit : end of spring, beginning of summer
  • Border : Several border crossings with Azerbaijan. The Samur border is the main one
  • Panoramic view of the lush green mountains of northern Azerbaijan near the Samur border with Dagestan in Russia.
  • Panoramic view of the mountain village of Chokh in Dagestan, in the North Caucasus
  • Old stone gate to Derbent Citadelle, a city on the Silk Road in the North Caucasus. An old Lada car parked in front of it.
  • The deep blue waters of the Sulaksky canyon in the mountains of Dagestan, North Caucasus
  • Russia
  • The ruins of abandoned houses in the village of Gamsutl in the mountains of Dagestan, North Caucasus