In what part of Russia is the Kizlyar district located, what area does it occupy? What nationalities live within it? What produces and what is interesting in this area of the country?
Kizlyar district (Republic of Dagestan): general information
This is one of the largest (both in size and population) municipal districts of Dagestan. Within its borders today 73 thousand people live. The total area of the district is 3047 square meters. km The city of Kizlyar is the administrative center of the region, although it is not part of it.
Kizlyar district was established in 1920. Agriculture almost immediately became the main industry specializing in its economy. By the beginning of the 30s, there were over 60 agricultural cooperatives. In anticipation of World War II, the district successfully implemented state plans for harvesting grain, grapes and fishing.
The area is located in the northern part of Dagestan (see map below). In the south, it directly borders with the Babayurt district of the republic, in the west - with Chechnya, and in the north - with the Taurm district. The latter, by the way, in 1963-1965 was part of the modern Kizlyar district. In the east, its territory is washed by the waters of the Caspian.
Natural conditions of the area
This territory is located within the Caspian lowland and is completely located below sea level. The southern boundary of the region is the Terek River. It is here that it flows into the Caspian Sea, forming a vast delta. You can see a more accurate location of the area on the map of Russia below.
The landscapes within the Kizlyar region are quite diverse. Here you can meet swampy meadows, and coastal meadows, and solonchak deserts.
The climate of Kizlyar district is particularly arid. The average annual rainfall here rarely exceeds 300 mm. Natural moisture is not enough for farming, so local agriculture is completely irrigated. This is one of the warmest regions of Dagestan. The frost-free period lasts here 204 days, the average annual temperature is +11 degrees.
The area has a fairly dense hydrographic network. However, most of the rivers and watercourses do not bring their waters to the sea, lost in the sands and swamps of the Caspian lowland. The bowels of this region are rich in mineral thermal waters. Some wells are used for recreational purposes and for heating homes.
The vegetation of the area is poor. Only in its southwestern part are forests found. In the river valleys thickets of reeds and reeds are common.
Kizlyar district of Dagestan: population and economy
The population of the district is growing steadily (over the past ten years the number of its inhabitants has increased by almost 10 thousand people). Representatives of various nationalities and ethnic groups live here. These are Avars (47%), Dargins (19%), Russians (12%), Nogais (5%), as well as Lezghins, Laks, Azerbaijanis and others. Within the region there are 84 villages.
Kizlyar district stands out for its high level of agricultural development. By and large, only agricultural enterprises and farms work here. In the area, in particular, it is developed:
- viticulture;
- fishing;
- livestock (distant);
- grain farming;
- vegetable growing.
Unique Agrahan reserve
In the territories of three districts of Dagestan - Kizlyarsky, Kirovsky and Babayurtovsky there is a unique Agrakhansky nature reserve. The nearest settlement is the village of Staro-Terechnoye. From Kizlyar you can get here by regular bus.
What is interesting about this reserve? Almost all of its area (and this is 390 sq. Km.) Is covered with reed. In these natural conditions, a special ecosystem has formed. Of the 200 species of birds of the Agrahan reserve, 40 are listed in the Red Book. The Caucasian otter, dressing, red deer, curly pelican, raccoon dog and other interesting representatives of the fauna live here. True, seeing them is not so easy. Dense and tall thickets of reeds reliably hide all life from the human eye.
