Finding yourself in the Caucasus, or rather in Dagestan, over time, you begin to understand - it seems that at first the same inhabitants of this hospitable country, in fact, are all completely different. On one land there are different traditions, customs, dialect and even language. Why is this happening? Ethnographers say with confidence: 33 people live in the Republic of Dagestan. We learn a little more about them.
Nationalities of Dagestan
In another way, the country is called a unique constellation of peoples. Speaking about the nationalities of Dagestan, their number is difficult to calculate. However, it is known that all nationalities are divided into three main language families. The first is the Dagestan-Nakh branch, belonging to the Iberian-Caucasian language family. The second is the Turkic group. The third is the Indo-European language family.
The concept of “titular nationality” does not exist in the republic, but its political attributes still apply to representatives of 14 nationalities. Dagestan belongs to the most multinational regions of Russia, and today more than 3 million citizens live on its territory.
A little more about language families
As we have already said, the nationalities of the Republic of Dagestan are divided into three language groups. The first - the Dagestan-Nakh branch - includes Avars, Chechens, Tsakhurs, Akhvakhtsi, Karatins, Lezgins, Laks, Rutuls, Aguls, and Tabasarans. Also included in this community are the Andeans, Botlikhs, Godoberins, representatives of the Tyndals, Chamalal, Bagulaly, Hvars, Dido, Bezhintsy, Gunzib, Ginuh, Archa. This group is also represented by the Dargins, Kubachins and Kaitagians. The second family - Turkic - is represented by the following nationalities: Kumyks, Azerbaijanis, Nogais.
The third group - Indo-European - is assembled from Russians, Tats, Mountain Jews. This is what nationalities in Dagestan look like today. The list may be replenished with less well-known nationalities.
Avars
Despite the fact that there is no titular nationality in the republic, among Dagestanis there is still a certain division into more or less widely represented nationalities of Dagestan (in number). Avars are the most numerous people of the Dagestan region (912 thousand people, or 29% of the total population). The regions of the western mountainous Dagestan are considered their main area of residence. The rural population of the Avars makes up most of the total population, and their resettlement proceeds on average in 22 regions. They also included the Ando-Tse peoples who are related to them, and the Archinians. From ancient times, Avars were called Avars, and they were often called Tavlins or Lezghins. The name "Avars" this nation received on behalf of the medieval king Avar, who ruled the kingdom of Saira.
Dargins
What nationalities live in Dagestan? The Dargins are considered to be the second largest ethnic group (16.9% of the population, which means 490.3 thousand people in terms of). Representatives of this people live mainly in the mountainous and foothill areas of central Dagestan. Before the revolution, the Dargins were called a little differently - the Akushins and Lezghins. In total, this nationality occupies 16 regions of the republic. Dargins belong to a believing group of Sunni Muslims.
Recently, the number of Dargins near the capital of Dagestan - Makhachkala - began to increase significantly. The same thing happens with the Caspian coast. Dargins are considered the most commercial and artisan among the entire population of the republic. For many years their ethnic group was formed at the junction of passing trade roads, which left its mark on the lifestyle of the nationality.
Kumyks
We will find out further what nationalities live in Dagestan. Who are the Kumyks? This is the largest Turkic people in the North Caucasus, which is assigned the third largest number among the nationalities of Dagestan (431.7 thousand people - 14.8%).
Kumyks inhabit the foothill and lowland areas of the republic, occupying a total of 7 regions. They belong to the peoples of agricultural culture, firmly settled in the place chosen for this. This nation has well-developed agriculture and fishing. More than 70% of the economy of the whole country is also concentrated here. The national culture of the Kumyks is very rich and original in its own way - this is literature, and folklore, and art. Among them there are a lot of famous wrestling athletes. However, the misfortune of the people is that the Kumyks represent those nationalities of Dagestan, among which there are a lot of uneducated residents.
Lezgins
So, we recognized the nationalities of Dagestan in numbers. Little touched the three leading nationalities. But it would be unfair not to touch on some of the nationalities of the country. For example, Lezgins (385.2 thousand people, or 13.2% of the population). They inhabit the flat, upland and foothill areas of Dagestan. The adjacent areas of today's republic and neighboring Azerbaijan are considered their historical territory. Lezgins can rightfully be proud of their rich stories stretching from ancient times. Their territory was one of the very first lands of the Caucasus.
Today Lezgins are divided into two parts. Also, this nationality is considered the most militant, and therefore the most "hot". So how many nationalities are there in Dagestan? The list goes on for a very long time.
Russians and Laks
A few words should be said about the Russian-speaking representatives of the country. They also represent the nationalities of Dagestan, inhabiting mainly the Caspian and the vicinity of Makhachkala. Most Russians (104 thousand, 3.6%) can be found in Kizlyar, where they live more than half of the total population. One cannot but recall the Laks (161.2 thousand, 5.5% of the population), who have been inhabiting the central parts of mountainous Dagestan since historical times.
It was thanks to the Laks on the territory of the country that the very first Orthodox Muslim state arose. They are recognized as jack of all trades - the first Caucasian handicraftsmen came from this nationality. To this day, lacquer products participate in various international competitions, occupying the most honorable places.
Small peoples of Dagestan
It would be unfair to tell only about the numerous representatives of this country. The smallest people of the republic are the Tsakhurts (9.7 thousand, 0.3%). These are mainly residents of villages located in the Rutul district. In cities, there are practically no Tsakhurts. The next small nation is the Agul (2.8 thousand, 0.9%). They live mainly in the Agulsky district, most of them also live in settlements.
Agulov can be found in Makhachkala, Dagestan lights and Derbent. Another few people of Dagestan are the Rutulians (27.8 thousand, 0.9%). They inhabit the southern territories. Their number is not much more than aguls - the difference is in the range of 1-1.5 thousand inhabitants. Rutulians try to adhere to their relatives, therefore, they are always formed in small groups. Chechens (92.6 thousand, 3.2%) are the most quick-tempered and aggressive people. The size of this nation was much larger. However, military operations in Chechnya significantly affected the demographic situation. Today, Chechens can also be attributed to the small nationalities of the Republic of Dagestan.
