Dagestan is a republic of Russia, which is located in the southernmost region of the country. In addition, it is multinational and unites 102 nationalities. Among them, both the indigenous and the visiting population. Indigenous nationalities include Avars, Agulians, Andis, Kubachins, Dargins, Laks, Rutuls, Lezghins, Tabasarans, Tsez and others.
The culture and traditions of the peoples of Dagestan are very diverse, they have been formed over the years and passed from generation to generation. Each of these peoples has its own characteristics and differences that give them an identity.
Avars
Maarulal or Avars are the people of Dagestan, numbering about 577 thousand people. They are settled throughout western Dagestan, especially in the mountainous regions. Most of them are rural residents. They communicate in their Avar language, which has many dialects. Avars practice Islam, but elements of paganism are still present in their faith. They are sacred to nature, honor it and cry for help, performing magical rituals.
The traditional occupation for these people is cattle breeding and agriculture. Cattle are preferred from animals, and sheep in the mountains. Avars developed a highly organized structure of terrace farming, which in the mountains was supplemented by an irrigation system. Like other peoples of Dagestan, Avars have been actively using home crafts since ancient times. These include weaving, embroidery, knitting from wool, wood and stone carving, and blacksmithing.
Agulians
Agul people of Dagestan live in its southern part. The population of this population is approximately 8–9 thousand people. For communication, they use the Agul language, which is akin to Lezgi. This nationality lives in 21 settlements of southeastern Dagestan.
The traditions of this people, as well as the traditions of the peoples of Dagestan as a whole, are unique. The main occupation for centuries for the Agulians was cattle breeding. Only men had the right to care for the sheep. Women were engaged exclusively in cattle.
Metal processing was a very important aspect of the life of the Agulians. Blacksmiths made axes, scythes, knives and sickles, which are useful in any household. The Agulians were excellent builders. They built bridges, houses and mosques. They adorned their buildings with skillfully carved stones, the ornaments of which displayed the entire culture of the peoples of Dagestan.
Andean Peoples Group
The Andeans are a whole group of nationalities, which includes such peoples of Dagestan as the Akhvakhs, Botlikhs, Tyndals, Bagulals, Karatins, Godoberins, Chmalals and, in fact, the Andis themselves. The total number of people of these nationalities is 55-60 thousand people. They live in the highlands of Western Dagestan. Communication takes place in the Andean language with many dialects.
The religion of the Andeans reflects the customs of the peoples of Dagestan, since the majority of the indigenous population are Sunni Muslims. Their main occupations were also farming and cattle breeding. From ancient times, houses of these peoples were built of stone. There were not so many two-story dwellings; one-story dwellings had a rectangular shape. Those Andeans who were engaged in agriculture, developed their own agricultural calendar, which helped determine the time of sowing and collection of certain plants.
Dargins
Dargins are the people of Dagestan, traditionally inhabiting mountainous areas. There is no language that would unite all Dargins; there are many variations of the Dargin language. The customs and traditions of the peoples of Dagestan, as well as the Dargins separately, are closely related to the general social and economic processes that took place in the ancient period of history. They were engaged in activities that were usual for the inhabitants of this territory, that is, cattle breeding, agriculture and folk crafts. Dargins were famous for their jewelry and leather-wool products, weapons. Women worked wool, woven cloth and rugs.
Kubachintsy
These people of Dagestan live in a small village Kubachi of the Dakhadaevsky district. Their number does not exceed 1900 people. In addition, the Kubachins live in other settlements of Central Asia and the Caucasus. Their native language is Kubachin. The inhabitants of this settlement are mainly artisans. If they grew food or grazed cattle, then this was of an auxiliary character.
The most common craftsmanship has long been metalworking, construction, wood and stone carving. Women were engaged in knitting, weaving, embroidery, made felt, from which they made shoes. Knowledge and mastery in metal processing passed from father to son. Interesting are the folk dances of the Kubachintsy, which were carefully designed to perform various rites.
Laks
The central part of Nagorno-Dagestan is inhabited by another of the peoples - Laks. Language is Lak, religion is Islam. This people from ancient times lives in the territory of Dagestan. Their main occupation is the cultivation of wheat crops (rye, wheat, millet, legumes, barley and more). Livestock farming was also developed. From handicrafts, needlework, jewelry, pottery, stone processing, silver and gold embroidery were developed. Laks were famous merchants, pastry chefs and acrobats. The rich and the epic of this people. Word of mouth passed on the stories of the great heroes of the past and how they fought evil.
Lezgins
Lezgins compactly settled on the lands of South Dagestan. Their number in this area is 320 thousand people. Communication takes place in the Lezgi language, which is often modified by the locals. Lezgin mythology is rich in tales of the gods who ruled nature. But paganism was replaced by Christianity, which after some time nevertheless replaced Islam.
Like all the peoples of Dagestan, Lezghins cultivated cultivated plants, especially wheat, rice and corn, raised livestock. Lezgins made wonderful carpets that are known far beyond their borders. Weaving, spinning, and the manufacture of felt and jewelry were also common crafts. Lezgins are also known for their folk dance - Lezgins, which has become traditional for all the peoples of the Caucasus.
Rutuli
The name of this people comes from the largest settlement - Rutul, located in South Dagestan. These people speak the Rutul language, but its dialects are significantly different from each other. Religion is traditionally for this area - Islam. There are also elements of paganism: worship of the mountains, the graves of saints. Another feature is that along with Allah, the rutuli recognize one more, their own god Yinshli.
Tabasarans
This people also lives in South Dagestan. Their number is 90 thousand people. Tabasaran language is divided into southern and northern dialects. The main belief is Islam. Classes are also very traditional for this region - livestock and agriculture. Tabasarans are masters in carpet weaving, pottery, blacksmithing, woodworking and socks with a variety of patterns. Various genres of folklore, such as mythical legends and ritual songs, are sufficiently developed.
