The Caucasus is the name with which mountains are primarily associated. The Caucasus is a large area in the south of Russia, bordering Abkhazia, Georgia, Azerbaijan and South Ossetia. Russian poets and prose writers wrote about this beautiful land, for them it is something sublime, soaring in the clouds, bringing joy or deep sadness. In reality, the Caucasus is a geographical area that includes various republics with different nations with their own cultures and religious characteristics. The capital of the Caucasus for each republic is different. But they do not have a single city. In the article, we consider the republics of the North Caucasus and their capital. And also their features are indicated.
Republic of the Caucasus and their capital
The North Caucasus consists of 2 territories and 7 republics. In one of them is the so-called "capital of the Caucasus":
- Krasnodar region. The capital of the Krasnodar Territory is Krasnodar. This region of Russia is a popular holiday destination. In the Krasnodar Territory are immediately concentrated 3 famous Russian resorts - Sochi, Krasnodar and Anapa, as well as many others.
- Stavropol region. The Stavropol Territory, with its capital in Stavropol, is located on the northern slope of the Greater Caucasus and is especially famous for the Caucasian Mineral Waters resort, where thousands of tourists visit every year to improve their health and just relax.
- Republic of Adygea. The capital of Adygea is the city of Maykop. This forest-covered area is not in great demand among tourists, but hunters and people who prefer outdoor activities, rock trails and campgrounds like to come here.
- Republic of Chechnya. The capital of Chechnya is the city of Grozny. The majority of Russians associate the republic with wars and violent Caucasians. The flow of tourists to Chechnya is very small, and if they travel, most of them have sightseeing groups and guides. Tour operators offer tours to highlands, historical places and to Grozny itself, since it has architectural monuments.
- Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria. The capital is Nalchik. The main part of the republic is occupied by mountains. On the territory of Kabardino-Balkaria is the highest mountain in Russia - Elbrus (5642 m). It is here that people come annually to test themselves for endurance, conquering the summit.
- Re-Republic of Ingushetia. The city of Magas has the status of capital in this republic. Half flat, half mountainous territory with a huge number of cultural features and architectural monuments. The republic has its own reserves and wildlife sanctuary, in which bison, roe deer, chamois and other animals that are under the protection of the Red Book are bred.
- Republic of Karachay-Cherkessia. The capital of the republic is a city with the historical name Cherkessk. The main part of the territory occupied by Karachay-Cherkessia is a mountainous area. Inexperienced tourists also come here to crawl through the mountains, breathe fresh air and ski in the winter. Nature untouched by man will always attract ecotourists.
- The Republic of Dagestan. The capital is in Makhachkala. There are very few Russians living here, mainly southern nationalities can be found. On the territory there are a large number of reserves and reserves, because the fauna of these places is inhabited by a large number of rare animals.
Republic of North Ossetia (Alania). The capital is Vladikavkaz. Perhaps the most famous city that is directly connected with the Caucasus. The main territory is plains, less than half are mountains and hills. The tourist stream is a little more here than in some other republics, but it is also visited by people who like nature, mountains and immersion in national culture. Vladikavkaz is often called the "capital of the Caucasus."
Nationalities and Religion
The main population of the North Caucasus is local nationalities (Ossetians, Kumyks, Armenians, etc.). They are often afraid, but if you respect their culture, then they are quite hospitable and helpful people. The "capital of the Caucasus" and the territories (Krasnodar and Stavropol) have mainly a Christian population, in the republics Islam is often preached as the main religion.
Culture of the Caucasus
Each nationality has its own cultural characteristics, expressed in dancing, architecture, communication with people, nature, etc. The name of the republics of the North Caucasus and their capitals reflect the national culture.
