Dagestan, Republic in North Caucasus, Russia
Dagestan is a republic in the North Caucasus region of Russia, stretching from the Caspian Sea coast to the high ridges of the Caucasus range. The territory includes many rivers, deep valleys, and highland areas with peaks rising above 4000 meters.
The territory joined the Russian Empire during the 19th century after spending centuries under Persian influence and resisting imperial expansion. The incorporation followed decades of conflict between mountain peoples and advancing Russian forces.
In mountain villages and towns, you hear dozens of different languages, and each community keeps its own festivals, clothing traditions, and daily customs. Markets sell homemade carpets and local food, while men gather in tea houses to talk and share news.
Makhachkala, the capital on the coast, offers international flights, rail connections, and ferry links across the Caspian Sea. Traveling to mountain areas often requires long drives on winding roads, so plan extra time for journeys.
Remote mountain villages have old stone watchtowers, some several stories tall, that once served for defense. Many of these towers still stand next to homes and are used as storage or simply left as part of the village landscape.
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