Karachay-Cherkessia, Republic in North Caucasus, Russia.
Karachay-Cherkessia is an administrative division in the North Caucasus region of Russia, spreading across mountainous terrain with high plateaus, valleys and snow-capped summits. Rivers cut through the landscape while glacial lakes sit in higher elevations among rock formations, and forests cover lower slopes.
The region was organized as an autonomous administrative unit in the early 20th century, later undergoing changes in political status and boundary shifts. During World War II, state-ordered relocations brought profound changes to several communities, who only returned decades later.
Mountain villages maintain distinct languages and customs, with mosques standing beside Orthodox churches and a shared rhythm of festivals and traditions. Travelers often encounter spontaneous hospitality, from invitations to tea to watching craftspeople work felt and leather using methods passed down through generations.
Lower elevations offer mild conditions for agricultural activities and walking, while higher zones bring snow in winter and cooler temperatures in summer. Trails and access roads vary depending on altitude, with some areas accessible only during certain seasons.
An observatory near the summit of Pastukhov once housed the largest mirror telescope in the world, drawing astronomers from many countries. The facility still stands among the peaks today, though its scientific prominence has since faded.
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