Dagestan: population, history and traditions. Federal Lezgin national-cultural autonomy The share of the rural population in Dagestan is

The results of the 2010 census show that the number of individual peoples is regulated not only by the processes of natural reproduction, migration and change of ethnic identity, but also by political forces that make the final numbers more attractive to themselves. The peoples of Dagestan are a kind of litmus test showing the reliability of accounting for the ethnic composition of the population of our country.

The overestimated population of Dagestan was supposed to increase the number of individual peoples. And the peculiarities of the redistribution of non-existent Dagestanis among individual nationalities could not but reflect the ethnopolitical situation in this republic.

The census results retained, with the exception of one nuance, “necessary” for modern Dagestan authorities order in the list of peoples of Dagestan by population: Avars, Dargins, Kumyks, Lezgins, Laks, Azerbaijanis, Tabasarans, Russians, Chechens, Nogais, Rutuls, Aguls, Tsakhurs and Tats (with Mountain Jews). The nuance is that the Russians on the list, for objective reasons, dropped from sixth to eighth place. Maintaining such a list is a very important undertaking, since in the event of changes in demographic indicators, as a result of which individual nations change their place on the list, all politic system must also be modified. And in order to maintain the status quo, it is necessary to correct the true results, which are increasingly beginning to differ from the drawn figures.

To analyze the situation as fully as possible, it is first necessary to familiarize yourself with the number of these peoples as a whole in Russia, since in this case possible distortions caused by migration processes within the country are excluded.

The Avars, whom for convenience we will consider together with the Ando-Tsez peoples attributed to them, increased their numbers. They increased by 97.6 thousand or 12%. Compared to other peoples (not counting the Russians and Tats, who have a population decline), this is the lowest increase. Among the Dargins (also taken into account together with the Kaitag and Kubachi people), the relative increase was higher, amounting to 15.5%, and in absolute terms - 79.2 thousand. The Kumyks following them overtook them in both indicators: 80.7 thousand and 19.1%! It's simple incredible fact, since the Dargins have the highest natural increase after the Tabasarans, and the Kumyks are noticeably inferior to them in this indicator, according to calculations made by the Center for Demography and Human Ecology of the Institute of National Economic Forecasting of the Russian Academy of Sciences for the period 1989-1998. This ratio could not change much over the next decade. In addition, the diasporas of Dargins and Kumyks living outside Russia are too small to ensure any relatively significant migration growth for their peoples. So in 1989, only 4.8 thousand Kumyks lived in the remaining republics, and Dargins lived 2.5 times more - 11.7 thousand. It is clear that there was nowhere for the “extra” Dargins and especially the Kumyks to live. In Dagestan itself, we observe a similar picture, which cannot but suggest that the Kumyks were “stimulated” to more rapidly increase the population through administrative methods. Considering the extremely high growth rates for the previous period (1989-2002), the figures for all three nations turned out to be inflated. The Avars (50-70 thousand, taking into account migration from abroad) and Dargins (30-50 thousand) had fewer registrations. The Kumyks were added to their real number by 20% or about 100 thousand!

This bonus was given to the Kumyks so that they would not be overtaken by the Lezgins. In fact, both in Dagestan and in Russia as a whole, since the beginning of the century there have been more Lezgins than Kumyks. The natural increase among Lezgins is higher and, what is very important, at this time there was an active resettlement of Lezgins from all over the USSR to Russia. Apart from the Lezgins of Azerbaijan, the size of whose migrations are very difficult to estimate, there were other sources of replenishment of the Lezgin population of Russia, including Dagestan. In 1989, almost 14 thousand Lezgins lived in Kazakhstan; most of them returned en masse to Dagestan after the pogroms in Novy Uzen. The latest census (2009) counted only 3.5 thousand Lezgins in Kazakhstan, i.e. More than 10 thousand left from there. Several thousand Lezgins returned from Turkmenistan and other former republics THE USSR. As for Azerbaijan, the scale of migration can range from 50 to 100 thousand or more and can even reach 200 thousand. Considering the fact that from a quarter to a third of the population of Azerbaijan left the country, this process more profoundly affected the Lezgins, the vast majority of whom moved to Russia. According to the most minimal estimates, there should be about 450 thousand Lezgins in Russia, so the figure of 473.7 thousand (according to the 2010 census) is close to their real number, which most likely reaches half a million people. It is possible that there may be more of them, up to 600 thousand - this is the highest level.

The situation regarding the Laks is similar to the “Kumyk scenario”. The low birth rate of the Laks (significantly lower than that of their neighbors), caused by high urbanization and, as a consequence, focus on small families, could not significantly change the number of this people over two decades. Some of the 12 thousand Laks who lived outside Russia in 1989 returned to Russia, leaving almost no change in the number of this people. However, the Laks increased by two-thirds during this period, surpassing the Dargins and Avars in this indicator. The latest census data - 178.6 thousand should be reduced by 35-40 thousand, because... postscripts amounted to more than 25%, i.e. even more than the Kumyks. As a result of this, the Laks secured a significant lead over the Tabasarans, who, despite a very high birth rate, had a slight increase. The Tabasarans were supposed to exceed 150 thousand, but the census recorded them at 146.4 thousand, which may be 10-15 thousand less than their actual number. It is likely that a considerable number of tabasarans in Dagestan (Derbent region) were recorded by Azerbaijanis. Even according to the distorted 2002 census data, according to which Tabasarans and Azerbaijanis in Dagestan had the same population size (110, 2 and 111.7 thousand, respectively), their absolute and relative growth was strikingly different. Tabasarans increased by 8.7 thousand people (7.9%) in eight years, and Azerbaijanis - by as much as 19.3 thousand (17.3%)! And this despite the fact that the natural increase among Azerbaijanis is much lower compared to Tabasarans. As a result, the Azerbaijanis also “broke away” even further from the Tabasarans, who should have occupied fifth, and not seventh, place in the list of the largest peoples of Dagestan.

The Rutulians, Aguls and Tsakhurs have greatly increased in number since 1989 - almost doubling, there are 35.2, 34.2 and 12.8 thousand, respectively. Elementary additions cannot be ruled out here, as well as a return to their national identity by some representatives of these peoples and relocation from Azerbaijan and other countries to Russia.

The fate of the Ando-Tsez peoples, Archins, Kaitags and Kubachis in comparison with them turned out to be unenviable. The two largest peoples classified as Avars - the Andians and Didois - lost 46% and 23%, respectively. An incomprehensible leapfrog also engulfed other Ando-Tsez peoples. Some of them (Botlikhs, Tindals, Godoberins and Khvarshins) were able to sharply increase their numbers, because they were almost not counted in the previous census. But in general, there were 9 thousand fewer Ando-Tsez and Archin people. Their number of 48.6 thousand is three times less than the real one, and the “net” number of Avars should be within 700 thousand. And the adjusted number of Dargins without Kaitag and Kubachi people does not exceed 500 thousand, since the latter should be about 40 thousand.

The Udins, related to the Lezgins, also increased their numbers and, most likely, due to migration rather than natural growth. There are 4.3 thousand of them living in Russia (15% more).

The census materials included information about another people - the Kryz, or more precisely about speakers of the Kryz language. Eight of them were found. For some reason, unlike the Pamir peoples of Tajikistan, the Shahdag peoples (Kryzy, Budukhi and Khinalug people) had not previously been recorded on the territory of Russia and are currently not in the list of peoples developed for the 2010 census, i.e. we will not be able to obtain information about them, while even in Azerbaijan they were taken into account in the last census.

NATIONAL COMPOSITION OF THE POPULATION OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION

In another way, the country is called a unique constellation of peoples. Speaking about the nationalities of Dagestan, it is difficult to count their number. However, it is known that all nationalities are divided into three main language families. The first is the Dagestan-Nakh branch, which belongs to the Iberian-Caucasian language family. The second is the Turkic group. The third is the Indo-European language family. There is no concept of “titular nationality” in the republic, but its political attributes still apply to representatives of 14 nationalities. Dagestan is one of 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 - Dagestan-Nakh branch - includes Avars, Chechens, Tsakhurs, Akhvakhtsi, Karatins, Lezgins, Laks, Rutuls, Aguls, Tabasarans. This community also includes Andians, Botlikhs, Godoberins, representatives of the Tindals, Chamalyals, Bagulals, Khvarshins, Didois, Bezhta, Gunzibs, Ginukhs, Archins. This group is also represented by the Dargins, Kubachi and Kaitag people. The second family - Turkic - is represented by the following nationalities: Kumyks, Azerbaijanis, Nogais. The third group - Indo-European - is made up of Russians, Tats, and Mountain Jews. This is what nationalities in Dagestan look like today. The list may be replenished with lesser-known nationalities. Avars Despite the fact that there is no titular nationality in the republic, among Dagestanis there is still some division into more and less widely represented nationalities of Dagestan (by number). Avars are the most numerous people of the Dagestan region (912 thousand people, or 29% of the total population). Their main area of ​​residence is considered to be the regions of western mountainous Dagestan. The rural population of Avars makes up the majority of the total number, and they are settled in an average of 22 regions. They also include the Ando-Tsez peoples, who are related to them, and the Archins. Since ancient times, the Avars were called Avars; they were also often called Tavlinians or Lezgins. This nation received the name “Avars” from the name of the medieval king Avar, who ruled the kingdom of Sair. Dargins What nationalities live in Dagestan? The second largest ethnic group is considered to be the Dargins (16.9% of the population, which means 490.3 thousand people). Representatives of this people live mainly in the mountainous and foothill regions of central Dagestan. Before the revolution, the Dargins were called a little differently - Akushins and Lezgins. In total, this nationality occupies 16 regions of the republic. The Dargins belong to the Sunni Muslim religious group. Behind Lately 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 skilled among the entire population of the republic. Their ethnicity was formed for many years at the junction of passing trade roads, which left its mark on the nationality’s lifestyle. Kumyks Let's find out further what nationalities live in Dagestan. Who are the Kumyks? This is the largest Turkic people in the North Caucasus, which is ranked third in number among the nationalities of Dagestan (431.7 thousand people - 14.8%). Kumyks inhabit the foothill and plain regions of the republic, occupying a total of 7 regions. They are classified as peoples of agricultural culture who firmly settled in the place chosen for this. This nation has well-developed agriculture and fishing. More than 70% of the entire country's economy is also concentrated here. National culture Kumyk culture is very rich and original in its own way - it includes literature, folklore, and art. Among them there are a lot of famous wrestlers. However, the trouble of the people is that the Kumyks represent those nationalities of Dagestan, among which there are a lot of uneducated residents. Lezgins So, we learned the nationalities of Dagestan by number. We touched a little on the three leading nationalities. But it would be unfair not to touch on some of the country's nationalities. For example, Lezgins (385.2 thousand people, or 13.2% of the population). They inhabit the lowland, mountainous and foothill regions of Dagestan. Their historical territory is considered to be the adjacent regions of today's republic and neighboring Azerbaijan. Lezgins can rightfully be proud of their rich in stories , stretching back to ancient times. Their territory was one of the very first lands of the Caucasus. Today the Lezgins are divided into two parts. Also, this nation is considered the most warlike, and therefore the most “hot.” So how many nationalities are there in Dagestan? The list can be continued 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 Sea and the surrounding area of ​​Makhachkala. Most Russians (104 thousand, 3.6%) can be found in Kizlyar, where more than half of the total population live. One cannot help but recall the Laks (161.2 thousand, 5.5% of the population), who have inhabited the central parts of mountainous Dagestan since historical times. It was thanks to the Laks that the very first devout Muslim state arose on the territory of the country. They are recognized as jacks of all trades - the first Caucasian artisans came from this ethnic group. To this day, lacquer products participate in various international competitions, taking the most honorable places. Small peoples of Dagestan It would be unfair to talk only about the numerous representatives of this country. The smallest people of the republic are the Tsakhurs (9.7 thousand, 0.3%). These are mainly residents of villages located in the Rutul district. There are practically no Tsakhur residents in the cities. The next small nation is the Aguls (2.8 thousand, 0.9%). They live mainly in the Agul region, most of them also live in settlements. Aguls can be found in Makhachkala, Dagestan Lights and Derbent. Another small people of Dagestan are the Rutuls (27.8 thousand, 0.9%). They inhabit the southern territories. Their number is not much larger than the Aguls - the difference is in the range of 1-1.5 thousand inhabitants. Rutulians try to stick to their relatives, so they always form into small groups. Chechens (92.6 thousand, 3.2%) are the most hot-tempered and aggressive people. The number of this nation was much larger. However, military actions in Chechnya significantly influenced the demographic situation. Today, Chechens can also be classified as a small nationality of the Republic of Dagestan. Result So, what nationalities of Dagestan are the most important? There can be only one answer - everything. As they say about the republic, Dagestan is a kind of synthesis of many ethnic groups. It is noteworthy that almost every nationality has its own language, which is strikingly different from its neighbors. How many nationalities live in Dagestan - so many customs, traditions and peculiarities of life exist in this sunny country. The list of languages ​​of the Dagestan people lists 36 varieties. This, of course, introduces complexity into communication between representatives of these peoples. But in the end, you need to know one thing - the Dagestan people, represented by so many nationalities, have their own historical past, which gave birth to today’s diverse, interesting and so dissimilar national ethnic group of the republic. Be sure to visit this place – you won’t regret it! You will be happily welcomed in any corner of the country. - Read more on FB.ru.

Once you find yourself in the Caucasus, or more precisely in Dagestan, over time you begin to understand that at first the inhabitants of this hospitable country seem to be identical, but in fact they are all completely different. On the same land there are dissimilar traditions, customs, dialects and even languages. Why is this happening? Ethnographers say with confidence: 33 people live on the territory of the Republic of Dagestan. Let's find out a little more about them.

Nationalities of Dagestan

In another way, the country is called a unique constellation of peoples. Speaking about their number, it is difficult to count. However, it is known that all nationalities are divided into three main language families. The first is the Dagestan-Nakh branch, which belongs to the Iberian-Caucasian language family. The second is the Turkic group. Third - Indo-European

There is no concept of “titular nationality” in the republic, but its political attributes still apply to representatives of 14 nationalities. Dagestan is one of 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 - Dagestan-Nakh branch - includes Avars, Chechens, Tsakhurs, Akhvakhtsi, Karatins, Lezgins, Laks, Rutuls, Aguls, Tabasarans. This community also includes Andians, Botlikhs, Godoberins, representatives of the Tindals, Chamalyals, Bagulals, Khvarshins, Didois, Bezhta, Gunzibs, Ginukhs, Archins. This group is also represented by the Dargins, Kubachi and Kaitag people. The second family - Turkic - is represented by the following nationalities: Kumyks, Azerbaijanis, Nogais.

The third group - Indo-European - is made up of Russians, Tats. This is what the nationalities in Dagestan look like today. The list may be replenished with lesser-known nationalities.

Avars

Despite the fact that there is no titular nationality in the republic, among Dagestanis there is still some division into more and less widely represented nationalities of Dagestan (by number). Avars are the most numerous of the region (912 thousand people, or 29% of the total population). Their main area of ​​residence is considered to be the regions of the western. The rural population of Avars makes up the majority of the total number, and their settlement occurs in an average of 22 regions. They also include the Ando-Tsez peoples, who are related to them, and the Archins. Since ancient times, the Avars were called Avars; they were also often called Tavlinians or Lezgins. This nation received the name “Avars” from the name of the medieval king Avar, who ruled the kingdom of Sair.

Dargins

What nationalities live in Dagestan? The second largest ethnic group is considered to be the Dargins (16.9% of the population, which means 490.3 thousand people). Representatives of this people live mainly in the mountainous and foothill regions of central Dagestan. Before the revolution, the Dargins were called a little differently - Akushins and Lezgins. In total it occupies 16 regions of the republic. The Dargins belong to the Sunni Muslim religious group.

Recently, the number of Dargins near the capital of Dagestan - Makhachkala - has begun to increase significantly. The same thing happens with the Caspian coast. Dargins are considered the most commercial and skilled among the entire population of the republic. Their ethnic group was formed for many years at the junction of passing trade roads, which left its mark on the way of life of the nationality.

Kumyks

Let's find out further what nationalities live in Dagestan. Who are the Kumyks? This is the largest Turkic people in the North Caucasus, which is ranked third in number among the nationalities of Dagestan (431.7 thousand people - 14.8%).

Kumyks inhabit the foothill and plain regions of the republic, occupying a total of 7 regions. They are classified as peoples of agricultural culture who firmly settled in the place chosen for this. This nation has well-developed agriculture and fishing. More than 70% of the entire country's economy is also concentrated here. The national culture of the Kumyks is very rich and original in its own way - it includes literature, folklore, and art. Among them there are a lot of famous wrestlers. However, the trouble of the people is that the Kumyks represent those nationalities of Dagestan, among which there are a lot of uneducated residents.

Lezgins

So, we learned the nationalities of Dagestan by number. We touched a little on the three leading nationalities. But it would be unfair not to touch on some of the country's nationalities. For example, Lezgins (385.2 thousand people, or 13.2% of the population). They inhabit the lowland, mountainous and foothill regions of Dagestan. Their historical territory is considered to be the adjacent regions of today's republic and neighboring Azerbaijan. Lezgins can rightfully be proud of their rich history, stretching back to ancient times. Their territory was one of the very first lands of the Caucasus.

Today the Lezgins are divided into two parts. Also, this nation is considered the most warlike, and therefore the most “hot.” So how many nationalities are there in Dagestan? The list can be continued 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 Sea and the surrounding area of ​​Makhachkala. Most Russians (104 thousand, 3.6%) can be found in Kizlyar, where more than half of the total population live. One cannot help but recall the Laks (161.2 thousand, 5.5% of the population), who have inhabited the central parts of mountainous Dagestan since historical times.

It was thanks to the Laks that the very first devout Muslim state arose on the territory of the country. They are recognized as jacks of all trades - the first Caucasian artisans came from this ethnic group. To this day, lacquer products participate in various international competitions, taking the most honorable places.

Small peoples of Dagestan

It would be unfair to talk only about the numerous representatives of this country. The smallest people of the republic are the Tsakhurs (9.7 thousand, 0.3%). These are mainly residents of villages located in the Rutul district. There are practically no Tsakhur residents in the cities. The next small nation is the Aguls (2.8 thousand, 0.9%). They live mainly in the Agul region, most of them also live in settlements.

Aguls can be found in Makhachkala, Dagestan Lights and Derbent. Another small people of Dagestan are the Rutuls (27.8 thousand, 0.9%). They inhabit the southern territories. Their number is not much larger than the Aguls - the difference is in the range of 1-1.5 thousand inhabitants. Rutulians try to stick to their relatives, so they always form into small groups. Chechens (92.6 thousand, 3.2%) are the most hot-tempered and aggressive people. The number of this nation was much larger. However, military actions in Chechnya significantly influenced the demographic situation. Today, Chechens can also be classified as a small nationality of the Republic of Dagestan.

Bottom line

So, which nationalities of Dagestan are the most important? There can be only one answer - everything. As they say about the republic, Dagestan is a kind of synthesis of many ethnic groups. It is noteworthy that almost every nationality has its own language, which is strikingly different from its neighbors. How many nationalities live in Dagestan - so many customs, traditions and peculiarities of life exist in this sunny country.

The list of languages ​​of the Dagestan people lists 36 varieties. This, of course, introduces complexity into communication between representatives of these peoples. But in the end, you need to know one thing - the Dagestan people, represented by so many nationalities, have their own historical past, which gave birth to today’s diverse, interesting and so dissimilar national ethnic group of the republic. Be sure to visit this place - you won't regret it! You will be happily welcomed in any corner of the country.

Most southern part Russian Federation is considered the Republic of Dagestan. Its capital has been the city of Makhachkala for almost 100 years. This republic borders with Georgia, Azerbaijan, Stavropol Territory, Kalmykia and Chechnya.

Population of Dagestan

It can be assessed not only by its area, but also by the number of people living in it. The population census of Dagestan showed that in 2015, 2.99 million people lived in the republic. At the same time, the density is 59.49 residents for every km 2. It is worth noting that back in 1989, according to the census, less than 2 million people lived there, and in 1996 - 2.126 million people.

But you can estimate the true number of citizens of the republic if you know that more than 700 thousand live outside the region. The government of the constituent entity of the Russian Federation speaks about this number. Among all mountainous regions, the population density in Dagestan is one of the largest. On average, every woman has 2.13 children.

The population speaks Russian and Dagestan. But at the same time, only 14 of all the ethnic languages ​​of the republic have a written language. The rest are oral. But only 4 language groups are the most common.

Population growth

The republic is also distinguished by its high birth rate. It ranks honorably third in this indicator in Russia. Only Ingushetia and Chechnya are ahead of it. Every year there are 19.5 newborns for every thousand inhabitants. Just 5 years ago this figure was 18.8 in the Republic of Dagestan.

The population is growing every year. The growth rate of the number of people is the highest in Russia. At the same time, only 45% of people live in cities, the rest live in rural areas. There are slightly fewer men in this subject of the Russian Federation, their share is 48.1%. If we take into account only the population of Dagestan, then this republic ranks 13th among all subjects of the Federation.

Distribution by city

The most populous is the capital of the republic - the city of Makhachkala. 583 thousand people live here directly. And if we take everything into account settlements, subordinate to the capital, then about 700 thousand people will come out.

Quite a lot of people live in other cities of the Republic of Dagestan. The population of the city of Khasavyurt is almost 137 thousand, Derbent - 121 thousand, Kaspiysk - 107 thousand, Buinaksk - 63 thousand.

If you look at the districts of the republic, Khasavyurt will be the most densely populated: during the census, 149 thousand people were counted there. 102 thousand Dagestanis live in the Derbent region, 78 and 79 thousand people live in the Buinaksky region, respectively.

National composition

It is worth noting separately that the population of the Republic of Dagestan is a unique community from an ethnic point of view. More than 100 different nationalities and nationalities live on 50 thousand km 2. Do not forget that part of the territory is uninhabitable mountain ranges.

The most numerous group is the indigenous people - the Avars. According to information from 2010, their number was 850 thousand people, which at that time equaled 29.4% of all residents. The next most numerous are These are also republics, so it is important to know how many there are left. The population of Dagestan is growing, and the number of ethnic groups is correspondingly increasing. In 2010, 490 thousand Dargins lived in the republic (17% of the total), and in 2002 there were noticeably fewer of them - 425.5 thousand.

The third largest number are the Kumyks. Almost 15% of them live in Dagestan, or 432 thousand people. There are not much fewer Lezgins there, they make up 13% of the total number of residents. The number of this people in the republic is almost 388 thousand.

Also, as a result of the census, it was found that there are noticeably fewer other ethnic groups. For example, just over 5% of Laks live in Dagestan, 4% of Azerbaijanis and Tabasarans each, 3.6% of Russians, and 3.2% of Chechens.

Religious features

The population is quite diverse. But at the same time, almost 90% of the residents have the same religion. The majority in this republic professes Islam. This religion began to spread in this territory back in the 7th century. Initially it appeared in Derbent and on the flat part. Islam became the dominant religion only in the 13th-14th centuries.

Its long-term spread is explained by the internecine wars that lasted for two centuries during that period. But only after the invasion of the Mongol-Tatars and the subsequent attack by Tamerlane, Islam became the religion of all mountain inhabitants of the republic. Moreover, in Dagestan there are two directions: Sunnism and Shiism. The first of them is professed by the absolute majority - 99% of the residents of the Republic of Dagestan.

The remaining 10% of people who are not Muslims practice Christianity and Judaism. At the same time, Orthodox Christians make up 3.8% of the total population. In the mid-90s. in Dagestan there were more than 1.6 thousand mosques, 7 churches and 4 synagogues. Such a number of religious sites gives a clear idea of ​​which religion predominates.

Historical features

The resulting ethnic diversity is a consequence historical development this region. Dagestan has always been divided into established historical and geographical regions. The following regions are separately distinguished in this republic: Avaria, Akusha-Dargo, Agul, Andria, Dido, Aukh, Kaitag, Lakia, Kumykia, Salatavia, Lekia, Tabarstan and others.

The territory of modern Dagestan was inhabited a million years ago. As a result of wars at the beginning of the last millennium, these places fell under the control of the Khazars, and after that they were occupied by the Tatar-Mongols.

The second Russian-Persian War also left its mark on development. In the 16th century, the Russians founded the city of Port Petrovsk (now Makhachkala) and formally annexed the entire coast of the Caspian Sea to the territory of the Russian Empire.

By the 17th century, Dagestan became a Caucasian province. But in the middle of the century, an uprising took place in this territory, which developed into the Caucasian War. As a result, the Dagestan region was formed as part of the Empire under military-people's control.

IN Soviet time The Dagestan Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic was created. In 1993 it became the Republic of Dagestan.

Culture and sports in the republic

Thanks to the diverse ethnic composition the republic is unique. This leaves an imprint on cultural development region. For example, there are several national theaters here, including the Darginsky and Kumyksky. Old city, The Citadel and a number of buildings in the city of Derbent are included in the lists world heritage UNESCO. There are about 8 thousand monuments in the republic.

One of the largest book depositories North Caucasus, which contains more than 700 thousand documents, is located precisely in the Republic of Dagestan.

The population is also active in sports. The region is one of the leaders in Russia in terms of sporting achievements. For 50 years now, Dagestan has been famous for its wrestlers. Moreover, 10 people from of this region became Olympic champions, 41 people were awarded the title of world champion and 89 - European champion.

National traditions

Separately, all researchers note the unique folklore of Dagestan. The basis of the spiritual heritage of the republic is the multilingualism and multinationality of the region. Oral poetry has been developed since ancient times. It has its own mythological genre.

Fine art began to develop only in the 20th century. There were both artists and sculptors in the republic. But decorative and applied art has its roots in the Bronze Age. Now they produce in Dagestan jewelry, which are decorated with enamel, niello, and engraving. Certain regions are known for their copper coinage, wooden products with silver incisions or bone inlays, painted ceramics, and carpets.

Dagestan is the most unique region of Russia: in a small territory there are more than a hundred peoples and ethnic groups. What nationalities live in Dagestan today? We will answer this question in the article.

The nationalities of the republic make up an extensive list. Historically determined and some modern processes influence the number of a particular nation present in the republic. Peoples left Dagestan, new nationalities appeared. Attitudes towards the national palette and its perception were not always positive, which immediately affected the development of the social and economic spheres. And the more Dagestanis develop tolerance towards each other, the easier it is to solve common problems.

Nationalities of the Republic of Dagestan

The first attempt to count the population of Dagestan was made by the military department Russian Empire at the end of the nineteenth century. But more accurate data were obtained during the census eleven years later. It turned out that almost 590 thousand people lived in Dagestan within the borders of that time.

If we compare these figures with those obtained in the 2010 population census of Dagestan, they increased almost five times - 2 million 323 thousand people. Population growth was noted from the mid-20s to the 40s. last century, also the decade before the 70s. and from 1989 to 2002. The lowest population in Dagestan was noted in the period from 1897 to 1926, as well as from 1939 for the next twenty years.

The civil war and the drought of the early 20s also affected demographic indicators. At the same time, Russians, Ukrainians and Jews began to leave Dagestan, followed by the emigration of some Dagestanis to Turkey. This led to a 20% drop in population.

However, after the mid-20s of the twentieth century, a sharp increase began. It is associated with natural growth, reaching more than 20%. The influx of Russians, Ukrainians, Armenians, Tatars, Jews and representatives of other nationalities also had an impact. People moved to the Dagestan Republic in search of work.

Before the start of the Great Patriotic War, almost 970 thousand people lived in Dagestan. The population of the republic, like other territories, was affected by the Nazi attack on the Soviet Union. The mobilization involved more than 160 thousand men, some of whom did not return from the battlefields. Since the early 50s. Demographers note the highest birth rate and natural increase - almost 34%.

Nationalities that live in Dagestan

Answering the question of what nationalities live in Dagestan, we note right away that today the republic is one of the three most numerous national republics in Russia, behind Bashkortostan and Tatarstan. In the North Caucasus Federal District Among the seven regions, Dagestan ranks first in terms of population - more than 30% of the total population of the district. In this indicator it surpasses Iceland, Latvia, Estonia, Montenegro, Qatar, Cyprus, Kuwait and Bahrain. However, in recent decades there has been a downward trend in the birth rate.

Speaking about how many nationalities there are in Dagestan, we should refer to the numbers of censuses and modern data.

According to Rosstat, more than three million people live in Dagestan in 2017. This is the 13th largest population in Russia. The absolute population growth was 26 thousand people - 5th place in the country. 12th place in terms of relative growth - 0.86%.

In the list of nationalities of Dagestan, the largest groups are Avars, Dargins, Kumyks, Lezgins and Laks. Books are published and the media operate in the languages ​​of these peoples. Small ethnic groups of Dagestan: Chukchi, Arabs, Serbs and Slovaks.

The population in the 1959 census was just over one million people. In 1970 - about one and a half million people. Nine years later - two hundred more people. In 1989, the population increased by another two hundred people - 1 million 800 thousand. A census conducted fifteen years ago showed that more than two and a half million people live in Dagestan. The 2010 census provided data with an increase of 2 million 900 thousand people.

How did the population change?

Of the nationalities living in Dagestan, the Avars remain the most numerous:

• 1959 - 22.5%;
• 1970 - 24.4%;
• 1979 - 25.7%;
• 1989 - 27.5%;
• 2002 - 29.4%;
• 2010 - 29.4%.

The second largest group is the Dargins:

• 1959 - 14%;
• 1970 - 14.5%;
• 1979 - 15.2%;
• 1989 - 15.6%;
• 2002 - 16.5%;
• 2010 - 17%.

The third group in number is the Kumyks:

• 1959 - 11.4%;
• 1970 - 11.8%;
• 1979 - 12.4%;
• 1989 - 12.9%;
• 2002 - 14.2%;
• 2010 - 14.9%.

Data for Russians and Jews show an increasing decline.

• 1959 - 20.1%;
• 1970 - 14.7%;
• 1979 - 11.6%;
• 1989 - 9.2%;
• 2002 - 4.69%;
• 2010 - 3.6%.

• 1959 - 2.3%;
• 1970 - 2.0%;
• 1979 - 1.6%;
• 1989 - 1.44%;
• 2002 - 0.13%;
• 2010 - 0.08%.

What other peoples live in Dagestan

The list of nationalities of Dagestan includes dozens of names of peoples. The latest population census showed the following data for other peoples: Georgians - almost 700 people, Laks - more than 160 thousand, Lezgins - almost 390 thousand, Nogais - 40 and a half thousand, Ossetians - less than 900, Tatars - almost 4 thousand, Kazakhs and Persians - more than 500, Ukrainians - one and a half thousand, Chechens - almost 94 thousand, Tsukhurs - about 9800 people.

If you count how many nationalities live in Dagestan, you can find very interesting data. An analysis of the population census of the republic showed that there were fewer nationalities, some nationalities left Dagestan, but those that were not there also appeared. Sometimes the names of the nationalities to which some residents consider themselves made the researchers smile.

Changes in national groups:

1. 2002 - 121 nationalities. 2010 - 117 nationalities and ethnic groups.
2. During the 2010 population census, the Bagulals, Americans, Besermyans, Vepsians, Karaites, Tuvans, Udins, Nagaibaks, Nanais, Pashtuns, Eskimos, Yukaghirs and Yakuts, who were listed previously, were no longer found among the residents. Representatives of the Afghan nation, Albanian, Bulgur, Colombian, Nigerian, Turkic, Serbian, French, Ethiopian and Japanese nations settled in Dagestan.

It is interesting that almost 450 people, denoting their nationality, called themselves Akhtynts, Buinakts, Dagestanis, Makhachkala residents (this is what the residents of the city of Makhachkala are called, but there is no separate nationality) and Tsumadins, as well as mestizos, Russians and even Afro-Russians. Fifteen years ago, more than 350 people considered themselves to be among the amazing and extremely unusual-sounding ethnic groups and nationalities.

The number of Cossacks increased - almost 700 people. In 2002, 11 residents of Dagestan called themselves Cossacks. Before this, Cossacks were present only in the 1897 census data.

Avars

In Dagestan, the most numerous peoples are Avars, Dargins and Kumyks.

The Avars are settled mainly in the territories of mountainous Dagestan and speak several dialects and dialects. The literary language of the Avars is called the language of the guest or the language of the army. Arabic graphics provided the basis for Avar writing in the 15th and 16th centuries. But by the thirtieth year of the twentieth century, Avars began to master the Russian language en masse, because they were trained in it. In 1938, representatives of the nationality began to use the Cyrillic alphabet. Children in schools were first taught in their native language, and in middle classes - in Russian. Today, Avars speak both the language of their people and Russian, which has allowed them to easily integrate into the cultural space of Russia.

Avars are considered Sunni Muslims by religious affiliation.

Dargins

Dargins in Civil War They were among the first to begin the fight: they rebelled against Denikin and defeated the White Cossacks in the Aya-Kakak Gorge. These people are very hospitable. Previously, the Dargins reverently revered blood feud, but the community, represented by the elders, gradually achieved a change in attitude towards this in the Dargian code of honor. For example, murderers began to be expelled from the community.

Islam as a religion among the Dargians was established by the fourteenth century. They are Sunni Muslims - madhhab. Before the Islamic faith, they worshiped the forces of nature, they were pagans, just like the original Russian population before accepting Christianity.

Kumyks

Kumyks are also the indigenous inhabitants of Dagestan. They are Sunni Muslims. It is believed that the Kumyk language began to take shape in the pre-Mongol era. Kumykia was crossed by all travelers of the Great Silk Road. The first national theater in Dagestan appeared precisely among these people.

Kumyks are very proud of their scientists, artists (artists, writers) and athletes. The special pride of the people is Hero of the Soviet Union Abdulkhakim Ismailov, who, together with Kyivian resident Alexei Kovalev and Minsk resident Leonid Gorichev, hoisted the Victory Banner over the defeated Reichstag in Berlin. Two representatives of the Kumyk people became full holders of the Order of Glory.

Russians in Dagestan

Russians have lived side by side with the mountaineers for thousands of years. And in Soviet times, they went en masse to the republic to teach children in schools, treat people in hospitals, build houses and work in other professions. The Soviet distribution after universities and colleges made the teaching profession the most respected and revered in Dagestan. Therefore, it is no coincidence that a monument dedicated to the work of Russian teachers was erected in Makhachkala.

Today, Russians in Dagestan make up more than 8%, which is about one hundred and fifty thousand people. A large proportion of Russians live in Makhachkala and Kaspiysk; half of the Russian population lives in Kizlyar. In the nineties, many native Dagestan Russians left Dagestan due to the growth of a national movement, radical and cruel. At that time, there was a sharp decline in the population - seven to eight thousand Russian citizens a year were leaving the republic.

However, recently Caucasian Russians have been making a comeback. Experts associate this with longing for their small homeland and the land of their ancestors, as well as the special Dagestan character. But they are not returning in the same numbers as when they left Dagestan: in ten years, only about five thousand people returned to their small homeland.

In addition, today the government pays special attention to protecting the interests and security of Russians in Dagestan. The number of cases of violation of human rights based on nationality is gradually decreasing.

Linguistic composition of the inhabitants of Dagestan

Almost seven hundred thousand people speak the Avar language, about 420,000 speak Dargin, and almost 380,000 citizens speak Kumyk. About 140,000 people know Lak, almost 360,000 speak Lezgin. There are 500 people who speak the Chamalin language, 230 people who speak Karata language, more than 180 people who speak Botlikh language, and only one citizen who speaks Ginukh language. This is data from the latest All-Russian population census, which took place in 2010.

More than two and a half thousand Dagestanis constantly use the Russian language in Everyday life. Among foreign languages, citizens identified English, German, Arabic, French, Turkish, Persian, Hindi and Japanese. Two answered that they knew Esperanto.

Russian alone is used by almost half a million people; more than two million speak two languages, 115 thousand speak three languages, 10 thousand speak four languages, and only seventeen people know five languages.

Young Dagestan

More than thirty percent of the population of Dagestan are young people. The average age of Dagestanis does not reach thirty years. Even less in Chechnya - twenty-five years. Demographers believe that this forecast in the region will continue for the next eighteen to twenty years. The difference between the age of the young population in Dagestan and the elderly people of the republic is almost fifteen years.

Finally

The nineties had a hard impact on Dagestan, when the struggle for sovereignty that had just begun almost split the multinational region into dozens of small groups and did not lead to large casualties among the civilian population. Of course they were. The echoes of that time are still felt by society in the region and the demographic situation. But the population of Dagestan is still very diverse by nationality.