Nationalities of Dagestan by number: list

Finding yourself in the Caucasus, or rather in Dagestan, you begin to understand with time - it seems that at first the same inhabitants of this hospitable country, in fact, everything is completely different. On the same land there are different traditions, customs, language and even language. Why does this happen? Ethnographers say with confidence: 33 people live on the territory of the Republic of Dagestan. We learn about them a little more.

Nationalities of Dagestan

In another way, the country is called a unique constellation of peoples. Speaking about the nationality of Dagestan, the number of them is difficult to calculate. 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.

In the republic there is no concept of "titular nationality", however its political attributes nevertheless extend to representatives of 14 nationalities. Dagestan belongs to the most multinational regions of Russia, and on its territory today live more than 3 million citizens.

A bit more about language families

As we have already said, the nationalities of the Republic of Dagestan are divided into three language groups. The first - the Dagestan-Nakh branch - are Avars, Chechens, Tsakhurs, Akhvakhtsi, Karatin, Lezgins, Laks, Rutulians, Agulas, Tabasarans. Also in this community are the Andians, Botilians, Godobertians, representatives of tyndalami, Chamalians, Bagulal, Khvarshins, Didoans, Bezhta, Gunzibians, Gynukhs, Archi. This group is also represented by the Dargins, Kubachins and Kaitagians. The second family - the Turkic family - is represented by the following nationalities: Kumyks, Azerbaijanis, Nogais.

The third group, the Indo-European group, is assembled from Russians, Tatas, Mountain Jews. This is how the nationalities in Dagestan look like today. The list can 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 (in number). Avars are the most numerous people of the Dagestani Territory (912 thousand people, or 29% of the total population). Their main area of residence is the regions of western mountainous Dagestan. The rural population of the Avars makes up a large part of the total population, and their resettlement goes on average in 22 regions. Among them, Ando-Czec peoples, which are related to them, are also included, and the Archin people. Since ancient times Avars were called Avars, and they were also often called Tavlinians or Lezgins. The name "Avars" was given to this nationality on behalf of the medieval king Avar, who ruled the kingdom of Sair.

The Dargins

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

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

Kumyks

We learn further what nationalities live in Dagestan. Who are the Kumyks? This is the largest Turkic people in the North Caucasus, which is the third largest among the nationalities of Dagestan (431.7 thousand people - 14.8%).

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

Lezgins

So, we learned the nationality of Dagestan in numbers. A little touched three leading nationalities. But it would be unfair not to touch upon some of the nationalities of the country. For example, Lezgins (385.2 thousand people, or 13.2% of the population). They inhabit the plains, upland and foothill areas of Dagestan. Their historical territory is considered adjacent areas of today's republic and neighboring Azerbaijan. Lezghins can rightly be proud of their rich stories, stretching from ancient times. Their territory was one of the very first lands of the Caucasus.

Today Lezgins are divided into two parts. Also this nationality is considered the most militant, 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, mainly populating the Caspian and the surroundings of Makhachkala. Most Russians (104 thousand, 3.6%) can be found in Kizlyar, where they live more than half of the total population. One can not help recalling the Laks (161.2 thousand, 5.5% of the population), which since historical times inhabit the central parts of mountainous Dagestan.

It was thanks to laks in the country that the very first Orthodox Muslim state arose. They are recognized as masters of all trades - the first Caucasian handicraftsmen came from this nationality. And to this day Lak products participate in various international competitions, occupying the most honorable places.

Small peoples of Dagestan

It would be unfair to tell only about the numerous representatives of this country. The smallest people of the republic are Tsakhurians (9.7 thousand, 0.3%). Basically, these are residents of villages that are in the Rutulsky district. There are practically no Tsakhurians in the cities. The next small nation is the agula (2.8 thousand, 0.9%). They dwell mainly in the Agul district, most also live in settlements.

Agulov can be found in Makhachkala, Dagestan lights and Derbent. Another small number of people in Dagestan - Rutulians (27, 8 thousand, 0.9%). They inhabit southern territories. Their number is not much larger than the agul - the difference is in the range of 1-1.5 thousand inhabitants. Rutulians try to adhere to their relatives, that's why they always form into small groups. Chechens (92.6 thousand, 3.2%) - the most quick-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 attributed to the small nationalities of the Republic of Dagestan.

The result

So, what are the most important nationalities of Dagestan? There can be only one answer - all. 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.

In the list of languages of the Dagestani people are listed 36 varieties. This, of course, makes the difficulty in communication between representatives of these peoples. But in the end one has to know one thing - the Dagestan people, represented by so many nationalities, have their own historical past, which gave rise to today's diverse national ethnic group of the republic. Be sure to visit this place - you will not regret it! You will be joyfully welcomed in any part of the country.