Central Idea

A recent incident involving anti-Israel protesters storming an airport in Makhachkala, Dagestan, has drawn international attention.
This incident highlights the unique position of Dagestan, which, while sounding like a country, is actually a province within Russia.

About Dagestan

Dagestan, officially known as the Republic of Dagestan, is a province within the Russian Federation, dispelling any confusion arising from its name.
Situated in the southernmost part of Russia, it holds strategic importance for the country.

Land of Mountains: Dagestan’s name translates to “land of the mountains,” emphasizing its mountainous terrain.
North Caucasus: Located in the eastern part of the North Caucasus, it shares borders with Georgia and Chechnya to the west and Azerbaijan to the south. To the east lies the Caspian Sea.
Inaccessible Terrain: Some areas within Dagestan’s mountains are so remote that reaching them requires helicopters.

Over 40 Ethnicities: The province is home to at least 40 different ethnic groups.
30+ Languages: More than 30 languages are spoken in this region.
Prominent Ethnic Groups: The largest ethnic group in Dagestan is the Avars, comprising approximately one-fifth of the population. Other significant groups include Dargins, Kumyks, and Lezgins.
Ethnic Russian Presence: Despite the ethnic diversity, around 10% of Dagestan’s population is ethnically Russian.

Strategic Coastal City: Makhachkala, the capital of Dagestan, is situated along the Caspian Sea coast.
Historical Significance: Once a major trading port, Makhachkala was conquered by the Russian Imperial Army in the 19th century.
Oil and Gas Hub: Today, Dagestan serves as a crucial conduit for oil and gas pipelines connecting the Caspian Sea to Russia’s heartland, possessing its own reserves of these resources.
Challenges: The region has grappled with organized crime and instability, with Russian security forces combating armed insurgencies and militant groups in Dagestan and neighboring areas.