Lezgins (Lezgiar) belong to the indigenous peoples of the Caucasus. The people belong to the Caucasian race and are the second largest people in the Republic of Azerbaijan. Lezgins bright story and traditions. For many centuries they were called “leki” or “legs”. Often the people suffered from attacks by the conquerors of Rome and Persia.
Where live
The people live in Russian Federation in the south of Dagestan and in the north of Azerbaijan. In Dagestan, Lezgins inhabit the Derbent, Akhtyn, Kurakh, Dokuzparinsky, Suleiman-Stalsky, Magaramkent and Khiva regions.
In Azerbaijan, these people live in Kursar, Khachmas, Kuba, Gabala, Oguz, Ismayilli, Sheki, Kakh regions and all major cities, especially in Baku. Experts from the Institute of Anthropology and Ethnology of the Russian Academy of Sciences believe that there are more Lezgins on the territory of Azerbaijan, but some of them are recorded as Azerbaijanis.
Number
There are between 680,000 and 850,000 Lezgins in the world. Of these, 476,228 people live in Russia, according to the 2010 census, and 387,746 people live in Dagestan. According to the results of the 2009 population census in Azerbaijan, 180,300 Lezgins live here. Other estimates put it at 350,000.
Name
The origin of the ethnonym “Lezgins” has not yet been fully studied and requires additional research. Authors of ancient times called Lezgins “leki”, Arab authors called them “lakz”, Georgian authors called them “lekebi”.
In written sources, the term “Lezgi” has been known since the 12th century. But this word was not used to call a separate Dagestan people. This term was unfamiliar to the Dagestan highlanders. The Turks and residents of Tsarist Russia called Lezgins the numerous mountain tribes that inhabited the Dagestan region and part of the southern slope of the Main Caucasus Range. The Russians called the southern Dagestanis that way, and the northern ones, mostly Avars, were called Tavlinians. The term began to be used for Lezgins in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The ethnonym “Lezgins” became the name of one of the mountain peoples of Dagestan after 1920.
Language
Lezgin language is included in Nakh-Dagestan group North Caucasian language family and belongs to the Lezgin subgroup. Russian and Azerbaijani are common among Lezgins. Lezgins living in Azerbaijan use the Azerbaijani script.
The Lezgin language is divided into adverbs:
- Samur, includes the Akhtyn dialect and the Dokuzparin transitional dialect;
- Kyurinsky, includes Yarkinsky, Güney, Kurakh dialects;
- Cuban.
There are also independent dialects in the Lezgin language:
- Giliyarskiy
- Kurush
- Gelkhensky
- Fian
The tsarist government in 1905 decided to facilitate the Russification of the people and tried to create Lezgin writing on the basis developed by Baron P. Uslar. But this attempt was unsuccessful. In 1928, the Latin alphabet for the Lezgin language was developed, and in 1938 it was created new alphabet based on the Cyrillic alphabet.
Religion
Lezgins mainly profess Sunni Islam of the Shafi'i madhhab. The exception is the residents of the village of Miskindzha in the Dokuzparinsky district of Dagestan. They are Shiites and profess the Jafarite madhhab.
Life
The Lezgin family is large; it consists not only of husband, wife and children. It includes parents, minor sisters and brothers of both spouses, and widowed daughters-in-law. Some families consist of 17 people, but this is rare today.
Since ancient times, the main occupation of the people has been arable farming. Corn, wheat, millet, barley, legumes and rice were grown. The Lezgins, living on the plains, were mainly engaged in pasture-stall cattle breeding. In the mountains, cattle breeding was transhumance. They mainly raised sheep, goats, and cattle. Most of the winter pastures were located on the territory of Northern Azerbaijan. Traditional trades include spinning, production of cloth, felt, carpets, weaving, blacksmithing, leatherworking, jewelry and weapons.
Housing
The main type of settlement among Lezgins is called “khur”. Villages founded in the mountains are located mainly on slopes, close to sources drinking water. The houses are closely located to each other. The village is divided into quarters, which one by one can sometimes form large territorially related settlements “tukhum”. Every village has a mosque and village square"kim". On it, local residents, namely men, gather at a village gathering to discuss and resolve the most important issues of rural public life.
The oldest quarter is located in the upper part of the village and consists of old stone houses. These are real fortresses with a closed courtyard, loopholes and a small number of external fetters. There is usually no greenery here. The middle part of the mountain village is located on a less steep slope. The new neighborhoods are located on level ground and consist of larger courtyards, which are fenced off from the street by a clay or stone fence. Among the greenery in the courtyard there is a one-story house, which is built of stone or mud brick. The modern lower quarters contain schools, clubs and hospitals. In the mountain village of Akhty, residents have houses in the upper and lower quarters, with a garden. They live upstairs in the winter and move downstairs in the summer.
Lezgin houses are U- and L-shaped, or built in the shape of a closed square. To get into the two-story building from the street, you need to go into a small courtyard through an arch-shaped gate. In one of the corners of the courtyard there is an oven in which chureki flatbreads are baked. A staircase made of stone or wood from the courtyard leads to a gallery onto which the doors of all rooms of the dwelling open.
The walls and floors of a Lezgin house are always covered with rugs and carpets. One of the rooms has a fireplace in which food is prepared. Instead of windows, until the mid-19th century, houses had holes in the flat roof. Today the roof is still flat, but the windows have already been broken into the walls. They were also made in old houses. Since the middle of the 19th century, balconies began to be made in homes that overlook the street. In some mountain villages related families, living opposite, create closed passages connecting the second floors.
Appearance
Lezgin clothing is similar to the costumes of other peoples of Dagestan. The man's clothing consists of a waist-length shirt with a lining made of calico, trousers made of dark material, wool socks, a beshmet, a Circassian coat and a hat. The costume is completed with a silver belt, gazyrs and a dagger. In winter, men wore fur coats.
Today, many men wear urban clothing. Elements of the national costume often include hats, woolen socks and sheepskin coats with fictitious long sleeves.
Women wore a long shirt in the form of a tunic with a stand-up collar and long sleeves. Wide trousers that tapered downward were worn with the shirt. Bottom part The legs of the trousers were visible from under the shirt; women decorated them with embroidered patterns and bright colored stripes of fabric. At the end of the 19th century, the bun dress appeared in the wardrobe of Lezgin women. Elderly women wore such dresses, sewn from dark-colored fabrics, and young women wore buns made from bright fabrics of green, red and yellow flowers. The dresses were loose cut, each woman sewed them with her own hands. Women still wear national clothes today, especially in rural areas. Although many are gradually acquiring urban clothing and shoes, the custom prohibiting showing oneself in public with bareheaded.
Women's headdress - chutkha, is a cap that fits the head with a hair bag sewn to it. They wore Lezginkas and various scarves made of brocade, silk and wool. Elderly and married people wore scarves to cover part of their face and mouth. It was mandatory rule.
Women wore a lot of jewelry, rings, earrings, bracelets. The outfits were decorated with silver coins. It was believed that the ringing of these coins repels bad things and attracts good things. The Lezgins considered silver a special metal that collects bad energy and cleanses itself of it.
The beauty of a woman of this people was determined by her slender figure, black eyebrows and eyes, and hair. Long thick hair braided in two braids was considered ideal. It was not customary to braid just one braid; it was believed that if a girl wore such a hairstyle, she would be alone forever. This hairstyle was especially prohibited for women who had brothers and fathers. Often, when Lezgin women quarreled with each other, they uttered the phrase: “So that you are left with one braid.”
Children under 3 years old were wearing amulets, amulets, coins and beads. Lezgins believed that they had magical power and protect from the evil eye and disease. A hirigan bib was worn on children's jackets. On the back of jackets and sleeveless vests the murtsan tsuk flower, which consisted of 12 petals, was sometimes embroidered different color according to the number of months in a year. It was believed that the flower protected the child from misfortunes throughout the year.
Food
The main traditional food of Lezgins consists of legumes, grains, dairy and meat products. Bread is baked from sour or unleavened dough in the form of flat cakes. A special oven is used for baking. In Dagestan, Lezgin thin bread is very popular. The “afarar” pies of this people, filled with cottage cheese, herbs and meat, are also very popular. Lezgins prepare soups with meat and potatoes “bozbash”, khinkal, shish kebab and cabbage rolls. The meat is used fresh and dried, popular meat dishes: fried meat “kabab”, gatay kabab, cutlets. Various dishes of Azerbaijani cuisine are also included in the people's diet. The drinks are made into tach, a drink similar to jelly made from sprouted wheat grains. The ritual food of Lezgins is a dish of dried lamb legs with corn and wheat grains, flour porridge “Khashil” and halva made from wheat flour “Isida”. They drink fresh and sour milk, make cheese and butter, and cook porridge.
Traditions
In every Lezgin family there is unquestioning obedience to elders. Old people are shown great respect. They are not allowed to do difficult work. Women's inequality used to exist. But modern women are already economically independent because they work and have access to education and social activities. Exist ancient traditions, which do not allow a modern Lezgin woman to achieve equality with a man. In many families, women are still not allowed to eat with men in front of strangers, and men are ashamed to openly help a woman with work. But raising a hand against a woman or somehow insulting her dignity is considered a great disgrace not only for the man who did it, but also for his entire family.
The tradition of blood revenge among the Lezgins disappeared after October revolution, and villagers are already increasingly helping not only their relatives, but also their neighbors.
Previously, women gave birth only at home and used magical remedies to facilitate childbirth. The man was not supposed to be in the house at these moments, and the one who informed him about the birth of a child first received a gift. If a girl was born, it was a less joyful event than the birth of a boy. On the first night after giving birth, the woman in labor was not supposed to sleep, but was obliged to protect the child from demons. In the courtyard, spirits were driven away by horses and gun shots.
The name of the newborn was given by one of the older relatives. On this day there was a holiday in the family, treats were prepared. To this day, the child is named after a deceased relative who lived a decent life. But if a child was capricious and sick for a long time, his name was sometimes changed. If a woman could not have children, she was sent to visit the sacred places of the Caucasus. Lezgins believe very strongly in healing power such places and visiting them are taken seriously.
The hair that was cut for the first time by a child was not thrown away and was protected. The first haircut was carried out by the man who was the eldest in the family. The hair was placed under the child's pillow so that he would have a healthy and sound sleep. To prevent the child from being a thief, his nails were not cut for a long time, and when this procedure was first carried out, the cut nails were burned.
It was considered a bad omen if the child's first tooth was discovered by the mother. If this happened, she tore the collar on her underwear so that the child’s teeth would grow well. The baby's shirt collar was also slightly torn. The first person who noticed the baby's tooth was given a needle - a symbol of sharpness.
Previously, Lezgins married distant relatives. Today this custom is gradually disappearing. In ancient times, the parents of the bride and groom agreed on the marriage of their children when they were still small. Sometimes the bride was stolen if she did not want to get married or the chosen one’s parents were against it. Before the wedding, matchmaking took place. A close relative of the groom came to the bride's house and proposed. If he gave his consent, the groom's relative sent the bride a ring, a scarf and a dish of pilaf. A few days later, the groom’s father and several men came to the bride’s house and brought a scarf and money, the parents agreed on the size of the bride price. From now on, the bride and groom were not supposed to meet.
The wedding began simultaneously in the houses of the bride and groom. When entering the groom's house, the bride must crush the spoon of butter that was placed on the threshold with her foot. Afterwards, the bride was led into a room and placed on a dowry chest. During the celebration, the bride sat silently. At midnight the groom came to her, and the women who surrounded the bride left. In the morning, the groom must go for a swim in the river and spend the whole day at a friend or relative's house. If the bride was not innocent, the groom could throw her out of the house and immediately divorce her. Often, after this, girls committed suicide. In the Samur district, during a divorce, the man’s family had to pay the woman’s family an amount of money for maintenance ex-wife.
Today the Lezgin wedding is different. There is no more bride price and the mule no longer takes part, brides are not kidnapped, and parents do not agree on the future wedding of their still young children. The wedding ceremony has remained virtually unchanged, only in many villages the bride is carried not on a horse, but by car, and the dowry is transported in a truck.
Raising children occupies an important place in the life of the people. They began to train and raise them in the womb. Lezgins are hospitable and give their guests the best. The owners will give up the most comfortable and largest bed in the house to the guest, and they themselves will go to sleep on the floor.
At the end of March, the Lezgins have a holiday - the day spring equinox, which marks the beginning of a new agricultural year. In the evening, on the eve of the holiday, bonfires are lit at each house. Everyone tries to make their fire brighter than others. Then people jump over the fire. It is believed that this is how people get rid of sins and improve their health. On this day, Lezgins put on new outfits and cook festive table.
Another significant holiday of this people is the Cherry Festival. In villages where there was a rich harvest of these berries, Lezgin families walked for several days in the cherry orchards, and organized dances and songs there.
During the Flower Festival, girls and boys went to the mountains to buy flowers. The celebration was led by the “Shah” - a young man. In advance, young people prepared for the holiday, sewed outfits and stocked up on food for the journey. On the appointed day, accompanied by a drummer, the girls and boys walked back to the village, danced and held competitions in strength exercises. The girls gave prizes to the winners - socks and tobacco pouches. This celebration continued for up to 3 days.
When there was no rain for a long time, the legzins performed a special ceremony. They chose a person from among the poor and dressed him in a suit made from large green leaves. An iron basin was placed on a person's head. Such a disguised man walked around the courtyards in the company of friends, the housewives doused him with water, gave him money, eggs, bread, honey and cheese. When a person went around all the houses, the group went to a “sacred feast” and after it, in chorus, they uttered words that caused rain. Treats were shared among those present, most of was given to a mummer.
Culture
Azerbaijan had a great influence on Lezgin culture. Lezgins have more than 500 melodies and songs, heroic songs and fairy tales. The heroic epic “Sharvili” is an epic monument of Lezgin folklore. It is preserved in poetic and prose fragments.
The main place in folklore is occupied by dance lyrical songs. The instrumental music of Lezgins is full of melismatics. Folk art also includes dances, the most famous of which is the Lezginka. This pair or solo male dance is common in the Caucasus. The Zarb Makyam dance is also performed by men. The folk smooth and slow dances Useinel, Perizant Khanum, Bakhtavar and Akhty-Chay are known in dance folklore.
Musical instruments Lezgin people:
- kemancha
- balaban
- Chonguri
- Daldam
- tutek
- zurna
- lahut
In 1906, the first Lezgin theater was founded in the village of Akhty; in 1935, the State Lezgin Music and Drama Theater named after S. Stalsky was created. In 1998, the Lezgin State Theater opened in Azerbaijan.
History of Lezgins
Since ancient times, Lezgins have lived in the southeast of Dagestan and in the northern part of Azerbaijan. Back in the 5th–4th centuries BC. e. here, as well as in a significant part of present-day Dagestan, Caucasian Albania was formed. It was a vast state with its own written language, spiritual and material culture, with its own economy and coins of its own production, schools where Albanian children studied. Ancient Greek and Roman historians named more than thirty cities and other settlements of Caucasian Albania. Ancient authors noted beauty in Albanians, high growth, blond hair and gray eyes. They were a proud and freedom-loving people.
The history of Caucasian Albania is a history of endless wars for its independence.
Back in the 1st century BC. e. Clashes with the Romans began. Many historical books point to the unparalleled heroism of our ancestors in the fight against foreign invaders. By the way, some historians believe that the Amazons, these courageous mountain warriors, were also Albanians!
In the 3rd century. on Caucasian Albania Iran attacked. He, like other conquerors, was attracted by the location of this state. Its territory was a kind of bridge connecting north and south, west and east. The Derbent fortress was still built then (remember, we went there on an excursion?).
Albania was attacked by both Khazars and Arabs. The Alans, the nomads of the northeastern steppes, carried out raids.
Numerous wars weakened Caucasian Albania. Like many ancient states, over time it, having existed since the 1st century. BC e. to the 10th century n. e., disintegrated, leaving us, descendants, a memory of ourselves in history.
But even after this, enemy invasions into the territory of present-day Dagestan did not stop.
In the 13th century. The Tatar-Mongols attacked the Caucasus with huge forces. They also failed to conquer the mountaineers of Dagestan. The traveler Guillaume de Rubruk wrote: “...between the sea and the mountains live certain Saracens, called Lezgi, mountaineers who have not been conquered by the Tatars.”
In the 17th century, the Lezgins, together with the Avars, Dargins, Laks and other peoples, waged a fierce struggle against Iranian and Turkish rule. This struggle was led by Haji-Davud, who liberated the cities of Shabran and Shamakhi from the Iranians and became the ruler of Shirvan.
The Persian army led by Nadir Shah brought a lot of grief to the Dagestan people, but they also received a rebuff from the courageous highlanders.
Muhammad Yaragsky
In the 18th century, the Transcaucasian and Dagestan khanates became part of Russia. But not all mountain communities wanted to recognize the power of the Russian Tsar over themselves. IN early XIX century began Caucasian War, which lasted more than 30 years! The ideologist of the resistance was Sheikh Muhammad Yaragsky, the teacher of Imam Shamil.
But already in the second half of the 19th century, Dagestan completely became part of Russia.
In 1917, the Tsar was overthrown in Russia, a revolution took place, as a result of which the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) was created. And in 1992, the USSR collapsed into 15 states. Part of the lands where the Lezgins lived remained in Russia, and the other part in Azerbaijan. The border between Russia and Azerbaijan partially runs along the Samur River.
Assault on Akhta. 1848. Babaev P.
The Lezgins made a significant contribution to the formation and development of the Republic of Dagestan as part of Russia. A whole galaxy of revolutionaries and prominent politicians given by our people. Lezgins took part in the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945 against fascist Germany. Many of them died on the battlefields. Later I will tell you about those who, with their heroism, talent and outstanding achievements, glorified and continue to glorify our people.
Story - tarikh.
Epoch - devir.
World - dunya.
Earth - chill.
Homeland - Vatan.
A country - ullkwe.
State - gyukumat.
People - hulk.
People - insanar.
Nation - millet.
Enemy - dushman.
Fortress - kjele.
REFERENCE
In Dagestan, Lezgins inhabit the Akhtynsky, Dokuzparinsky, Kurakhsky, Magaramkentsky, Suleiman-Stalsky districts, partly the Derbentsky, Khivsky, Rutulsky and Khasavyurtsky districts, and also live in the cities of Derbent, Dagestan Lights, Makhachkala, Kaspiysk. In Azerbaijan, Lezgins live compactly in the Kusar, Kuba, Khachmas, Kabala, Ismayilli, Oguz, Sheki and Kakh regions, in the cities of Baku and Sumgait.
Lezgins also live in other countries - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey.
The number of Lezgins in Russia in 2002 was 412 thousand, in Azerbaijan - more than 170 thousand.
Lezgin settlements Lezgins chose places for settlements based on southern sides mountains, southeast, southwest. Villages were built up so that houses on natural fortified places served as fortresses. It was possible to enter the village along one or two paths, which were closed at night
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Read more: Lezgins in Azerbaijan, Lezgins in Turkey, Lezgins in Uzbekistan and Dagestanis in St. Petersburg
Lezgins traditionally live in the south of Dagestan (Russia) and in the north of Azerbaijan, being the second largest people of the Azerbaijan Republic. In Dagestan, they inhabit the Akhtynsky, Derbentsky, Dokuzparinsky, Kurakhsky, Magaramkentsky, Suleiman-Stalsky and Khiva districts, and, in addition, live in the Rutulsky and Khasavyurt districts. According to the 2010 census, Lezgins make up 13.3% of the population of the Republic of Dagestan.
In Azerbaijan, the Lezgin population is mainly concentrated in Kusar (79.6 thousand, 2009 census), Kuba (9.0 thousand, 2009 census), Khachmas (24.7 thousand, 2009 census), Gabala (16.0 thousand, 2009 census), Ismayilli (8.1 thousand, 2009 census), Oguz (4.8 thousand, 2009 census), Sheki (6.2 thousand, census 2009) and Kakh (0.3 thousand) districts and in all major cities, especially in Baku (24.9 thousand, census 2009). According to experts from the Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Institute of History, Archeology and Anthropology of the Dagestan Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences “In Azerbaijan, the number of Lezgins is much higher (about 350 thousand people). This discrepancy is explained by the fact that many Lezgins living in Azerbaijan are registered as Azerbaijanis (often forced).”. In the online directory Ethnologue: Languages of the World. Sixteenth Edition An estimate of the number of speakers of the Lezgin language in Azerbaijan is 364 thousand for 2007. The 1993 US Department of Justice report “Azerbaijan: The Status of Armenians, Russians, Jews and Other Minorities” suggests that there are unofficial estimates of the number of Lezgins in Azerbaijan at 800 thousand people. The Lezgin people are probably the largest North Caucasian people whose settlement area was divided after the collapse of the USSR state border(between Russia and Azerbaijan) almost in half both territorially and numerically.
In addition to their historical area of residence, there are numerous Lezgin communities in almost all regions of Russia, where they total number is 88,482 people (2010 census); the total number of Lezgin diasporas in countries of the Near Abroad, primarily the CIS (Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan, etc.) reaches 30 thousand people. The number in Turkey is estimated by Lezgin organizations to be up to 40 thousand people (1990).
| Census year | 1897 | 1926 | 1937 | 1939 | 1959 | 1970 | 1979 | 1989 | near 2000 |
near 2010 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Russia | 95 262 * | 93 049 | 101 789 | 100 417 | 114 210 | 170 494 | 202 854 | 257 270 | 411 535 (2002 census) |
473 722 (2010 census) |
| Azerbaijan | 63 670 ** | 37 263 | 104 789 | 111 666 | 98 211 | 137 250 | 158 057 | 171 395 | 178 000 (1999 census) |
180 300 (2009 census) |
| just within the boundaries of the former Russian Empire and USSR |
159 213 | 134 529 | 206 487 | 220 969 | 223 129 | 323 829 | 382 611 | 466 006 | over 600 thousand | over 670 thousand |
Already according to estimates in 1891 for the territory of the Kyurinsky district of the Dagestan region, preceding the All-Russian Census of 1897, there were about 55 thousand Kyurins (that is, Lezgins). But according to the results of the First All-Russian Population Census of 1897, detailed information was obtained regarding the number of speakers of the Kyurin dialect (questions about nationality, ethnic group, nationality, etc. were not asked during the First All-Russian Census; these concepts themselves at that time had not yet acquired our modern meaning ; the concept of “adverb” appearing in census data, modern researchers most often interpreted as modern terms How « native language» or “the primary language spoken by the interviewee”, the speakers of the Kyurin dialect are usually identified with the Lezgins) and their settlement throughout the territory of the Russian Empire:
- In the Dagestan region:
- Kyurinsky district - 59,309 (76.35%), including villages. Kasum-Kent - 905 (89.34%)
- Samur district - 33,965 (95.32%), including villages. Akhty - 3173 (99.47%)
- Kazikumukh district - 943 (2.08%)
- Kaytago-Tabasaran district - 350 (0.38%)
- the rest of the Dagestan region - 29 (0.01%)
- In the Kuban region - 615 (0.03%)
- In Baku province:
- Cuban district - 44,756 (24.42%), including the city of Cuba - 221 (1.44%)
- Geokchay district - 2,045 (1.74%)
- Baku district - 1,235 (0.68%), including Baku city - 310 (0.28%)
- Shemakha district - 73 (0.06%)
- In Elisavetpol province:
- Nukha district - 8,506 (7.06%), including Nukha city - 114 (0.46%)
- Aresh district - 5,869 (8.72%), including places. Agdash 84 (15.91%)
- Javanshir district - 79 (0.11%)
- In Tiflis province:
- Zagatala district - 975 (1.16%), including the city of Zakatala - 1 (0.03%)
- Borchaly district - 102 (0.08%)
Lezgins are a people living in the southeast of Dagestan and adjacent regions of Azerbaijan. The language belongs to the Lezgin group of the Dagestan branch of the Caucasian languages. One of the indigenous peoples of Dagestan and northern Azerbaijan.
Ancient sources (up to the 3rd century) mention the Lehi people who lived on Eastern Caucasus. Arab sources of the 9th-10th centuries contain information about the “kingdom of the Lakzes” in southern Dagestan. The Lezgins as a people were formed before the 14th century. Before joining Russia, the Lezgins lived in the Derbent and Kuba khanates.
And now I will trace the history of the emergence of the Lezgin people according to my historical atlas and on the basis of the information I collected. I'll start with deep antiquity, which many historians do not recognize.
1 million years BC on Earth the most large continent There was a continent called Atlantis, it was located in the Atlantic Ocean, other continents had not yet been fully formed. From 400 thousand years BC, and especially quickly from 199 thousand years BC, the continent of Atlantis began to sink under the waters of the ocean, by which time modern continents had already been largely formed. Therefore, the migration of peoples (descendants of the Atlanteans) to modern continents began with Atlantis.
By 30 thousand years BC in the Middle East (east coast Mediterranean Sea) formed from settlers new people- Akkadians. At the same time, the first settlers appeared in the south modern Turkey. By this time, a few tribes of Australoids (descendants of the ancient asuras who lived on the continent of Lemuria in the Indian Ocean) passed through the Caucasus. From the coast Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf, through the Caucasus, these few tribes (the Grimaldi race) reached as far as Voronezh region, therefore, I believe that in 30 thousand years ago a few tribes related to the Grimaldi race lived in the Caucasus - these are tribes similar to modern aborigines of Australia and similar to the Papuans. But once again I mention that these tribes were few in number.
By 14500 BC (the date is named approximately), there were more and more Akkadians in the south of the Caucasus (from them all the Semitic peoples subsequently descended - Akkadians, Arameans, Jews, Arabs). By 10,000 BC, the Zarzian culture had developed in the South Caucasus and Western Iran. The tribes of this culture had characteristics of both Akkadians and Australoids, but this population was still small.
By 8500, tribes of the Aurignacian culture began to migrate to the territory of Turkey in numerous waves from the territory of modern Greece and Bulgaria (these are later waves of migrants descendants of the Atlanteans who traveled from Western Europe to Turkey. Outwardly, they are Caucasians of the southern type (similar to modern Basques, Spaniards or Greeks). I don’t understand the language of the tribes that settled in Turkey at that time, but in my opinion it should be somewhat similar to the Basque language.
By 7500 BC, a new culture- Hacilar. It was formed as a result of immigrants from the territory of Greece and Bulgaria and part of the assimilated Akkadians who lived in southern Turkey. I think that at this time some ancient language began to take shape - the language of the ancient Caucasian peoples.
By 6500 BC, on the same territory, on the basis of the Hadjilar culture, a new culture had formed - Chatal-Guyuk (the tribes of this culture retained the same characteristics, only they were replenished with new settlers from the Balkans - tribes of the Chedap culture). For information, the tribes of the Chedap culture were very developed; they were the first in Europe to build urban-type settlements (in their culture and metallurgy they were not inferior to the peoples of Egypt and the Middle East).
By 5700 BC, the tribes of the Catal-Guyuk culture had completely displaced all other tribes related to the Australoids from the territory of the Caucasus. By 5400 BC, on the basis of the Catal-Guyuk culture, its own archaeological culture, Shulaveri, had developed in the Caucasus.
I think that it was at this time that a single proto-language of all the peoples of the Caucasian language family (Hurrians, Albanians, Iberians) emerged.
In 4500 BC, on the basis of the Shulaveri culture, the Shomutepe culture was formed on the same territory. Basically, nothing changed, the language changed a little, which became more and more distant from the languages of the peoples of Turkey and the Middle East.
By 3900 BC, an archaeological culture, common to both territories, had again appeared in Turkey and the entire Caucasus. Most likely, there was a mutual unification of the tribes of the two regions due to the migration of tribes (either from Turkey to the Caucasus, or from the Caucasus to Turkey). The name of the culture is Anatolian. In addition to Turkey and the Caucasus, this culture also included the territory of Northern Mesopotamia. And since in ancient times Hurrian tribes (tribes of the Caucasian language family) lived there, it can be assumed that this culture was formed as a result of the resettlement of tribes from the territory of the Caucasus to Turkey and Northern Mesopotamia.
By 3300 BC the unified culture had disintegrated again. A new culture separated from the Anatolian culture - the culture of the Kura-Araks Eneolithic (it included the territory of the entire Caucasus and Northern Mesopotamia). This means that the languages of the peoples of the Caucasus and Northern Mesopotamia again began to develop independently. It is most likely that at this time the language of the ancient Caucasian tribes was similar to the Hurrian language (the language of the Urartians).
Since 1900, on my maps I have already divided the tribes of all Caucasian peoples into two groups - the Caucasian peoples themselves and the Hurrians (South Caucasian tribes - the future Urartians).
By 1100 BC, the following events took place in the Caucasus. In the south of the Caucasus, the state of Urartu is formed from the Hurrian tribes. In the Caucasus itself from total mass Caucasian tribes are distinguished into 5 new groups of tribes:
- Colchis culture (these are the future Abkhazians and Western Georgians),
- Khojaly-Kedabek culture (these are the future Albanians),
- Kayakent-Khorocheevskaya culture (these are the future Lezgins and other Dagestan peoples),
- Mugan culture (these are the future Caspian Sea and southern Albanians).
- Central Transcaucasian (these are the future Georgian peoples)
By 500 BC, the community of archaeological cultures in the Caucasus had been restored (but only cultures, not languages). Tribal languages in various parts The Caucasus continued to develop and more and more differences appeared between them.
By 300 BC in the territory former state In Urartu (Urartians-Hurrians), a new people emerged - the Armenians (a mixture of Urartians, Palayans and West Phrygians).
And on the territory of modern Azerbaijan, a new culture has developed - Yaloimu-Tepa (this is the culture of the Albanians).
By the year 100 BC, a new culture had developed on the territory of Georgia - jar burials (these are the tribes of future Georgian tribes).
By 550 AD, under the influence of the movement of large groups of tribes from east to west (Huns, Turks, Khazars, Avars), ethnographic changes (linguistic) also began to occur in the Caucasus. The peoples – the Adygs, Colchians and Iberians – completed their formation.
By 950, the peoples of Yasa (Ossetians), Kasogi (Adyghe), Abkhazians, and Georgians were formed.
By 1150, the people - the Albanians - had completely disappeared, and a new one formed in its place. Turkic people– Azerbaijanis (from the Oguzes who came to the Caucasus from the territory of Turkmenistan). The remaining northern Albanians exerted their influence on the formation of the Dagestan peoples. The formation of Lezgins as a people can be attributed to this time.
Although I remind you once again, the Lezgins as a people began to form much earlier. I have already mentioned above about the Lehi people in the 3rd century and the Lakzi in the 9th century.
In my opinion, the Lezgins were the main population of the state of Derbent, which existed in the 7th - 13th centuries (was destroyed by the Mongols), and the state of Shirvan, which existed in the 14th-16th centuries, as well as in the Derbent and Kuba Khanates (which were annexed to Russia).
In general, the history of any people is interesting if you study it carefully.
Every nation wants its history to be remembered, traditions and culture to be respected. There are no two identical states on Earth. Each has its own roots and unique features - a highlight. Here's about one of these wonderful peoples and we'll talk further.
Caucasus - terrain high mountains, excellent wines and hot Caucasian blood. However, many years ago, when this region was still wild and untamed, the amazing Lezgin people (Caucasian nationality) lived here, awakening the modern civilized Caucasus to life. These were people with a rich and ancient history. For many centuries they were better known as “legs” or “leki”. Living in the south, he constantly defended himself from the great ancient conquerors of Persia and Rome.
Nationality "Lezgins": history
A long time ago, several original mountain tribes united in order to create their own state, unlike anyone else, with its own spiritual culture and deep traditions. It was beginning of XIII centuries. Well, they succeeded perfectly, because today the Lezgins (nationality) live on the most southern territories Russia and the Republic of Azerbaijan. For a long time they inhabited the Dagestan region, which continually passed into the possession of new invaders. The inhabitants of that area at that time were called “emirs of Lezgistan.” Over time, the state split into many small khanates that fought for their independence.
People who honor traditions
Let's take a closer look at this nationality. Lezgins have a rather bright and explosive character. This Caucasian people For a long time, he respected the customs of hospitality, kunakism and, of course, blood feud. It is noteworthy that very big role Proper parenting plays a role in their culture. Surprisingly, they begin to raise the baby even when he is in the mother’s womb. This is probably what distinguishes Lezgins. Nationality has a lot interesting traditions. Here is one of them.
If women could not have children, that is, they were childless, they were sent to the sacred places of the Caucasus. In case of success, namely the birth of children of different sexes, families who were friends with each other promised each other to marry their children in the future. They sincerely believed in healing power sacred places and took such journeys very seriously. Some argue that such a custom was formed as a result of the desire to strengthen friendly and family ties between certain families.
Ancient rituals and modern life
Lezgin - what kind of nation is this? Let's take a closer look below. Despite their small numbers, the Lezgins have fairly fundamental moral standards that are associated with long-standing traditions.
Of the wedding customs, one can highlight one of the most striking - bride kidnapping. The most interesting thing is that such a tradition was practiced both with and without the consent of the bride. As it turned out, there was no ransom as such. For the young woman, a certain payment was simply made to her parents. Perhaps today for some it resembles some kind of purchase and seems not entirely worthy, but practice shows that the majority local residents We treated this with joy and great enthusiasm.
Eastern traditions of hospitality
Lezgins have a special attitude towards guests and elderly people. They are shown special respect. Old people are not allowed to do difficult work, and guests are not allowed to do household chores at all, even if they urgently ask for it. Guests are given all the best: they sleep on the most comfortable bed, even if the owners may spend the night on the floor. Sometimes I wish that even today many peoples could better study their culture and learn something useful from there, especially regarding how to treat guests. People today have achieved a lot, but have lost something valuable - an understanding of the true nature of human relationships.
Eastern cultures are fundamentally different from others special relationship to women. They have always been considered in the East minor members society. The Lezgin culture is no exception, but it is safe to say that, despite this situation, men have always treated Lezgin women with deep respect. It was considered a great shame for a Lezgin family to raise a hand against a woman or to insult her dignity in some other way.
Spiritual heritage or what is the national religion of the Lezgins?
What can be said about the spiritual heritage of the ancient Lezgins? Today the majority professes Islam. Scientists readily admit that the religious culture of the people has not been thoroughly studied, but its roots, of course, go back to paganism and are largely intertwined with folk mythology. For example, Lezgins still have a rather curious idea of how the amazing planet Earth is located in space. They believe that she rests on the horns of Yaru Yats (Red Bull), which, in turn, stands on Chiehi Yad (translated as " Big water"). This is a rather interesting construction. Although it somewhat contradicts scientific data, some believe in it very sincerely. These are the unusual ideas about the world that the Lezgins had. The nationality, whose religion is Islam, is quite distinctive.
famous all over the world
Some are outraged that the data religious teachings imbued with mythology and quite often contradict generally accepted concepts about common sense. Modern life This people has largely accepted the principles of modernity. They certainly respect traditions, but they are much less fanatical about them than before. The national dance of Lezgins attracts special attention from tourists and travelers. Today there are very few people who have never heard of Lezginka.
This original and fascinating dance has been danced by Lezgins for a long time. This nationality is quite distinctive, and the dance is proof of this. How long ago Lezginka arose and how old it is is not known for certain. Some suggest that it originates from ritual Caucasian dances.
Lezginka is a very dynamic and movement-filled dance. By the way, modern name It was the Russians who gave it to him. The cheerful and cheerful music to which this dance is performed has not left many famous composers indifferent. Some of them even slightly changed or interpreted the old traditional melody in a different way.