Thread by @VolodyaTretyak

Dagestan THREAD. #RussiaDecolonized
We discuss republics/regions in Russia and examine their potential to break up from Russia.

HISTORY

Dagestan's key location between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East shaped its importance in the medieval period. Arab, Mongol, Persian, and Khazar influences molded its political and cultural landscape, establishing Islam as the dominant religion for centuries. /1

Since the 17th century, Dagestan witnessed conflicts among three empires in the Caucasus region: Russia, Persia, and the Ottoman Empire. However, none of these powers could establish long-lasting control over Dagestan until the end of the Russo-Persian War (1804-1813). /2

In the 19th century, heavy taxation, land expropriation, and resistance sparked uprisings in the North Caucasus. In the resulting Caucasian War (1814-1864) Circassians, Avars, Dargins, and Chechens fought against Russian forces. /3

After the Russian Empire eventually emerged victorious, the war resulted in a tragic genocide of the Circassian people. /4

Taras Shevchenko, a prominent Ukrainian writer, expressed his support for the people of the Caucasus during the war through his poignant poem titled "Caucasus." /5

In September 2022, Ukrainian soldiers discovered Shevchenko's verses when they removed the Russian flag in the liberated town of Balekliya. It was a truly emotional moment, and the translation of the poem is available in the tweet above. /6

Imam Shamil, a leader of the resistance movement, hailed from Dagestan. After the war, Shamil was exiled to Kaluga. However, due to health concerns related to the climate, he obtained permission to relocate to the warmer city of Kyiv. /7

Shamil cherished Kyiv in his letters, as it reminded him of his homeland with its hills and favorable climate. /8

While Shamil is still revered as a hero in the North Caucasus, President #Zelenskyy made an appeal to the Caucasus people in September 2022, standing near Shamil's monument, highlighting his enduring legacy. /9

GEOGRAPHY
Dagestan is located in southern Russia, bordered by the Caspian Sea and nestled in the Caucasus Mountains. As mentioned, its strategic position makes it a crossroads between different parts of the Eurasian continent. /10

Dagestan borders Azerbaijan and Georgia, but lacks a road connection with Georgia due to the mountains. The Moscow-Baku highway passes through Dagestan, serving as a crucial transportation link between the capitals. Railway connections are available to Moscow and Baku. /11

ECONOMY
Dagestan possesses favorable conditions for economic development. Located in the southernmost region of Russia, it benefits from abundant oil deposits in the coastal area and a favorable climate for agriculture. The region also has some metalworking industry. /12

However, organized crime and corruption prevent the region from becoming a developed place. Similarly, to the Tuva many joining the army for a good salaries. Dagestan is famous for martial arts, young males are joining the army because of warrior culture. /13

POPULATION
Dagestan, with a population of over 3 million people, is one of the most densely populated regions in Russia. The republic boasts a rich cultural diversity, comprising various ethnicities. /14

Russians constitute a small percentage, accounting for only 3% of the total population.

The majority of the population consists of Northeast Caucasians (such as Avars, Dargins, and Lezgins) and Turkic nations (including Kumyks and Azerbaijanis). /15

Given the linguistic diversity within the region, Russian often serves as a lingua franca to facilitate communication among different ethnic groups. /16

Similar to other colonized regions in Russia, Dagestan has witnessed a decline in its Russian population since 1990, while other ethnicities continue to experience growth. /17

FREEDOM MOVEMENTS

As mentioned in the History chapter there have been strong resistance during the 19 century. It took Russia 50 years to establish a control over the region. /18

During the Russian civil war, the Mountainous Republic of the Northern Caucasus (MRNC) was established after a congress involving various peoples such as Circassians, Ingush, Dagestanis and more. However, the state was eventually captured by Soviet Russian forces in 1921. /19

Yesterday (28.05.2023), an international conference was held in Kyiv to commemorate the 105th anniversary of the proclamation of the MRNC. Dagestan was represented by Akhmad Akhmedov, the president of the All-Ukrainian Congress of the Peoples of Dagestan. /20

Akhmedov is a renowned kickboxing coach from Dagestan who currently resides in Ukraine. Although he is still a Russian citizen, he is serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. /21

In September 2022, Dagestan experienced anti-mobilization protests. Reports emerged indicating that Russian police utilized force, including shooting, to suppress the demonstrations. /22

In modern times, independence movements in Dagestan have often been associated with Salafism, a conservative form of Islam that emerged in the 19th century and is the state religion of Saudi Arabia. /23

During 1997-1999, Salafists sought refuge in the de facto independent Ichkeria (Chechnya) to escape persecution.

In 1998, the Islamic Djamaat of Dagestan declared independence following conflicts with federal forces. /24

An agreement was signed between both sides, resulting in the Salafists controlling an area in Karamakh for over a year.

In 1999, Salafists, along with some Chechen fighters entered Dagestan. Chechen warlord Basayev played an active role, aiming to establish an Islamic state. /25

Approximately 1,500-2,000 armed militants entered Dagestan. It is important to note that the Ichkeria government did not endorse or support this invasion.

The Russian forces repelled the invasion, and subsequently launched an assault on Karamakh, capturing it. /26

The same year also marked the beginning of the second war in Chechnya.

As a result of the Chechnya war, insurgency in the North Caucasus persisted until recent years. /27

Various groups, including the Caucasus Emirate, actively worked towards establishing an independent Islamic state in the North Caucasus. The Caucasus Emirate claimed responsibility for several terrorist acts. /28

Human rights organizations have documented widespread abuses, including enforced disappearances and torture, during counterinsurgency operations in Dagestan and the broader North Caucasus region. /29

CONCLUSION

Dagestan is a region with a potential for prosperity. It possesses a favorable climate for agriculture, rich natural reserves, and developed infrastructure. /30

Additionally, with its unique culture, breathtaking landscapes, and the beauty of the Caspian Sea, Dagestan holds promise for tourism. /31

The entire Caucasus region is culturally and ethnographically complex. To draw comprehensive conclusions, a more in-depth analysis is required, considering the interrelationships among different regions. /32

Nonetheless, a reasonable conjecture would suggest that the path to independence should rely on the consolidation and unity among the diverse peoples of the North Caucasus, akin to what occurred during the establishment of the Mountainous Republic.

#Dagestan #Russia /33

Writing this thread on the complex region of Dagestan took days of research. Your support is greatly appreciated! ☕️ If you found it valuable, consider buying me a coffee. Likes, retweets, and comments are also helpful. Thank you for your support! buymeacoffee.com/VTretyak /34

Please engage with and share these thread series. Even small actions like liking, commenting, and sharing can contribute to the cause of ending Russian imperialism. My dream is getting at least 1000 retweets by each thread. /35