Avars (Caucasus)

The Avars of the Caucasus are a Northeast Caucasian ethnic group forming the most populous of several dozen ethnic groups inhabiting the Russian republic of Dagestan. They reside in a compact territory encompassing most of highland Dagestan, as well as parts of northwestern Azerbaijan. Avar language belongs to the Avar-Andic branch of the Nakh-Dagestanian language family.

Historically, the Avars formed a powerful state in the Caucasus known as the Avar Khanate, which existed from the 13th to the 19th centuries. This khanate exerted significant influence over the surrounding regions and played a crucial role in the political landscape of the eastern Caucasus. The term "Avar" is believed to have been applied to the population by outsiders, possibly originating from a historical connection (however debated) to the Pannonian Avars who migrated to Europe centuries earlier. The Avars call themselves Maarulal, meaning "mountaineers."

The Avars are primarily Sunni Muslims of the Shafi'i school of law. Traditional Avar society was organized around clan structures and villages (auls), with strong traditions of hospitality and customary law (adat). Agriculture, animal husbandry, and crafts were the main economic activities. Rug weaving is a particularly well-known Avar craft.

Over the centuries, the Avars were involved in numerous conflicts with various powers, including the Mongols, Persians, Ottomans, and Russians. Dagestan was eventually incorporated into the Russian Empire in the 19th century after a long period of resistance led by Imam Shamil, an Avar leader.

Today, the Avars maintain a distinct cultural identity within the Russian Federation. They have their own language, literature, music, and traditions. Efforts are underway to preserve and promote Avar culture and language in the face of modernization and globalization. The status of the Avar language within Dagestan is that of a state language, along with other languages spoken in the Republic.