Kavkaz is the name associated with, first of all, mountains. The Caucasus is a large area located in the south of Russia, bordering on Abkhazia, Georgia, Azerbaijan and South Ossetia. Russian poets and prose writers wrote about this beautiful land, for them it is something sublime, floating in the clouds, bringing joy or deep sadness. In reality, the Caucasus is a geographical area that includes various republics with different nations with their own cultures and religious characteristics. The capital of the Caucasus is different for each republic. But they do not have a single city. In the article we will consider the republics of the North Caucasus and their capitals. Their features are also indicated.
Republics of the Caucasus and their capitals
The North Caucasus consists of 2 regions and 7 republics. In one of them is the so-called "capital of the Caucasus":
- Krasnodar Territory. The capital of the Krasnodar Territory isKrasnodar. This region of Russia is a popular holiday destination. Three well-known Russian resorts are concentrated in the Krasnodar Territory at once - Sochi, Krasnodar and Anapa, as well as many others.
- Stavropol Territory. The Stavropol Territory, with its capital in Stavropol, is located on the northern slope of the Greater Caucasus and is especially famous for the Caucasian Mineral Waters resort, where thousands of tourists go every year to improve their he alth and just relax.
- Republic of Adygea. The capital of Adygea is the city of Maikop. This forested area is not particularly popular with tourists, but hunters and people who prefer outdoor activities, rock paths and campgrounds love to come here.
- Republic of Chechnya. The capital of Chechnya is the city of Grozny. Most Russians associate the republic with wars and violent Caucasians. The tourist flow to Chechnya is very small, if they go, then most of them are with excursion groups and guides. Tour operators offer tours to mountainous areas, historical sites and Grozny itself, as it has architectural monuments.
- Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria. The capital is Nalchik. The main part of the territory of the republic is occupied by mountains. On the territory of Kabardino-Balkaria there is the highest mountain in Russia - Elbrus (5642 m). This is where people come every year to test their endurance by conquering the peak.
- Republic of Ingushetia. The city of Magas has the status of the capital in this republic. Half flat, half mountainous area with a hugenumber of cultural features and architectural monuments. The republic has its own nature reserves and a sanctuary where bison, roe deer, chamois and other animals that are under the protection of the Red Book are bred.
- Republic of Karachay-Cherkessia. The capital of the republic is a city with the historical name Cherkessk. The main part of the territory occupied by Karachay-Cherkessia is a mountainous area. Inexperienced tourists also come here to crawl through the mountains, get some fresh air and go skiing in the winter. Nature, untouched by man, will always attract ecotourists.
- Republic of Dagestan. The capital is in Makhachkala. A very small number of Russians live here, mainly southern nationalities can be found. There are a large number of nature reserves and reserves on the territory, as the fauna of these places is inhabited by a large number of rare animals.
Republic of North Ossetia (Alania). The capital is Vladikavkaz. Perhaps the most famous city, which is directly associated with the Caucasus. The main territory is plains, less than half is occupied by mountains and hills. The tourist flow here is slightly larger than in some other republics, but it is also visited by people who like nature, mountains and immersion in the national culture. Vladikavkaz is often given the name "capital of the Caucasus"
Nationalities and religion
The main population of the North Caucasus are local nationalities (Ossetians, Kumyks, Armenians, etc.). They are often feared, but iftreat their culture with respect, they are quite hospitable and sympathetic people. The "capital of the Caucasus" and the regions (Krasnodar and Stavropol) have a mostly Christian population, in the republics Islam is more often preached as the main religion.
Culture of the Caucasus
Each nationality has its own cultural characteristics, expressed in dance, architecture, communication with people, nature, etc. The names of the republics of the North Caucasus and their capitals reflect the national culture.
Transcaucasia
The North Caucasus is often joined by Transcaucasia or the South Caucasus, which includes Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia. For Russian citizens, entry into these countries is carried out in a visa-free regime if the trip does not exceed 90 days (except for Georgia, where the visa-free regime is valid only for citizens living in the North Caucasus).
