bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Application of Funeral Vocabulary in Chinese International Education
Authors: Yang Xinyi
Published: December 2024

For foreign students, the Chinese funeral culture is inherently mysterious and exotic, and funeral vocabulary carries a strong cultural connotation, making it ideal for use in Chinese international education teaching. However, funeral vocabulary is rarely seen in current Chinese international education teaching, and there are still problems such as limited coverage, scattered content, and superficiality in this area. Therefore, this paper will analyze the funeral vocabulary with Chinese characteristics and study their value and application necessity in language teaching and cultural teaching of Chinese international education.
The Use of Metaphors in Online Contexts: A Rhetorical Analysis of Global Climate Change Discourse
Authors: Chen Yanling
Published: December 2024

Metaphors are a powerful rhetorical device that shape how individuals understand complex issues, including global climate change. In the digital age, online platforms have become a major arena for climate discourse, where metaphors play a critical role in framing public perception and motivating action. This paper analyzes the use of metaphors in online discussions of global climate change, exploring how different metaphorical framings influence the rhetorical strategies employed in these conversations. By examining various social media posts, blogs, and news articles, this study aims to understand how metaphors contribute to the larger discourse on climate change and their role in cultural and political dynamics.
Eco-discourse Analysis of Attitudinal Resources in the Discourse of Government Work Report
Authors: Yang Die
Published: December 2024

The Chinese government has made a series of important discourses in the government report, which provide a fundamental guideline for China's green ecological development in the new era. In this study, the ecological discourse analysis paradigm is used to determine the ecological attributes embedded in the discourse of the government work report, and try to explore and explain the ecological value orientation of the attitude resources, following the ecological philosophical concepts of pluralism, harmony and interaction. This study aims to further prove the operability and practicability of the ecological attitude system in the analysis of ecological discourse, and to promote the development concept of harmonious coexistence between human beings and nature.
APPROACHING ETHNO-RELIGIOUS IDENTITY
Authors: Хачатурян Нелли Рафиковна
Published: December 2024

The development of modern societies is largely associated with ethno-religious and religious processes. The study of ethnicities, societies or other groups through the prism of religious processes, first of all, aims to identify the impact of religious consciousness and behavior on the processes of reproduction of ethnic or group identity. It is the religion that is most often associated with ethnic or group culture. Due to the characteristics of the country of residence, religious, ethnic, cultural or political segments, the same ethnic or other group may exhibit differing religious behaviors. Religious processes have become a prominent topic of social inquiry, with scholars across various disciplines examining concepts like religiosity, religious identity, worldview, consciousness, and behavior. This area of study presents a crucial, intriguing, and inherently complex facet of modern social sciences. Yet, the question of theoretical and methodological approaches in studying this subject remains open in scientific discourse. For example, the issues of religiosity often go beyond the scope of theoretical research, and their social significance requires the use of applied analytical capabilities, as the latter is dictated by the need to identify the place of religious consciousness and behavior in social processes in the context of transformation of modern societies and during periods of reforms and crisis. Religious belonging, practices and traditions are the key factors in defining cultural identity of an ethnic/religious minority groups. The emphasis becomes stronger in multi-religious societies, where religion and religious affiliation determine the self-identity of a group, thus becoming one of the pillars of preserving its cultural heritage. This paper examines the unique challenges and considerations involved in studying the phenomenon of ethno-religious identity. It analyzes the complex interplay between ethnic and religious identities that forms the core structure of ethno-religious identity. Drawing on the author’s research experience, the paper provides an overview of the theoretical, ideological, and empirical approaches utilized in studying this complex phenomenon.
ISLAM, CONSUMPTION, MIGRATION: EXPLORING ISLAMIC CONSUMERISM AND HALAL INDUSTRY IN A NON-MUSLIM SOCIETY
Authors: Kapustina Ekaterina L.
Published: December 2024

This article explores the anthropological dimensions of halal production and consumption practices within the context of labor migration from the Republic of Dagestan to the Arctic and subarctic cities of the Yamalo-Nenets and Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrugs, where Muslims constitute a minority. Drawing on interdisciplinary perspectives, including the anthropology of nutrition, the material turn of social sciences, the anthropology of Islam, the anthropology of infrastructure, and the anthropology of migrant communities, the article examines the dynamics of halal market formation and operation in these regions. It investigates issues such as certification processes, sources of authority, the role of the sending society, and the integration of halal consumption within the broader urban consumer landscape of non-Muslim communities. Furthermore, the study highlights the significance of reputation, religious commitment, and community behavior in shaping the consumption patterns of halal products, particularly in scenarios where goods are obtained from private traders rather than formal retail establishments. It underscores the importance of trust in suppliers and the religious ethos of the sending community in influencing consumer choices. Additionally, the article discusses the notion of specific territories as spaces of halal consumption and how the development of halal infrastructure can be perceived as a religious practice. Moreover, it explores the multifaceted motivations behind preference for halal products, revealing that while religious adherence is a significant factor, consumer decisions are also influenced by concerns for natural and ethical food choices, thereby expanding the halal market beyond Muslim consumers.
YA.D. LAZAREV’S CAUCASIAN STUDIES FROM THE ARCHIVES OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
Authors: Mkhitaryan Gohar Zh. , Khapizov Shakhban M.
Published: December 2024

This study attempts to reconstruct a comprehensive and objective depiction of the Caucasian studies conducted by Colonel Ya.D. Lazarev of the Dagestan Infantry Regiment, drawing upon archival materials from the Republic of Armenia. Specifically, the focus is on Lazarev’s historical and literary essay titled “Revelation of age-old secrets for the history of the Eastern Caucasus before the 7th century or A brief critical look at the antiquities of Dagestan and Albania,” stored in the Archives of the Yeghishe Charents Museum of Literature and Art. Of particular interest is Lazarev’s personal collection, comprising 84 archival files, kept in the National Archive of Armenia (NAA). The methodological framework of this study adheres to the fundamental principles of historical science, including objectivity, scholarly nature, and source analysis of Lazarev’s Caucasian studies. Through this approach, we assess the information and data contained in the manuscripts under study in relation to various issues in the Caucasus history. Thus, the expansion of the source base arises not only from the unearthing of new archival documents but also from the identification of historical and literary works introduced into scholarly discourse. The study reveals that the author’s descriptions of historical events primarily stem from available sources and personal observations. Moreover, Lazarev’s collection of information holds significance as it reflects his direct involvement in 19th-century historical events, particularly military expeditions in the North Caucasus. Consequently, these insights enable the reconstruction of certain episodes of the Caucasus’s military-political history.
FOOD PATTERNS IN THE BRONZE-IRON AGE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE LERNAKERT IN ARMENIA: RESULTS OF ARCHEOZOOLOGICAL RESEARCH
Authors: Zarikian Noushig , Mkrtchyan Levon , Vardanyan Benik
Published: December 2024

In 2019-2021, excavations at the Late Bronze Age – Early Iron Age archaeological site of Lernakert on the northwestern slopes of Mount Aragats yielded a significant quantity of faunal remains. The archaeological complex comprises two cyclopean fortresses (Veri Berd and Vari Berd), tombs, and settlements. Archaeozoological analyses were conducted to identify dietary and food technology components in this region. The diversity of animal remains reveals diverse meat sources from both hunting and herding practices, highlighting the dynamic nature of food patterns over time. Reflecting a long history of animal exploitation influenced by social, cultural, and environmental factors, this study aims to characterize the unique features of animal-derived food resources at this settlement, outlining the economy and inhabitants’ activities during the late Bronze Age to Early Iron Age. Therefore, our paper states, that the main difference between the Bronze Age and the Iron Age was the agricultural and economic progress to a better standard of living, and the differentiated food patterns of Lernakert have been the tools for adapting to the local geography and unfavorable environment. While acknowledging the potential role of social interaction in shaping food patterns, further investigation is needed. The methodology employs osteological analysis of animal remains excavated from Lernakert’s Veri Berd, Vari Berd, and settlement areas. The results reveal the diverse husbandry practices and food types of this period, highlighting the evolution of livestock management between the Bronze and Iron Ages.
IBRAHIM B. KHUJASH AND SPIRITUAL TIES BETWEEN THE VOLGA REGION AND DAGESTAN
Authors: Adygamov Ramil K.
Published: December 2024

With the development of diverse, and especially spiritual ties between the republics of Tatarstan and Dagestan, the issue of studying the historical connection between them is becoming increasingly relevant. This problem is studied in the publications of Khabutdinov A.Yu., Bobrovnikov V.O., Navruzov A.R., Shikhaliev Sh.Sh., Safargaleev I.F., Malikov R.I., Kemper M. et al. Some of the research papers at Kazan Islamic University were dedicated to her. But the issue remains not fully investigated. This problem needs a more comprehensive and in-depth study, since it is known that there were spiritual, personal and commercial ties between the theologians of the two regions. A deeper study of it could also give an idea of the mutual influence of the ideas of the theologians of the two regions. This problem also requires the study of individual personalities, one of the most famous among them is Ibrahim Khujash. He and his relative were among the first Tatar imams of the XVIII – XIX centuries who were educated in Dagestan. He is mentioned in the works of S. Marjani, M. Ramzi and R. Fakhrutdin, and a number of Dagestani theologians. Thus, the purpose of this article is to study already known studies on this topic, to identify and analyze information about the life and work of Ibrahim Khujash, as well as an attempt to trace the connection between the influence of Dagestan education on the views and activities of the theologian. An analysis of the literature on this topic has shown that the problem hasn’t been solved and needs a deeper and more comprehensive study. The biography of Ibrahim Khujash in various sources is presented quite briefly. It follows from it that they, having been educated in Dagestan and some cities of the Ottoman Empire, returned to their homeland and performed the duties of an imam. His zealous attitude to the Sunnah, and harsh criticism of folk traditions, makes it possible to assume the influence of Dagestan education, in which the study of hadith played an important role.
EXPANSION OF THE TERRITORY OF THE TRANS-KUBAN SETTLEMENT IN THE 40S OF THE 19TH CENTURY
Authors: Shapovalov Sergey N.
Published: December 2024

The establishment of new stanitsas (Cossack villages) as part of the Trans-Kuban (Zakubanye) settlement was caused by the needs of those who had already moved to the lands of the North-Western Caucasus and needed to be settled without military intervention to oust the mountaineers from their lands. The article aims to demonstrate the resettlement and colonization capacities of the Trans-Kuban settlement in the 1840s to understand the features of settlement and development of the lands of the North-Western Caucasus and the north-eastern coast of the Black Sea by the population of the Russian Empire. The application of the frontier theory allowed us to consider the Russian advance to the North-Western Caucasus not only as a set of military operations, but also as a process of external and internal relocation, the formation of new types of settlements, the establishment of various, including mutually beneficial ties between settlers and the local population. The study also applies retrospective, historical-genetic and systemic methods. The total number of migrants who needed permanent accommodation in the Trans-Kuban settlement was constantly growing, so the issue of allotting them plots of land was acute. One of the solutions to this situation was the construction of new settlements and stanitsas, which was complicated with two serious difficulties: the need for treasury funding and the actual absence of borders between the settlements of the Trans-Kuban settlement and Natukhai auls. Despite the existing difficulties, the leadership of the Black Sea Coastline set a course for the foundation of new strategically important fortified settlements. The completion of all the internal relocations started and the construction of new stanitsas in the 1840s allowed to significantly increase the number of the settled population; improve the defensive capabilities of settlements due to both careful planning of all necessary fortifications and an increase in the number of men; expand the area of land for the establishment of arable land, vegetable gardens, hayfields and pastures and create the necessary foundation for the subsequent food self-sufficiency of the population of the Trans-Kuban settlement.
EVERYDAY LIFE OF DAGESTAN GORYANKAS IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE 19TH – EARLY 20TH C. IN THE PRE-REVOLUTIONARY HISTORIOGRAPHY
Authors: Dalgat Elmira M.
Published: December 2024

The article considers everyday life of goryankas (women of mountains) of Dagestan in the second half of the 19th – early 20th centuries, seen through the eyes of the Russian authors, as well as representatives of local peoples. Some factual material in the studies of domestic, in particular Dagestan researchers, devoted to various Dagestan ethnic groups, which also describe the everyday life of women, is of interest. The main principles of historical science served as a methodological basis for the study: the principles objectivity, scientific nature, analysis of the works of Russian and local authors containing information about the everyday life of a Dagestan woman in the second half of the 19th – early 20th centuries. The interest in the topic under consideration sparked in the early 19th century, but intensified in its second half with the final annexation of Dagestan to the Russian Empire. In 1846, the newspaper Kavkaz started to be published, and in the 60s – the Collections of information about the Caucasian mountaineers. The 10 volumes of this publication contain the most important material on Dagestan by both Russian and local authors. The historical sources that formed the basis for writing the article are diaries, notes, articles in periodicals, monographs, etc. The article lists the topics on the everyday life of mountain women, most often touched upon by pre-revolutionary authors. These are housework, participation in fieldwork, chores, etc. The author analyzes the views of Russian and local authors on women’s everyday life, and identifies differences in their assessments of the situation of the mountain women of Dagestan. The author comes to the conclusion that women’s everyday life in different regions of Dagestan had its own peculiarities: it depended on the level of socio-economic development of the region, on the type of economic activity of the population, on the development of trade and economic relations, etc. This was reflected in the labor balance between men and women. Women were more engaged in the work in the mountains, and men – in the plains. The issue of women’s everyday life in Dagestan requires further research, taking into account regional features.
LITHIC TECHNOLOGY OF THE SOSRUKO ROCKSHELTER EARLY HOLOCENE INDUSTRIES
Authors: Eskova Daria K.
Published: December 2024

The paper discusses the emergence and spread of pressure blademaking in the Elbrus region of the North Caucasus. The results of the lithic technology analysis of the key stratified site of the Mesolithic Layers M-1 and M-2 of the Sosruko Rockshelter are presented. The materials from the excavations of 1955-1957, conducted by S.N. Zamyatnin and P.G. Akritas, were considered. There are few but unquestionable signs of the pressure blademaking use in Layer M-2 dated to the second half of the 10th mil. BC. The full operational chain of bladelet production with the use of pressure technique was revealed in Layer M-1 dated to the second quarter of the 9th mil. BC – the beginning of the 8th mil. BC. The pressure Mode 1 (manual pressure) was used to produce the microbladelets and narrow bladelets with the flint heat treatment. Moreover, the pressure cores had a wide flaking surface with the linear distal end and a slightly inclined facetted platform. The blades in the industries of Layers M1 and M-2 were produced with the direct percussion. The studied Early Holocene industries of the Sosruko Rockshelter differ significantly from the partly synchronous industries of the North-Western Caucasus. The studied tradition had presumably local distribution. It finds analogy in the lithic industries of Layer 7 of Horizons 1-4 of the Badynoko Rockshelter (the Elbrus region). The correlation between the emergence of the simplest mode of the pressure blademaking in the Elbrus region in the Early Holocene and the distribution of the innovation in the neighboring regions is disputable. The possibility of the independent invention of the pressure blademaking in the Elbrus region cannot be completely rejected. On the contrary, the Elbrus Early Holocene industries could have been the source of the Mode 1 pressure technique distribution in the South Caucasus.
THE GOBUSTAN NEOLITHIC CULTURE
Authors: Amirkhanov Hizri A.
Published: December 2024

Based on the study of concrete material, the paper proposes to introduce a new Neolithic archaeological culture in the Caucasus – the Gobustan culture. As the basis for a detailed typological analysis, the author examined numerous collections of stone tools, uncovered from the cultural layers of the Anazaga site. Although known since 1965, these materials have not been the subject of any monographic publication until now. The proposed study considers these collections in the context of synchronous sites of the region and in more broad terms – in the cultural area, which includes Neolithic industries of the studied type. The main typological basis for the identification of the Gobustan Neolithic culture is the type of tools, which is defined by the author as the Uytash point. In functional terms, this item is a peculiar flint arrowhead. The geography of this cultural-defining type includes the area of the Caspian Sea coasts, at least from Gobustan to the place of narrowing of the Caspian lowland on the Dagestan coast in the vicinity of modern Makhachkala. In view of the ambiguity and incompleteness of publications of data on radiocarbon analysis, the chronological framework of the Gobustan culture at the moment has to be discussed using only the concepts of relative age. Based on the possibilities of comparative-typological dating, we suggest to consider the time of its functioning in the period of the 6th and probably the beginning of the 5th millennia BC, approximately synchronously with two other Neolithic cultures of the Eastern Caucasus – Shomutepe and Chokh. At the same time, the Gobustan culture radically differes from the last two not only in terms of material culture, but also in the life-support strategy, characteristic to its bearers.
RHYMED HISTORICAL TEXTS: BIBLIOGRAPHY OF GEORGIAN MANUSCRIPTS
Authors: Macharashvili Giorgi T.
Published: December 2024

Historical fiction and rhymed history are two distinct genres of literature that deal with historical events and characters, but their approaches to history are different. Rhymed history, as a type of
poetry, presents historical events in verse form, prioritizing historical accuracy, while in historical fiction, the story itself is fictional, with invented characters, events and scenarios. Georgian literature contains many poetic works of various genres, including rhymed historical texts. Rhymed history was widespread in Georgia, especially from the 18th century. The poetic form makes historical events more memorable. As a result, rhymed history was used to teach children. These texts are typically written in ballad form and usually include simplified versions of historical events. Rhymed history represents a transitional stage between literature and folklore. It is not easy to find rhymed historical texts in catalogues of Georgian manuscripts. Thus, we decided to prepare this work. A bibliography of Georgian rhymed historical texts is published for the first time.
HASAN EFENDI ALKADARI AS THE FORERUNNER OF DAGESTANI REFORMERS-REFERENCES
Authors: Navruzov Amir R.
Published: December 2024

This article explores the role played by Hasan Alkadari (1834–1910), a prominent scholar, educator, poet, and socio-political figure in Dagestan during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, in the theological discourse. Alkadari received a traditional Muslim education and held various positions in the Kyurinsky district, eventually serving as the naib of South Tabasaran. A scholar with a profound understanding of Islamic culture, he also treated Russian-European culture with respect. Alkadari recognized that Dagestan’s integration into Russia provided an opportunity to introduce advanced science and culture to the region, as well as foster economic and trade relations with the diverse peoples of the Russian Empire. Simultaneously, he was committed to safeguarding the unique national identity of the Dagestani people. His approach aimed to leverage Islamic culture and education to preserve Dagestan’s cultural heritage. Despite poorly explored nature of Alkadari’s creative and scholarly legacy, this article conducts a brief analysis of his work, “Jirab al-Mamnun,” to illustrate his contribution to the development of legal thought in Dagestan. Alkadari’s distinctiveness lay in his ability to synthesize various methodologies and adapt them to the specific needs of his environment. While he adhered to taqlid (traditional jurisprudential imitation) as a student of a traditional Muslim school, he also recognized the potential of ijtihad (independent legal reasoning) as a method of legal interpretation, even though he did not fully employ it himself. His capacity to formulate innovative solutions to complex legal conflicts, tailored to the contemporary context, within the framework of taqlid, established him as an informal precursor to the Dagestani reformers and educators (renovationists) who later relied on ijtihad as their primary research method.
SOME STROKE TO THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE BIOGRAPHY OF THE DAGESTAN ARABIST SCIENTIST AND CAUCASIAN STUDENT M.-S. SAIDOV
Authors: Shikhaliev Shamil Sh.
Published: December 2024

The article is devoted to the reconstruction of some facts of the biography of a prominent Dagestan philologist and historian, the founder of the Dagestan school of oriental studies M.-S. Saidov (1902-1985). Having received a brilliant Islamic education, during the years of Soviet power M.-S. Saidov built a brilliant career as a linguist and historian, which is reflected in the numerous autobiographies he wrote between 1948 and 1973. At the same time, additional sources cast doubt on some details of his biography. The purpose of this article is to analyze some sources that show the silence of M.-S. Saidov some facts of his biography. The article uses a comparative analysis of Saidov's autobiographies with various types of ego-documents written by him in Arabic. Reconstruction of some facts of the biography of M.-S. Saidov is also supplemented by alternative sources, including a denunciation of him published in a local newspaper in 1937, as well as the memoirs of his daughter Rabiyat Saidova. Analysis of different types of sources shows that many facts of his biography M.-S. Saidov preferred to hide in his autobiography. This concerns not only some of the facts of his biography, but also his attitude to the events of the period of the Civil War in Dagestan, when his native village of Genichutl was subjected to a punitive action for alleged support of the anti-Soviet rebellion of Najmuddin Gotsinsky (1920-21). Being arrested by the NKVD in the mid-1930s. and miraculously avoiding repression, M.-S. Saidov was forced to carefully conceal certain episodes of his life. At the same time, he wrote about some facts of his biography in brief memoirs in Arabic, as well as reflected his emotions about the events in Genichutla in Arabic verses. The author comes to the conclusion that the Arabic language in M.-S. Saidov served for him as a means of expressing emotions.
ZOOMORPHIC MOTIFS ON POLYCHROME GLAZED CERAMICS
OF THE SELJUK PERIOD
(Based on the materials of Ganja and Shamkir)
Authors: Достиев Тарих Мейрут
Published: December 2024

As a result of archaeological excavations at the medieval sities Old Ganja and Shamkir, located in the western region of the Republic of Azerbaijan, a large collection of glazed ceramics was revealed. The artistic design of the glazed ceramics of the Seljuk period  differs significantly from the ceramics of the early Islamic period in its decoration techniques, rich ornament, originality of the plot composition. Highly artistic glazed polychrome ceramics with figurative motifs stand out, which is an irrefutable material source for determining the high professionalism and delicate taste of local ceramists. This article provides a systematization and detailed analysis of the collection of glazed polychrome ceramics of the Seljuk period with images of animals, represented mainly by open-shaped tableware. These ceramic artifacts are interpreted as examples of arts and crafts. These products are decorated with engraving and polychrome coloring under the colorless, transparent glaze. Generally, zoomorphic images are  combined with floral, geometric and epigraphic ornaments. The polychrome ceramics of this period are characterized by a color scheme based on three colors. Both domestic and wild animals are depicted. The images or motifs of animals were obviously associated with various animistic and totemic ideas.
AL DEMON IN THE CONTEXT OF CAUCASIAN CONTACT ZONES
Authors: Galstyan Hasmik H. , Hakobyan Hayk E.
Published: December 2024

The cultural landscape of the South and North Caucasus is marked by distinct religious characteristics, exhibiting a shared essence typical of contact zones. Within the religious mosaic of the local population, there is a blend of indigenous and imported, deeply ancient layers. Since at the core of people’s worldview are beliefs connected not only with gods or God but also with all kinds of “lower,” unclean beings that do not have the status of God, mythical creatures called demons and spirits, which interfere in human destinies, lives, living among people and transforming into them. In Armenian scholarly circles, the topic of lower mythology was initially addressed by Manuk Abegyan (1865-1944) in 1899 in his work “Armenian Folk Beliefs.” Grounded in Armenian pre-Christian tradition, he labeled this phenomenon as “lower mythology,” present among all peoples of the world, emphasizing the conservatism of thinking. The similarity of demonological representations among Armenians and neighboring peoples, including identical names with some linguistic nuances, was already observed in the 19th century within Armenian scientific circles. The peoples of the South and North Caucasus are primarily indigenous to the region, and comprehensive demonological studies providing a holistic picture of the region are lacking. Based on the above, this study aims to consolidate various theories of the origin of the demon/demoness “Al” and its functions. It also seeks to understand the pathways through which this character spread to the Caucasus, specifically the North Caucasus. The article employs interdisciplinary methods, drawing on existing literature on the subject, field ethnographic research, and information from Armenian manuscripts at Matenadaran (the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts). Based on the information provided in the article, it can be asserted that Al is a demon or demoness who harms newborns and women in labor. Additionally, Al has similar names and functions among the peoples of the South and North Caucasus. Considering the fact that there are three theories about the origin of Al - Iranian, Turkic, and Mesopotamian (with most experts inclined to consider Al as the demonization of the Iranian supreme deity Ahura Mazda), it is more likely that Al is either an indigenous character in the South Caucasus and the North Caucasus, or Al migrated to the North Caucasus through Armenian and Georgian substrates.
FORMS OF LAND TENURE IN LAKS IN THE 19TH – EARLY 20TH CENTURIES
Authors: Ramazanova Zoya B.
Published: December 2024

The article aims to analyze information on the forms of land tenure among the Laks in the 19th – early 20th centuries. The primary focus lies in examining the various forms of land ownership and determining their prevalence within the territory occupied by the Laks during the specified timeframe. The author directs attention to the prevalence of distinctive easements in Laks’ land tenure, emphasizing the insufficient coverage of the reasons for their persistence in the works of many researchers and presents her perspective on the sustainability of this particular type of land use. The theoretical and methodological framework of the study is rooted in the general principles of historicism and objectivism. Alongside the stated objective, the author employs specific historical methods, including logical, systemic, chronological, actualization, and periodization. In writing the article, the author also utilized her field ethnographic materials and relevant literature pertaining to the problem. Additionally, archival materials sourced from the Central State Archive of the Republic of Dagestan were incorporated, contributing novel insights to scientific discourse. The study concludes in the identification of a significant factor contributing to the retainment of easement in Laks’ land tenure: the absence of forced crop rotation, wherein the community actively regulated the exploitation of its plots, determining which lands to cultivate and which to leave fallow. The emergence of these easements can be traced to attempts aimed at legally addressing conflicting economic interests between various communities, as well as between communities and private owners. This occurred amidst escalating antagonism between communal and private property, intensified by land congestion, evolving economic specialization, and the waning influence of the community in matters of land tenure, economic activities, and social everyday life.
MIGRATION PROCESSES IN MODERN DAGESTAN: PERIODIZATION AND ETHNOSOCIAL CONTEXT
Authors: Kurbanov Magomedzagir Yu. , Gimbatov Shamil M.
Published: December 2024

The paper explores the history of migration processes in the Republic of Dagestan and their impact on the formation of the ethnic structure and socio-economic development of the region. The work provides an overview of different periods of migration and population relocation within the context of political, economic, and social processes. Various research methods, including the analysis of historical sources, statistical data, and expert assessments, are employed. The paper highlights the close connection between migration processes and socio-economic and ethnopolitical changes in the region from the 20th to the early 21st centuries. It particularly emphasizes the large-scale wave of resettlement of the mountain population to the lowlands in the initial years of Soviet power, the periods of Chechen and Ingush deportation in 1944, mass internal migration from villages to cities and other regions of Russia in the late 1980s to early 1990s, and the strengthening of labor migration due to deindustrialization and rising unemployment in various sectors of the economy since the 2000s. The paper also examines different aspects of migration processes in Dagestan during the 20th century. It delves into socio-economic changes in the region, focusing on the resettlement of mountaineers to lowland areas in the first half of the 20th century. Special attention is given to the settlement of Dagestanis on the lands of deported peoples, migration of livestock farmers in neighboring regions, movement of the population affected by the earthquakes, and the intensification of seasonal migration processes. The paper also addresses the emergence of ethnosocial tension and forced migration processes in the region during the 1990s. It analyzes the influence of migration on the dynamics and structure of the settlement of peoples and the ethnic composition of the population. The paper uncovers a close relationship between migration processes and socio-economic changes in Dagestan from the 20th to the early 21st centuries. The conclusion drawn highlights the multifaceted and intricate nature of migration processes in Dagestan. The conducted analysis enables an assessment of the scale and dynamics of socio-economic and ethnopolitical changes in the region.
INVESTIGATIONS AT THE DARGAVS BURIAL GROUND IN PRIGORODNYI DISTRICT OF NORTH OSSETIA-ALANIA IN 2019
Authors: Uspensky Pavel S. , Tsarikaeva Zarina Kh-M
Published: December 2024

The paper discusses the findings from the 2019 excavation conducted by the Institute of Archaeology of the Russian Academy of Sciences at the Dargavs catacomb burial ground, a reference necropolis associated with the medieval Alan culture. The research unveiled a previously unexplored two-level, three-chamber catacomb designated as No. 97 and 98, initially misinterpreted as two individual catacombs. The catacomb was situated in the central part of the burial ground. The catacomb’s inventory dates back to the second half of the 8th – mid-9th century. Interestingly, the multi-level catacombs, such as the one discovered, have not been documented in the archaeological records of this burial ground or in synchronous sites within the mountainous regions, including Chmi, Dagom, and others. The primary objective of this study is to introduce the collected materials and findings concerning the analysis of funerary practices and associated artifacts into the scholarly discourse. Standard archaeological research methods were employed in the execution of this work. The analysis of the burial complexes relied on the comparative typological method, along with a detailed examination of the stratigraphy and planigraphy of the excavated section. The proposed dating is confirmed by the results of radiocarbon dating, specifically from a sample collected from chamber No. 97. Within the burial complex’s chambers, both individual (specifically in catacomb No. 97) and collective burials (chambers 1 and 2 of catacomb No. 98) were revealed. The buried were accompanied by a diverse set of grave goods, including jewelry, amulets, mirrors, fibulae, an axe, a glass cup, and more. These artifact categories exhibit significant parallels with findings from sites associated with the Alan and nearest cultures of the Central Caucasus and the Middle Don. Through a comprehensive analysis, it was determined that chamber 1 of catacomb No. 98 was constructed first, followed by chamber 2 and catacomb No. 98. This study serves as a vital supplement to previously released publications on the results of natural science research, encompassing anthropological, paleozoological, palynological, and radiocarbon dating studies of catacomb materials.
TARKHANISM IN MEDIEVAL GEORGIA AND ARMENIA: FEATURES OF THE TRANSCAUCASIAN FEUDALISM
Authors: Margaryan Gor Ararat
Published: December 2024

From the early Middle Ages, the term “tarkhan” found its way into the lexicon of the Transcaucasian peoples, initially associated with the Khazar realm. As the Mongol conquests unfolded, the word “tarkhan” and the phenomenon itself made their way into the historical narratives of Armenia and Georgia. In its early interpretation, “tarkhan” primarily signified exemption from taxes, though this was only one facet of its meaning. Over time, tarkhanism, as a form of immunity from various obligations and responsibilities, gained prominence within the evolving framework of feudalism. This article aims to collect and analyze information from diverse sources, including Armenian, Georgian, and Persian accounts, to understand the use and significance of tarkhanism within the Transcaucasian feudal systems. The study delves into the evolution of tarkhanism in medieval Georgia and Armenia through comparative analysis. Furthermore, it explores how the Georgian and Armenian churches became recipients of this form of immunity, shedding light on the conditions and terms associated with tarkhanism. Beyond a brief exploration of the term’s etymology and primary meaning, the article addresses several key questions: How was the concept of tarkhanism perceived in the Georgian and Armenian contexts prior to the Mongol conquest? What were the specific evolutions and implications of tarkhanism in these regions during the medieval period? Did tarkhanism encompass more specific privileges, such as tax exemptions? How and why did the church come to hold the status of tarkhanism? These questions collectively contribute to a deeper understanding of tarkhanism and its role in shaping the historical landscapes of Georgia and Armenia during the medieval era.
“THE LIFE AND COUNTRY OF THE ZIKHS, CALLED CIRCASSIANS. A REMARKABLE ACCOUNT” BY GIORGIO INTERIANO: COMMENTARIES TO THE TEXT
Authors: Druzhinina Inga , Iliushina Milana , Kabardov Inal
Published: December 2024

This study explores the medieval history of the Circassians and other Northwest Caucasus peoples through a novel perspective by investigating the interactions between the Circassians of Trans-Kuban and the Mamluks of Burji (1382–1517). The primary focus is on the examination of the writings of the late 15th-century Genoese traveler Giorgio Interiano. Interiano’s observations, captured in his “Remarkable Account,” shed light on the lifestyle, customs, and appearance of the Adyghe nobility during a significant period of Circassian Mamluks’ active visits to their native lands in the Trans-Kuban region, coinciding with the reign of Sultan al-Ashraf Qaytbay (1468–1496) in Cairo. Interiano’s depictions align well with descriptions of Burji Mamluk traditions found in Arabic sources, suggesting a direct transmission of these traditions to the original carriers – Mamluks returning from the Sultanate. The article also examines the reasons behind the Circassian Mamluks’ visits to Trans-Kuban. During the analysis of Interiano’s work, texts from contemporary Arab historians of the Burji Sultanate were drawn, including al-‘Aini (d. 1451), Ibn Taghri Birdi (d. 1469), al-Sahawi (d. 1497), Ibn Shahin al-Malati (d. 1514), and Ibn Iyas (d. 1524).
FEATURES OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE RUSSIAN FRONTIER IN THE NORTH CAUCASUS
Authors: Magaramov Sharafutdin A.
Published: December 2024

In recent decades, both foreign and Russian historiography have increasingly focused on the concept of the frontier when examining the formation of various territories within the Russian state, including the North Caucasus. The utilization of the frontier concept for studying Russian-Caucasian relations is now widely accepted in historiography, eliminating one-sided assessments. The frontier theory serves as a fundamental concept, enabling the exploration of the complex dynamics between the peoples of the Caucasus and the Russian Empire from the standpoint of imperial power and mountain societies. Consequently, the frontier concept is integrated into the research methodology. This work aims to investigate the essence and distinctive features characterizing the development of the Russian frontier in the North Caucasus. Unlike other Russian frontiers situated on various peripheries of the state, the North Caucasus frontier exhibits unique characteristics, notwithstanding the continuity of the Russian state as one of the actors. The identified features of the North Caucasian frontier – international, political, economic, and social – set it apart from similar phenomena along other geographical borders of the country, rendering it uniquely original. A key and distinctive aspect of the North Caucasus borderland was the coexistence, alongside the Russian frontier, of two additional Muslim frontiers – those of the Shah’s Persia and the Ottoman Empire, the latter predating the Russian one. This historical phenomenon is referred to as “polyfrontism” in historiography. The expansion of the Russian frontier in the North Caucasus consequently led to the gradual reduction and ultimately the abolition of Muslim frontiers. Nevertheless, remnants of the regional powers’ frontiers persist in the Caucasus in the present era. The “closure” of the Russian frontier in the North Caucasus transpired in the 1860s with the culmination of the Caucasian War and the definitive subjugation of the mountaineers by the Russian Empire. The considered features of the Caucasian frontier are not exhaustive and may be subject to further examinations.
JIZYA IN EASTERN TRANSCAUCASIA FROM THE 17TH TO THE FIRST HALF OF THE 19TH CENTURY
Authors: Kostikyan Kristine P. , Stepanyan Gevorg S. , Tovmasyan Anahit A.
Published: December 2024

This article aims to provide a comprehensive examination of jizya, the poll tax levied on non-Muslim populations in Eastern Transcaucasia from the 17th to the first half of the 19th century. This period encompasses the region’s governance under the Iranian Safavid and Nader Shah states, followed by local khanates before and after their incorporation into the Russian Empire. The methodological foundation of this study rests on an empirical analysis of primary sources, complemented by a review of relevant scholarly literature. The comparative-historical method is employed to analyze information from these sources. The article explores source data on jizya rates during the dominion of Safavid dynasty shahs and Nader Shah over Eastern Transcaucasia. Evidence regarding the poll tax imposed on non-Muslims in Muslim khanates, established in the region following Nader Shah’s fall, indicates that jizya collection persisted through the second half of the 18th century. In the Sheki Khanate, this practice continued even after its integration into the Russian Empire until the mid-19th century. The study reveals a significant increase in the poll tax rate in the Sheki Khanate during the latter half of the 18th century. In this khanate, jizya was renamed “abrishom-i din” (Persian – silk for faith) or “ipak dini” / “din ipaki” (Turkish – silk for faith). The increase in jizya rates in the Sheki Khanate reflected the religious intolerance of the local Hajji Chelebi Khan towards Christians, prompting many to convert to Islam. Based on the documents examined, the article argues that a burdensome tax policy was implemented against Armenians and Udins in the Sheki Khanate, persisting even after its incorporation into the Russian Empire until the mid-19th century.
MEDIEVAL FORTIFICATION OF THE NORTHEASTERN REGION OF ARMENIA: A GENERAL REVIEW
Authors: Aleksanyan Tigran A.
Published: December 2024

This article examines the medieval fortifications of the northeastern part of the Republic of Armenia, specifically the Berd region (formerly Shamshadin district). The study area borders Chambarak to the south, Ijevan to the west, and the Kazakh, Tovuz, and Getabek regions of Azerbaijan to the north and east. The research draws on excavations of Tavush fortress conducted from 2020 to 2022, field surveys of other medieval fortifications in the region, written sources, and archival materials. The medieval defensive structures in the study area are few, comprising only five fortifications: Nor-berd, Katsaret, Yergevank, Matsnaberd, and Tavush fortress. As crucial components of the region’s defense system, these fortifications are typically mentioned together in written sources and in connection with the same historical events. While the exact dates of their construction remain unknown, historical and archaeological evidence suggests they were built between the 10th and 13th centuries. These fortresses suffered significant damage during the Mongol invasions and were subsequently abandoned. The findings indicate that the fortification principles employed in northeastern Armenia were widespread in the medieval period and characteristic of other regions in Armenia, as well as neighboring Azerbaijan and Georgia. This review highlights the need for comprehensive historical, architectural, and archaeological studies of defensive architecture monuments. Such research can shed light onto various aspects of the history, culture, and architecture of medieval Armenia and the South Caucasus as a whole.
REVERENCE OF BOOKS IN ARMENIAN FOLK CHRISTIANITY
Authors: Kryukova Natalia V.
Published: December 2024

In certain regions of Armenia, there exists a unique cult of shrine books. These ancient books, often including early printed and handwritten copies, become objects of veneration. When such a book is kept in a family, it commonly becomes known as tan surb, or “saint of the house.” A sanctuary is built for the book, it has a dedicated keeper, and pilgrimages are made to it. Various taboos and prophetic dreams are associated with these books, to which people pray and make sacrifices. Most often, these revered books are the Gospels or works by Grigor Narekatsi, but they also include khmayils – scrolls with magical content. This research aims to identify and describe the main types and components of community and home rural sanctuaries, known as surbs. The cult of shrine books is examined through the broader context of the general cult of rural surbs, characteristic of this Armenian region. The study employed participant observation and interviews with local residents – venerators of rural surbs in the Aparan region of the Republic of Armenia – between 2016 and 2023. The findings reveal that home and community shrines in this region often include ancient books of religious content as well as khmayil scrolls. Based on an analysis of the collected material and existing scientific literature, this article describes contemporary ideas and practices related to the veneration of these shrines and compares them with the general cult of rural surbs in the region.