jjares reviewed Dagestan: The History and Legacy of Russia?s Most Ethnically Diverse Republic on + 3270 more book reviews
This is an interesting explanation of Dagestan's history, culture, and religion. As Sunni Muslims, they are anti-authoritarian and have tried to stay out of Russia's orbit for generations. Much of this book is about the extended and frustrating wars and conflicts between the Dagestani and powers that sought to control them, such as the Persians, Ottomans, and Russians.
Russia has routinely interfered in Dagestan, originally under the guise of saving the Orthodox Christians there (Russians are tacitly Orthodox Christians).
DAGESTAN --
Bordering water, Dagestan has had a turbulent history (because of the ease of traveling there). They converted to Islam long before the Chechens and are mostly Sunni. After the Russo-Persian War (1804 - 1813), Persia ceded vast territories to the Russians, including Dagestan.
When necessary, Dagestan and Chechnya have overcome their religious rivalries (Dagestani's think the Chechen's Sufism is strange) to fight together. As turmoil spilled over from Chechnya (and their conflict with Russia) in the 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s, Dagestan got caught up in the violence and became a dangerous place to visit. Because of the increased violence from the Russians, Dagestan has become more radicalized (seeking a jihad). Dagestan maintains a small, radical, secret fighting force that continues to plague the Russians in their country. Today, Dagestan is one of the poorest regions of the Russian Federation.
The Boston Marathon bombing was done by two brothers from Dagestan and Chechnya, who were radicalized in Dagestan immediately before the assault in America.
One suggestion: Read this, rather than listen to this story. I found it so complicated that I listened to it a second time for understanding.
Russia has routinely interfered in Dagestan, originally under the guise of saving the Orthodox Christians there (Russians are tacitly Orthodox Christians).
DAGESTAN --
Bordering water, Dagestan has had a turbulent history (because of the ease of traveling there). They converted to Islam long before the Chechens and are mostly Sunni. After the Russo-Persian War (1804 - 1813), Persia ceded vast territories to the Russians, including Dagestan.
When necessary, Dagestan and Chechnya have overcome their religious rivalries (Dagestani's think the Chechen's Sufism is strange) to fight together. As turmoil spilled over from Chechnya (and their conflict with Russia) in the 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s, Dagestan got caught up in the violence and became a dangerous place to visit. Because of the increased violence from the Russians, Dagestan has become more radicalized (seeking a jihad). Dagestan maintains a small, radical, secret fighting force that continues to plague the Russians in their country. Today, Dagestan is one of the poorest regions of the Russian Federation.
The Boston Marathon bombing was done by two brothers from Dagestan and Chechnya, who were radicalized in Dagestan immediately before the assault in America.
One suggestion: Read this, rather than listen to this story. I found it so complicated that I listened to it a second time for understanding.
