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75-465: According to Lezgiwal, the main purpose and meaning of a Lezgin's life is to serve his people ( Lezgin ) and religion ( Islam ). The Lezgin tolerates representatives of other religions and nationalities and never imposes his views (Lezgiwal) or way of life (Islam) on others by force and oppression. True religion and justice are the highest spiritual goals of Lezgins. The Lezgin does not emphasize his religiosity because he does not change his “true religion for

150-553: A glottal stop ). In modern Avarian, three words retain the ancient basis of awar . They include awarag , meaning "envoy, prophet, messiah"; awari , meaning "pommel of a saddle"; and awara , meaning "obstacle, opposition". Awara habize means "to make an obstacle, to resist." There is also an Avarian river called авар ʕωr in Avarian and Avar koysu in Russian. All three listed words are found in ancient lexicons of

225-563: A Chinese transfer of a similar-sounding word, war/Uar. Mehmed Tezcan writes that according to a Chinese record, the Hephthalites descended from a Rouran tribe called Hua in the Qeshi region (near Turpan ). This tribe came to Tokharistan and soon settled also in eastern regions of Khorasan at the beginning of the 5th century. About the same time, the name Avars/Awards appears in the sources. Again, in his well-known Atlas of China, A. Herrmann shows

300-467: A Lezgin, a woman's honor and dignity are sacred. Lezgins always stand up when an elder comes, even if they do not recognize him or her. In communicating with people, a Lezgin must be extremely polite, reserved and modest, regardless of their social status or age. At the same time, he or she should be respectful both in joy and in sorrow, and keep calm no matter what the situation. The life of a Lezgin should be an example of high morals, wisdom and courage for

375-517: A Mongol residue in Daghestan". Supporters of the so-called old Turanian nomad horde "infiltrate" point of view (with various clauses) include the following scientists: Josef Markwart , Omeljan Pritsak , Vladimir Minorsky , Vladimir Baileys , Harald Haarmann , Murad Gadjievich Magomedov , Alikber Alikberov , and Timur Aytberov . The Avar language belongs to the Avar-Andi-Tsez subgroup of

450-733: A Northeast Caucasian people who speak Avar , a Northeast Caucasian language . According to Encyclopedia Britannica , the Turanian nomads also share the name Avar. The Encyclopedia Britannica describes the Turanian nomads as "a people of undetermined origin and language." As of 2002, the Avarians numbered about 1.04 million. 912,020 Avarians lived in Russia during the 2010 census; 850,011 of them lived in Dagestan. Only 32% lived in cities. Avarians inhabit most of

525-756: A long time. According to Richard Helli: "By such reasoning, the Ephthalites are thought to have originated at Hsi-mo-ta-lo (southwest of Badakhshan and near the Hindu Kush ), which tantalizingly, stands for Himtala, 'snow plain', which may be the Sanskritized form of Hephthal." In 484, the Hephthalite chief Akhshunwar led his army to attack the Sassanian King Peroz I , who was defeated and killed in Khurasan. After

600-688: A more moderate organization called Samur was formed, advocating more cultural autonomy for Lezgins in Azerbaijan. Lezgins traditionally suffered from unemployment and a shortage of land. A major consequence of the outbreak of the war in Chechnya in 1994 was the closure of the border between Russia and Azerbaijan: as a result, the Lezgins were for the first time in their history separated by an international border restricting their movement. The high tide of Lezgin mobilization in Azerbaijan appeared to have passed towards

675-524: A national meaning connected with former statehood. "Avar" is a significant part of the word "Avaria," which refers to the Khunzakh Khanate. The Khanate formed in the 12th century after the disintegration of Sarir . From the middle of the 19th century, this territory was the Avarian District of the Daghestan area. This area is now referred to as Khunzakhsky District of Dagestan. Khunzakhsky District

750-566: A region of high, rugged mountains and the piedmont (foothills). Most of the Lezgin territory is in the mountainous zone, where a number of peaks (like Baba Dagh) reach over 3,500 meters in elevation. There are deep and isolated canyons and gorges formed by the tributaries of the Samur and Gulgeri Chai rivers. In the mountainous zones the summers are very hot and dry, with drought conditions a constant threat. There are few trees in this region aside from those in

825-404: A show religion.” The most precious thing in a Lezgin is his honor and dignity. All other goods of this world can be regained once lost, but lost honor and dignity can only be regained through an honorable death. Therefore, he does not covet the honor of others. A Lezgin treats a woman with respect and honor. Under no circumstances will he ever allow himself or others to insult or humiliate her. For

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900-458: Is a Code of honor and conduct passed down from generation to generation by parents and society. It implies moral and ethical behaviour, generosity and the will to safeguard the honor of women. The legendary Abrek Kiri Buba before he was killed by the Russians said "Better a knife in the chest than honor in the dirt." Lezgins like other Northeast Caucasian majority are Muslims, although, due to

975-812: Is around 180,000, the Lezgins claim that the number of Lezgins registered as Azerbaijan is many times higher than this figure, some accounts showing over 700,000 Lezgins in Azerbaijan. These figures are denied by the Azerbaijani government, but in private many Azeris acknowledge the fact that the Lezgins—and for that matter the Talysh or the Kurdish —population is far higher than the official figures. Lezgins also live in Central Asia , mainly due to Stalin 's deportation policies. Lezgins are, "generally speaking", well integrated into

1050-470: Is divided into quarters. Distributed large geographically related settlement (one quarter - one syhil). Each village had a rural area - Kim, a gathering of residents (male part) at the village assembly to address the most important issues of public life of the village. Lezgiwal ( Lezgian : Лезгивал ) an unwritten code of honor used as a set of ethical rules for Lezghins. It covers all spheres of life of any member of society, starting from childhood. Lezgival

1125-518: Is now western Georgia fell under Ottoman Turkish control. Although the Ottoman Turks briefly gained Dagestan during the Ottoman-Safavid War of 1578–1590 , Dagestan and many of its Avar inhabitants stayed under Safavid suzerainty for many centuries. Despite Safavid rule, many ethnic groups in Dagestan, including many Avars, retained relatively high amounts of freedom and self-governance. After

1200-570: Is on his toes, throwing his hands in different directions. The woman moves in the form of "Swan", bewitching graceful posture and smooth hand movements. The woman increases the tempo of her dance after the man. Not surprisingly, the dance, common among all the Caucasian peoples, was named in accordance with the ancient totem of the Lezgins: the word "Lek" ( Lezgian : лекь ) means eagle. Epic-historical songs about wars are popular among Lezghins, Best-known are

1275-405: Is referred to as χunzaχ in literary Avarian and χwnzaa in a local dialect. The modern literary language of Avarias ( Awar mac' ), both in the past and today, is known among Avarians as the language of boʔ ( bolmac' ). The Avarian word bo means "army, armed people." According to reconstructions, this word descends from * ʔωar in the proto-Avarian language ("ʔ" represents

1350-477: Is structured around djamaat ( Lezgian : жамаат- unions of clans ) and about 200-300 syhils ( Lezgian : сихил - clan ). Syhils descended from a common ancestor who lived a long time ago and each syhil has its own village and mountain. Syhils are further subdivided into miresar (patronymic families). The main type of settlement in Lezghins - the village ("hur"). With regard to social groups Lezgin village, it

1425-526: Is that received over the border from Russia. In March 2006 Azerbaijani media reported that Sadval had formed an 'underground' terrorist unit carrying out operations in Dagestan. Security forces across the border in Dagestan in Russia, responded skeptically to these reports having found no evidence. According to reports Lezgins in Dagestan suffer disproportionately from unemployment, with unemployment rates in Lezgin-populated areas of southern Dagestan twice

1500-403: Is the most widespread of the three and is spoken throughout most of the Lezgin territories in Daghestan, including the town of Kurakh, which, historically, was the most important cultural, political, and economic center in the Lezgin territory in Daghestan and is the former seat of the khanate of Kurin. The Akhti dialect is spoken in southeastern Daghestan. The Kuba dialect, the most Turkicized of

1575-619: The Avarian District . Some Avars refused to collaborate with Russians and migrated to Turkey, where their descendants live to this day. Despite war and emigration, the Avars retained their position as the dominant ethnic group in Dagestan during the Soviet period. After World War II , many Avars left the barren highlands for the fertile plains closer to the shores of the Caspian Sea . The Avarians are

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1650-586: The Iranian languages . The Parthian word apar and the Middle Persian word abar/aβar both mean "up, on, over" and "higher, superior." The Middle Persian word abraz means "acclivity," or uphill slope. Similar Middle Persian words include abarag/aβarag , meaning "superior"; abargar/aβargar , meaning "god, divinity"; abarmanig/aβarmanig , meaning "noble"; apar amatan , meaning "to surpass", and apar kardan/apar handaχtan , meaning "to attack". At

1725-461: The Lezgin language . Their social structure is firmly based on equality and deference to individuality. Lezgin society is structured around djamaat ( Lezgian : жамаат- unions of clans ) and has traditionally been egalitarian and organised around many autonomous local clans, called syhils (сихилар). The land of the Lezgins has been subject to multiple invaders throughout history. Its isolated terrain and

1800-677: The North Caucasus between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea . Alongside other ethnic groups in the North Caucasus region, the Avars live in ancient villages located approximately 2,000 meters above sea level. The Avar language spoken by the Caucasian Avars belongs to the family of Northeast Caucasian languages . Sunni Islam has been the prevailing religion of the Avars since the 14th century. According to 19th-century Russian historians,

1875-578: The Russo-Persian War of 1722–1723 , Russia briefly took Dagestan from the Safavids. The Afsharids reestablished full control over the Caucasus again in the early 18th century under Nader Shah 's Caucasus campaign and Dagestan campaign . During that same time, the Avars routed one of Nader Shah's armies at Andalal during the later stages of his Dagestan campaign. In the wake of this triumph, Umma Khan of

1950-516: The Rutul Federation . In 1813, as a result of the Treaty of Gulistan , the Russians gained control over southern Dagestan and most of what is the contemporary Azerbaijan Republic. The 1828 Treaty of Turkmenchay indefinitely consolidated Russian control over Dagestan and other areas where the Lezgins lived and removed Iran from the military equation. The Russian administration subsequently created

2025-575: The Vainakh peoples , who were Northeast Caucasian language speakers were referred to as "Circassians"). In the 4th century BC, the numerous tribes speaking Lezgic languages united in a union of 26 tribes, formed in the Eastern Caucasus state of Caucasian Albania , which itself was incorporated in the Persian Achaemenid Empire in 513 BC. Under Persian and Parthian rule Caucasian Albania

2100-588: The 8th century, the Lezgins remained primarily animist until the 15th century, when Muslim influence became stronger, with Persian traders coming in from the south, and the Golden Horde increasingly pressing from the north. In the early 16th century, the Persian Safavids consolidated their control over large parts of Dagestan for centuries onwards. As a result of the Ottoman–Safavid War of 1578–1590 ,

2175-618: The 9th and 10th centuries mentioned a kingdom called Lakz, in present-day southern Dagestan. Al Masoudi referred to inhabitants of this area as Lakzams (Lezgins), who defended Shirvan against invaders from the north. Prior to the Russian Revolution , "Lezgin" was a term applied to all ethnic groups inhabiting the present-day Russian Republic of Dagestan . In the 19th century, the term was used more broadly for all ethnic groups speaking non- Nakh Northeast Caucasian languages , including Caucasian Avars , Laks , and many others (although

2250-674: The Albanian king had no real power and most civil, religious, and military authority lay with the Sassanid marzban (military governor) of the territory. The Roman Empire obtained control over some of the southernmost Lezgin regions for a few years around 300 AD, but then the Sassanid Persians regained control and subsequently dominated the area for centuries until the Arab invasions . Although Lezgins were first introduced to Islam perhaps as early as

2325-751: The Avar territory, and the alliance with the Golden Horde enabled the Avar khans to increase their prosperity. In the 15th century the Horde declined, and the Shamkhalate of Kazi-Kumukh rose to power. The Shamkhalate absorbed the Avar Khanate. From the 16th century onwards, the Safavids and Ottomans began expanding their territory in the Caucasus. By the mid-16th century, what is now Dagestan , eastern Georgia , Azerbaijan , and Armenia were under Safavid rule. The area that

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2400-628: The Avars (reigned 1774–1801) managed to extract tribute from most states of the Caucasus, including Shirvan and Georgia. Umma Khan died in 1801. Two years later, the khanate voluntarily submitted to Russian authority following the Russian annexation of Georgia and the Treaty of Georgievsk . This was only confirmed after considerable Russian successes and the victory in the Russo-Persian War of 1804–1813 , after which Persia lost southern Dagestan and many of its other Caucasian territories to Russia. The 1828 Treaty of Turkmenchay indefinitely consolidated Russian control over Dagestan and other areas where

2475-515: The Avars lived. The Russians instituted heavy taxes, expropriated estates, and constructed fortresses in the Avar region. The Avar population revolted under the flag of the Muslim Imamate of Dagestan . Ghazi Mohammed (1828–1832), Hamzat Bek (1832–1834), and Shamil (1834–1859) led the revolts. This Caucasian War raged until 1864, when the Avarian Khanate was abolished and replaced by

2550-418: The Avars' neighbors usually referred to them with the exonym Tavlins ( tavlintsy ). Vasily Potto wrote, "The words in different languages have the same meaning... [of] mountain dwellers [or] highlanders." Potto claimed that members of Avarian tribe also often referred to themselves by the alternate endonym maarulal , also meaning "mountaineer". Most of those known as Tavlins trace their lineage to

2625-737: The Kiurin Khanate, later to become the Kiurin district. Many Lezgins in Dagestan , however, participated in the Great Caucasian War that started roughly during the same time the Russo-Persian Wars of the 19th century were happening, and fought against the Russians alongside the Avar Imam Shamil , who for 25 years (1834–1859) defied Russian rule. It was not until after his defeat in 1859 that

2700-601: The Lezgins). Also related, albeit more distantly, are the numerically small Jek , Kryts , Shahdagh , Budukh , and Khinalug peoples of northern Azerbaijan . These groups, together with the Lezgins, form the Samur branch of the indigenous Lezgic peoples. Lezgins are believed to descend partly from people who inhabited the region of southern Dagestan in the Bronze Age. However, there is some DNA evidence of significant admixture during

2775-508: The Ottomans managed to wrest control of the region for a short period of time, until it was regained by the Safavids under king Abbas I (r. 1588–1629). A notable Lezgin from the Safavid Iranian era was Fath-Ali Khan Daghestani , who served as Safavid grand vizier from 1716 to 1720, during the reign of king ( shah ) Sultan Husayn (1694–1722). By the early course of the 18th century,

2850-575: The Russians consolidated their rule over Dagestan and the Lezgins. Lezgins culture is a unique blend of native customs ( adats ). There is a strong theme of representing the nation with its national animal, the Lek (eagle), it's connected with a strong value on the concept of freedom. A large majority of the nation's national heroes fought for independence (Abrek Kiri Buba, Hadj-Dawud, etc.). Lezgins don't like coercion, their social structure being firmly based on equality and deference to individuality. Lezgin society

2925-645: The Russian–Azerbaijani border. Lezgins expressed concern over underrepresentation in the Azerbaijani Parliament (Milli Meclis) after a shift away from proportional representation in the parliamentary elections of November 2005. Lezgins had been represented by two members of parliament in the previous parliament, but are now represented by only one. Lezgins state that they face discrimination and that they feel forced to assimilate into Azeri identity to avoid economic and education discrimination. Therefore,

3000-554: The Safavid Empire was in a state of heavy decline. In 1721, the Lezgins sacked and looted the city of Shamakhi , the provincial capital of Shirvan . The Lak Kazi Kumukh Khanate controlled a part of the Lezgins for a time in the 18th century after the disintegration of the Safavid Empire . In the first half of the 18th century, Persia was able to restore its full authority throughout the entire Caucasus under Nader Shah . After

3075-805: The State Lezgin theater was opened in Azerbaijan, located in Qusar. The Lezgins inhabit a compact territory that straddles the border area of southern Dagestan and northern Azerbaijan. It lies, for the most part, in the southeastern portion of Daghestan in ( Akhtynsky District , Dokuzparinsky District , Suleyman-Stalsky District , Kurakhsky District , Magaramkentsky District , Khivsky District , Derbentsky District and Rutulsky District ) and contiguous northeastern Azerbaijan (in Kuba , Qusar , Qakh , Khachmaz , Oguz , Qabala , Nukha , and Ismailli districts). The Lezgin territories are divided into two physiographic zones:

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3150-503: The ballads "Shamil atana"(about Imam Shamil ) and "Kiri Buba." (about a Lezgin abrek ). In the second half of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth, Lezgin culture and literature underwent a culture significantly influence Azerbaijan. First Lezgin theater originated in 1906 in the village of Akhty. In 1935, based on the semi-professional team was created Lezgin State Music and Drama Theatre named after S. Stalsky. In 1998,

3225-461: The census. This makes it difficult to know exactly how many Avarians live in Turkey. According to Ataev B.M., who referenced A.M. Magomeddadaev's research, the Avarian population there should have been around 53,000 in 2005. Avarian is a collective term; among the Avarians there are around 15 sub-ethnic groups, including the Avar, Andi , and Tsez (Dido) peoples. According to genetic studies in 2023,

3300-550: The death of Nader, the area divided into multiple khanates. Some Lezgins were part of the Kuba Khanate in what is now Azerbaijan, while others fell under the jurisdiction of the Derbent Khanate and Kura Khanate . The main part of Lezgins united in "free society" (Magalim) ( Akhty para (now Akhtynsky District ), Kure (now Kurakhsky District ), Alty-para and Dokuz-para (now Dokuzparinsky District )). Some Lezgin clans were in

3375-416: The deep canyons and along the streams themselves. Drought-resistant shrubs and weeds dominate the natural flora. The winters here are frequently windy and brutally cold. In this zone the Lezgins engaged primarily in animal husbandry (mostly sheep and goats) and in craft industries. In the extreme east of the Lezgin territory, where the mountains give way to the narrow coastal plain of the Caspian Sea , and to

3450-406: The eastern regions of Khorasan, Tokharistan, etc. as the dominions of Afu/Hua/Awards/Hephthalites between ca. 440 and 500 A.D., relying on the identification Hua = Uar = Awar. The German researcher Karl Heinrich Menges considered Eurasian Avars to be one of the ancient Mongol peoples, who "were the first to use the title ga gan (later qān, ḵān) for their supreme ruler." He describes the "traces of

3525-523: The end of the 1990s. Sadval was banned by the Azerbaijani authorities after official allegations that it was involved in a bombing of the Baku underground . The end of the Karabakh war, and Lezgin resistance to forced conscription, deprived the movement of a key issue on which to mobilize. In 1998 Sadval split into ‘moderate’ and ‘radical’ wings, following which it appeared to lose much of its popularity on both sides of

3600-492: The far south, in Azerbaijan, are the foothills. This region has relatively mild, very dry winters and hot, dry summers. Trees are few here also. In this region animal husbandry and artisanry were supplemented by some agriculture (along the alluvial deposits near the rivers). Lezgins live mainly in Azerbaijan and Russia (Dagestan). The total population is believed to be around 700,000, with 474,000 living in Russia. In Azerbaijan,

3675-416: The following haplogroups are found to predominate among Avars: МагIарулал , transliterated as Ma'arulal means "inhabitants of the top grounds, mountaineers." Another group of Avarians is described as belonging to a different category, Хьиндалал ( X'indalal with a soft "χ"). This term means "inhabitants of plains (warm valleys) and gardeners". The name "Avarians" has a narrower meaning; it has

3750-523: The following haplogroups are found to predominate among Lezgins : Modern-day Lezgins speak Northeast Caucasian languages that have been spoken in the region before the introduction of Indo-European languages . They are closely related, both culturally and linguistically, to the Aghuls of southern Dagestan and, somewhat more distantly, to the Tsakhurs , Rutuls , and Tabasarans (the northern neighbors of

3825-501: The government census counts 180,300. However, Lezgin national organizations mention 600,000 to 900,000, the disparity being that many Lezgins claim Azeri nationality to escape job and education discrimination in Azerbaijan. Despite the assimilationist policy of the Azeri government, the Lezgin population is undoubtedly greater than it appears. As Svante Cornell adds; Whereas officially the number of Lezgins registered as such in Azerbaijan

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3900-568: The language of the educated of the region. An incursion in this era was made by the Alans who between 134 and 136 attacked regions including where Lezgic tribes lived, but Vologases persuaded them to withdraw, probably by paying them. In 252–253, rule over the Lezgic tribes changed from Parthian to Sassanid Persian. Caucasian Albania became a vassal state , now of the Sassanids, but retained its monarchy;

3975-417: The last 4,000 years with a Central Asian population. Caucasian Avars The Avars ( / ˈ æ v ɑːr z / ), also known as Maharuls' ( Avar : магӀарулал , romanized:  maⱨarulal , lit.   'mountaineers'), are a Northeast Caucasian ethnic group . The Avars are the largest of several ethnic groups living in the Russian republic of Dagestan . The Avars reside in

4050-408: The long traditional beliefs, religion did not take root in its strict form. Under the influence of the neighbouring states, it was to a known extent suppressed, predominantly by Soviets, and nowadays plays a less significant role than the cultural traditions. However, the practitioners follow either the Shafi'i or the Hanafi schools of jurisprudence, fiqh. Lezgins celebrate Yaran Suvar , which dates to

4125-504: The mountainous part of Dagestan as well the plains ( Buynaksk , Khasavyurt , Kizilyurt and other regions). Outside of Dagestan, Russian Avars also live in Chechnya and Kalmykia . As of 1999, 50,900 Avarians lived in the Balakan and Zakatala rayons of Azerbaijan. The Avarian population of Azerbaijan had decreased to 49,800 by 2009. In 2002, 1,996 Kvareli Avars lived in Georgia. In Turkey , Avarians are considered "ethnic Turks", and so aren't counted as their own ethnic group on

4200-435: The pre-Islamic period, some also celebrate Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. The Lezgin language belongs to the Lezgic branch of the Northeast Caucasian language family (with Aghul , Rutul , Tsakhur , Tabasaran , Budukh , Khinalug , Jek , Khaput, Kryts , and Udi ). The Lezgin language has three closely related (mutually intelligible) dialects: Kurin (also referred to as Gunei or Kurakh), Akhti, and Kuba. The Kurin dialect

4275-469: The real number of Lezgins may be significantly higher than presented in censuses. Lezgin is taught as a foreign language in areas where many Lezgins are settled, but teaching resources are scarce. Lezgin textbooks come from Russia and are not adapted to local conditions. Although Lezgin newspapers are available, Lezgins have also expressed concern over the disappearance of their rich oral tradition. The only Lezgin television broadcasting available in Azerbaijan

4350-406: The region due to their wars with the Parthians, the country was now a part—together with Iberia (East Georgia) and (Caucasian) Albania, where other Arsacid branches reigned—of a pan-Arsacid family federation. Culturally, the predominance of Hellenism, as under the Artaxiads, was now followed by again a predominance of "Iranianism", and, symptomatically, instead of Greek, as before, Parthian became

4425-480: The republic average of 32 percent. This may be one contributory factor to renewed calls from within the Sadval movement in January 2006 for a redrawing of the Russian-Azerbaijani border to incorporate Lezgin-populated areas of southern Dagestan within Azerbaijan. In March 1999 another organization, the Federal Lezgin National Cultural Autonomy , was established as an extraterritorial movement advocating cultural autonomy for Lezgins. According to genetic studie in 2023,

4500-434: The same time, according to the morphology of the Middle Persian language, the word Aβarag , meaning "superior" can also be translated as "Aβarian", "Khurasanian", and "Parthian" as seen, for example, in a Middle Persian word, Eranag , meaning "Iranian". The first known use of the term "Avar" was in the 10th century. According to Persian author Ibn Rustah , a so-called governor of Sarir , Johannes de Galonifontibus

4575-476: The society of Azerbaijan. Mixed marriages are furthermore common. Lastly, Lezgins in Azerbaijan have a better level of education compared to their kin in Dagestan. In 1992 a Lezgin organization named Sadval was established to promote Lezgin rights. Sadval campaigned for the redrawing of the Russian–Azerbaijani border to allow for the creation of a single Lezgin state encompassing areas in Russia and Azerbaijan where Lezgins were compactly settled. In Azerbaijan,

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4650-419: The sovereign house.") In summary, Aparšahr/Aβaršahr is very similar to the German word Oberland . According to historian H.W. Haussig, Aβaršahr means Reich der Abar ("Kingdom of the Abar") and should be sought in the south-western territory of the Western Turkic Khaganate . A Dahae tribe, the Aparnak ( Parni ) moved from the south-eastern shore of the Caspian Sea (part of modern Turkmenistan ), into

4725-408: The strategic value outsiders have placed on the areas settled by Lezgins has contributed much to the Lezgin community ethos and helped shape its national character. Due to constant attacks from the invaders, the Lezgins have developed a national code of honor and conduct, Lezgiwal , passed down from generation to generation by parents and society. It implies moral and ethical behaviour, generosity and

4800-421: The strength and knowledge to adequately defend the honor of his nation and religion when necessary. Because there needs to be enough strength and knowledge to achieve true faith, unity and justice. Lezgins Lezgins ( Lezgian : Лезгияр IPA : lezgijar) are a Northeast Caucasian ethnic group native predominantly to southern Dagestan , a republic of Russia , and northeastern Azerbaijan , and speak

4875-535: The territory of Khurasan, where they founded a confederation of Dahae tribes that Avestani texts referred to as "barbarians" and "enemies of Aryans," according to Christian Bartholomae. On the border of Khurasan, the Sassanid Persians built a strong wall, named the " Great Wall of Gorgan " or "The Red Snake." The wall was built to protect Iran from invasion by the White Huns ( Hepthalites ; called Khionites, X'iiaona and Xyôn in Zoroastrian texts). Later another wave of White Huns conquered Khurasan and occupied it for

4950-426: The three, is widespread among the Lezgins of northern Azerbaijan (named for the town of Kuba, the cultural and economical focus of the region). Lezgin dance, including the Lezgin solo male and pair dance, are common among many peoples of the Caucasus. The dance uses a 2 image. The man moves in the way "eagle", alternates between a slow and rapid pace. The most spectacular movements are dance movements of men, when he

5025-564: The top, coming from the upper side." Nöldeke, Hübschmann, Frye, Christensen and Enoki identify Aparshahr/Abarshahr/Abharshahr/Abrashahr with Khurasan , a historical region of Iran, or with Nishapur , an Iranian city. The Khurasan ([χwarasan] Error: {{Transliteration}}: transliteration text not Latin script ( help ) ) in Iranian studies is known as "rise of Sun." The Parthian word apar ( Middle Persian abar/aβar , meaning "up, on, over") and Parthian/Middle Persian šahr are cognate with Old Iranian χšaθra , which means "empire, power,

5100-476: The upper parts of two tributaries of the Sulak River : the Andiyskoe Koisu and Avarskoye Koisu. Between the 5th and 12th centuries, Georgian Orthodox Christianity was introduced to the Avar valleys. During the Islamic conquests , Arabs invaded the Caucasus , conquering Azerbaijan in 639 and Derbent in 643. They also founded the Emirate of Tbilisi in 736. Later, the Christian kingdom of Sarir governed much of modern-day Dagestan. The Kingdom of Georgia

5175-406: The victory, the Hephthalite empire extended to Merv and Herat . Some of the White Huns drew up a peace treaty with Iran and the two became allies, both fighting against the Byzantine Empire . Thus, Hephthalites lived in the Khurasan/Khorasan area. According to the Chinese classic Liang chih-kung-t'u , 滑 ( pinyin : hua ) was the name the Hephthalites used for themselves, and that is probably

5250-485: The will to safeguard the honor of women. The eagle being the Lezgin national animal, the term Lezgi is said to derive from Lek , the Lezgin word for eagle . Others believe Lezgi to be derived from the ancient Legi and early medieval Lakzi . Ancient Greek historians, including Herodotus, Strabo, and Pliny the Elder, referred to the Legoi (or Ancient Greek : Λῆχαι , romanized :  Lē̂chai ) people who inhabited Caucasian Albania . Arab historians of

5325-491: The younger generation. A Lezgin must be compassionate towards the weak and powerless. He should be compassionate not only for people, but also for animals who have no reason and cannot protect themselves from human cruelty. If possible, a Lezgin should avoid fighting with someone weaker than himself, because such a fight will not bring him glory. But he should never hesitate to fight a stronger opponent. A Lezgin must develop his body and mind through regular exercise. He must have

5400-823: Was Agran". The editor of this book, an academician of the Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan, Z.M. Buniyatov, confirms that this "Agran" corresponds to the Avar Khanate . The word "Agran" is unknown to modern Avars. According to the Altiranisches Wörterbuch, written by Christian Bartholomae, "agra" means erste, oberste; Anfang, Spitze in his language, German. This corresponds to "first, upper, beginning, tip" in English. He also wrote that "agra'va" meant vom Obersten, von der Oberseite stammend in German, which translates to "from

5475-404: Was also Christian. However, when Sarir fell in the early 12th century and Mongol invasions led by Subutai and Jebe weakened Georgia, Christian influence in the area ended. The Avar Khanate , a predominantly Muslim polity, succeeded Sarir. The only extant monument of Sarir architecture is the 10th-century Datuna Church in the village of Datuna. The Mongol invasions seem not to have affected

5550-531: Was divided into several areas — Lakzi, Shirvan, etc. The Lezgic speaking tribes participated in the battle of Gaugamela under the Persian banner against the invading Alexander the Great . Under Parthian rule, Iranian political and cultural influence increased in the whole region of their Caucasian Albanian province, therefore including where the Lezgic speaking tribes lived. Whatever the sporadic suzerainty of Rome of

5625-545: Was the first person to write about Avars under the name "Avar." He wrote in 1404 that " Circassians , Leks , Yasses, Alans , Avars, [and] Kazikumukhs" live in the Caucasus. According to Vladimir Minorsky, one account from 1424 called the Daghestanian Avars the Auhar. Azerbaijani writer Abbasgulu Bakikhanov wrote that the "inhabitants of vicinities of Agran have been moved here from Khurasan . A residence of this emir also

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