The capital of the Caucasus: republics, cities, and cultures.

The Caucasus is the name with which mountains are associated, first of all. The Caucasus is a large area, located in the south of Russia, bordering Abkhazia, Georgia, Azerbaijan and South Ossetia. This beautiful land was written by Russian poets and prose writers, for them it is something sublime, soaring in the clouds, bringing joy or deep sorrow. 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 examine the republics of the North Caucasus and their capitals. And also their features are indicated.

The Republic of the Caucasus and their capital

The North Caucasus consists of 2 territories and 7 republics. In one of them is located the so-called "capital of the Caucasus":

• Krasnodar region. The capital of the Krasnodar Territory is Krasnodar. This region of Russia is a popular holiday destination. In the Krasnodar Territory are immediately concentrated 3 famous Russian resorts - Sochi, Krasnodar and Anapa, as well as many others.
• Stavropol region. The Stavropol Region, with its capital in Stavropol, is located on the northern slope of the Greater Caucasus and is especially famous for the resort of the Caucasian Mineral Waters, where thousands of tourists travel every year to improve their health and just relax.
• Republic of Adygea. The capital of Adygea is the city of Maikop. The area is not very popular with tourists, but it is popular with hunters and people who prefer active outdoor recreation, rocky trails and tent camps.
• The Republic of Chechnya. The capital of Chechnya is the city of Grozny. Most Russians are associated with wars and violent Caucasians. The tourist flow to Chechnya is very small, if they go, the majority with excursion groups and guides. Tour operators offer tours to mountainous areas, historical places and to Grozny itself, since it has architectural monuments.

• The 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 is the highest mountain in Russia - Elbrus (5642 m). It is here that people come every year to test themselves for endurance, conquering the summit.
• Reuspublic of Ingushetia. The status of the capital in this republic is the city of Magas. Half-flat, half-mountainous territory with a huge number of cultural features and architectural monuments. The republic has its own reserves and wildlife sanctuary, in which bison, roe deer, chamois and other animals under the protection of the Red Book are bred.
• Republic of Karachay-Cherkessia. The capital of the republic is the city with the historical name of Cherkessk. The main part of the territory occupied by Karachaevo-Cherkessia is the mountainous terrain. Here also inexperienced tourists go to crawl through the mountains, take a breath of fresh air and go skiing in the winter. Nature, untouched by man, will always attract ecotourists.
• The Republic of Dagestan. The capital is in Makhachkala. There are a very small number of Russians living here, it is possible to meet mainly southern nationalities. In the territory there are a large number of reserves and zakazniks, since the fauna of these places is inhabited by a large number of rare animals.

• Republic of North Ossetia (Alania). The capital is Vladikavkaz. The most, perhaps, famous city, which is directly connected with the Caucasus. The main territory is the plains, less than half are occupied by mountains and hills. Here the tourist flow is slightly larger than in some other republics, but it is also visited by people who like nature, mountains and immersion in national culture. Vladikavkaz is often given the name "capital of the Caucasus".

Nationalities and religion

The main population of the North Caucasus is the local nationalities (Ossetians, Kumyks, Armenians, etc.). They are often afraid, but if you treat their culture with respect, then it is quite hospitable and sympathetic people. "The capital of the Caucasus" and the region (Krasnodar and Stavropol) have mainly a Christian population, in the republics, Islam is more often preached, as the main religion.

Culture of the Caucasus

Each nationality has its own cultural peculiarities, expressed in dances, architecture, communication with people, nature, etc. The name of the republics of the North Caucasus and their capitals reflect the national culture.

Transcaucasia

The North Caucasus is often joined by the Transcaucasus 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, the visa-free regime applies only to citizens residing in the North Caucasus).