One of the most colorful and colorful cities in Russia is located on the eastern edge of the Caucasus on the coast of the Caspian Sea. The city has a sufficient number of attractions that may be of interest to the traveler. It is not difficult to answer the question of where Makhachkala is located . It's in Russia! Although it is far from obvious to all Russians. The thing is that in addition to its special status in the federal system, Dagestan is also known for its proximity to the Chechen Republic, with which everything has not been smooth for the last twenty years.
Where is the city of Makhachkala?
The capital of Dagestan occupies one of the key places in the east of the North Caucasus, in a strategically important region, through which communication was traditionally made between the northern Caspian region and Transcaucasia, as well as Persia.
The great importance of the city is due to the fact that it is located on a narrow strip between the foothills of the Greater Caucasus and the sea. This situation allowed a relatively small garrison to defend a strategically important transition from the attacking enemy. That is why the city on this site appeared in the XV century, but it was just a trading post on a major caravan route to ancient Derbent.
History and Modernity
The city received its modern name only after the establishment of Soviet power in the North Caucasus. Until the XX century, the city was called Tarki and Anji-Kala, it was under these names that it was known for almost five centuries and only in 1921 was renamed in honor of the famous Caucasian Bolshevik Makhach Dadaev.
It was in Soviet times that the city experienced an unprecedented demographic rise, and from 1930 to 1980 its population increased by about ten times. Such an active population growth was, of course, accompanied by a construction boom, thanks to which Makhachkala, where there are numerous food and processing enterprises, acquired a modern shape.
Caucasian diversity
The region where the city of Makhachkala is located is known for its ancient and original culture, rich traditions of indigenous peoples and amazing linguistic diversity. Only the official languages ββmost prevalent in Dagestan are fifteen.
Makhachkala, where one of the largest mosques in Russia is located, is the most important center of Islamic scholarship. For several centuries, theological scholars worked in this city, determining for a long time the appearance of Caucasian Islam.
However, it would be wrong to say that other religions are not represented in Makhachkala, because an Orthodox church is functioning in the city and the construction of a synagogue is nearing completion.
Hospitable Makhachkala
Makhachkala, where this tradition is considered national, is also famous for the hospitality of its inhabitants. Despite the fact that for a long time the situation in the region was extremely unstable, today we can talk about the restoration of tourist interest in the North Caucasus and the Caspian Sea. After all, winters in Makhachkala are mild and favorable.
Of great interest to tourists are small ethnographic museums, where you can find a lot of material on the history and diverse ethnography of Dagestan. The works of local tinsmiths who make wonderful metal products, including precious ones, are also famous.
Proximity to the sea
Makhachkala, where one of the important trade ports of the Caspian Sea is located, has become a kind of gateway for Russia to Central Asia, Transcaucasia and Iran. It is through this port city that communication with neighboring states is carried out.
Of great importance for the economy of the city and the whole republic is neighboring Azerbaijan with its investments and numerous guests from Baku who come to Dagestan for the weekend.
However, despite the many advantages of its position and unique natural wealth, Makhachkala is going through hard times due to obvious problems caused by poor self-government, corruption and a careless attitude to infrastructure.
Occupying a very special position on the map of Russia, Makhachkala serves as a place where languages ββand cultures meet. Over the centuries, a completely unique cultural situation has developed in the city and its environs for the peaceful coexistence of many peoples with different histories.