The geography and history of the northern Caucasus has always been complex, and with the break up of the Soviet Union, this is truer than ever. Since the Soviet collapse, our televisions have been filled with news of Chechen rebels, Abkhaz independence fighters, a Russian invasion of Georgia and occupation of South Ossetia. Many people are confused by the Republics. What is part of Russia and who lives there? A brief introduction.
Chechnya (Capital City – Grozny)
Located within Russian territorial borders, the Chechens have been fighting for their independence for more than two centuries. Things flared up again in the 1990s when President Yeltsin ordered troops in to quash resistance. Despite harsh repression, heavy destruction and two wars, the Russians did not win and Chechnya obtained de facto independence. The war was permanently in the public eye in Russia as Chechens, portrayed as Muslim terrorists, carried out attacks on civilians in Moscow and elsewhere.
Ingushetia (Capital City – Nazran)
Separated from their partnership with their rebellious neighbour by the dissolution of the Chechen-Ingush Autonomous Socialist Soviet Republic, Ingushetia has struggled to keep out of regional trouble, as problems have crossed over its borders. One of the poorest regions of Russia, the corruption and violence is sporadic, and has included kidnapping and murder of civilians. It is the smallest federal republic in Russia, with the exception of the federal cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Dagestan (Capital City – Makhachkala)
Bordering Chechnya and the Caspian Sea, Dagestan is an ethnically diverse republic, whose population have roots in Turkic, Iranian and Caucasian languages, although the official language is Russian, despite less than 5% of the population being Russian. It is the southernmost point of Russian territory. Predominantly Muslim, Dagestan has been dragged into regional conflict and has been fighting a low-level guerrilla war since 2000.
North Ossetia (Capital City – Vladikavkaz)
With the death of the Soviet Union, the fate of the Ossetian people was not destined to be straightforward, with the south falling into the Republic of Georgia and the north within Russian borders, leading to the Ossetian-Ingush conflict. North Ossetia hit the international headlines with the siege of Belsan, which resulted in the deaths of 335 civilians in 2004. While the violence of the region is never far away, North Ossetia does have a more developed infrastructure, with good roads and excellent communications, as well as a nascent tourism industry.
South Ossetia (Capital City – Tskhinvali)
South Ossetia has had a turbulent recent history, beginning with its secession from newly-independent Georgia, which led to the South Ossetian War in 1991-2. Still within Georgian international borders, fighting between Georgian forces and Ossetian separatists flared again in 2004 and, to world attention, in 2008, when Russia invaded Georgia itself, retreating to take de facto control of South Ossetia. Although Georgia disputes this, Russia, Venezuala, Nicaragua and Nauru have recognised South Ossetia as an independent republic.
Abkhazia (Capital City – Sukhumi)
Attractively located on the Black Sea and once a favourite destination for the Soviet elite, Abkhazia and its capital, Sukhumi, was badly damaged in the secessionist war in 1992 by Georgia. Backed by Russia, the Abkhaz defeated the Georgians and have been running a de facto mini-state, ever since. While Georgia and much of the international community does not recognise the Abkhaz, it remains part of Georgia, in name only, as Russia supports the breakaway regime. Although badly in need of investment, the Russian tourists are returning.
The northern Caucasus has some of the most breathtaking scenery on the planet, with stunning mountain ranges. It also has a long, complicated and intertwined history of ethnic conflict and violence. Proceed with caution.
Paul Bradbury - Author of Hvar: An Insider's Guide to Croatia's Premier Island, and Lebanese Nuns Don't Ski
Join the Conversation