Dagestanian

Dagestanian, also Dagestani, is the adjective and demonym for Dagestan, a republic of Russia located in the North Caucasus along the Caspian Sea. The term may describe people from Dagestan or things associated with the region. Dagestan is one of the most ethnically diverse areas in Europe, with dozens of ethnic communities and languages.

The largest ethnic groups include Avars, Dargins, Kumyks, Lezgins, Laks, Tabassans, Tsakhurs, Rutuls, and Nogais. Russian is the official language and serves as the lingua franca; many local languages are spoken in daily life and education. Islam is the predominant religion, with Sunni traditions (primarily Shafi'i and Hanafi) widely practiced.

Historically, the region has seen influence from Persian, Arab, Mongol, Ottoman, and Russian states. It was incorporated into the Russian Empire in the 19th century and is today a federal subject of the Russian Federation. The capital is Makhachkala. As a demonym, Dagestanian is less common in contemporary English than Dagestani, but both terms appear in use, especially in older or formal texts.