Itäkaukasialaisten

Itäkaukasialaisten refers to a group of indigenous peoples historically inhabiting the northeastern Caucasus region. This diverse ethnolinguistic group encompasses several distinct nationalities, including the Chechens, Ingush, Dagestani peoples (such as Avar, Lezgin, Dargin, and Lak), and North Caucasian Tatars. Their languages, collectively known as Northeast Caucasian languages, form a distinct family, unrelated to the Indo-European or Turkic languages spoken by many neighboring groups.

Historically, the peoples of the Northeast Caucasus have been characterized by their mountainous terrain, which fostered a strong sense of regional identity and independence. Their societies often featured complex tribal structures and a tradition of resilience in the face of external invasions. They have a rich cultural heritage, evident in their folklore, music, architecture, and traditional crafts.

The region has a long and often turbulent history, marked by interactions and conflicts with various empires, including the Russian Empire, the Ottoman Empire, and Persian empires. This historical context has shaped their modern identities and relationships with neighboring populations. Today, the various Itäkaukasialaisten groups are spread across several administrative regions within the Russian Federation, primarily in the North Caucasian Federal District.