Lezgins

Lezgins are an ethnic group native to the southern Caucasus, primarily living in the Russian Republic of Dagestan and in northeastern Azerbaijan. They are one of the region’s indigenous groups and have smaller communities in surrounding areas and among the diaspora.

They speak Lezgian, a Northeast Caucasian language. Lezgian is related to other languages in the Lezgic branch of the Northeast Caucasian family. Most Lezgins are multilingual, often speaking Russian or Azerbaijani in addition to Lezgian.

Lezgian culture is traditionally organized around teips, kinship-based clans that influence social life, marriage, and rites. The Lezgins are known for music and dance, notably the Lezginka, as well as crafts such as carpet weaving and metalwork. The majority religion is Islam, with most adherents belonging to the Sunni denomination.

Historically, Lezgins formed regional polities and later were incorporated into the Russian Empire in the 19th century. In the 20th century, their lands were part of the Soviet Union (Dagestan and Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republics). In the present day, Lezgins are citizens of Russia and Azerbaijan, with communities abroad; efforts to preserve language and culture continue amid cross-border links and modernization.