lezgi

The Lezgi, or Lezgins, are an ethnic group native to the Caucasus. They are primarily concentrated in southern Dagestan, Russia, and in northern Azerbaijan, with smaller communities in Georgia and in diaspora communities elsewhere in the region. The Lezgi have a long history in the Caucasus and have interacted with many neighboring cultures and empires.

The Lezgi language, also called Lezgian, belongs to the Northeast Caucasian language family and is part of the Lezgic branch. It comprises several regional dialects. Historically, Lezgi has used multiple writing systems, including Arabic script, Cyrillic in Russia, and Latin in Azerbaijan; today there are ongoing efforts to standardize literacy and education in the language.

Culturally, Lezgins are predominantly Sunni Muslims. Social life often centers on extended family and clan networks, with traditional music, dance, and crafts playing significant roles in community events and ceremonies. The Lezgi maintain rich oral traditions, including poetry and folklore, which contribute to regional cultural diversity in the Caucasus.

In modern contexts, Lezgins participate in the civic and cultural life of both Russia and Azerbaijan, with language preservation efforts, regional media, and educational initiatives supporting Lezgi identity. The community also forms part of the Caucasus’ broader mosaic of languages and ethnic groups, contributing to the linguistic and cultural complexity of the region.