NEW FINDINGS OF ARABIC INSCRIPTIONS OF THE XI–XVIII CC. IN THE VILLAGES OF AKHTY DISTRICT OF DAGESTAN.

Abstract

The article is devoted to the analysis of some new findings of Arabic-language epigraphic monuments, found by the author in mountain Akhty district of Dagestan during field research, aimed at studying the rich epigraphic heritage of the district. The inscriptions are identified in different settlements, also in abandoned rural settlements in inaccessible mountainous terrain. All these inscriptions are introduced into scientific circulation for the first time. In terms of genre, the epigraphic monuments submitted in the article, are represented with building inscriptions, benevolent, proprietary inscriptions, epitaphs and excerpts from the Koran. Chronologically the inscriptions cover the period from the XI c. up to the end of the XVIII c. Part of the inscriptions are dated. To determine the time of writing of undated inscriptions the dating technique by paleographic features of writing is mainly used. The earliest inscriptions are made in Arabic “kufi” handwriting. Kufic inscriptions are first found in highland lezgin villages Maza and Gdym. The findings of kufic inscriptions in the village Maza confirm the information from written sources that this village has centuries-old history. Consequently, the information about the early history of the village Maza, which is set out in the historical essay Ta’rikh Maza, should be recognized as real. The previously unknown kufic inscription of the XII–XIII cc., revealed in the ancient village Khnow, is a fine sample of medieval Arabic calligraphy. Of great interest is the epitaph of 1468-69 preserved in the sanctuary of the village Lutkun, where the date is indicated with numbers. This fact is very rare in medieval inscriptions of Dagestan. It is suggested that one of the eponyms of the sanctuary was a muslim activist of the XV c. The inscriptions of the XVIII c. from villages Yalak, Yaltsug and Khkem inform about the construction of bridges and mausoleum, and the proprietary inscriptions of the XVIII c. from villages Yalak and Khrug are made in connection with the construction of private residential buildings.