On the History and ethnogenesis of Salatavia and Western Dagestan (Prisulak) societies

Abstract

This article examines the question of continuous presence of ethnic Chechens in the territory of historical region of Salatavia (the Republic of Dagestan), as well as substantial part of Western Dagestan (Prisulak regions), at the very least since the turn of the XIV – XV centuries and later. The author explores extensive material that is based on the documental, written and ethnographic sources of the XVIII – XXI centuries, as well as toponymy of the designated region – materials on the region of Salatavia, society Koisubu (Hindalal), Didoi (Tsezy), Andia, Gumbet, Ahvakh (Sada-Kilidu), Terek-Sulak interfluve (including Aukh and such centers as Endirey), coastal settlements of Sulak (Chir-Yurtsk), etc.. Based on the aforementioned sources, the author indicates the most considerable role and participation of Chechens in the ethnogenesis of population of these regions and settlements. The article traces the sequence of sources of the XIX – early XX centuries in reflection of ethnic affiliation of the local population and its closeness to the Chechens. Leaning on the data from various sources, the author reveals the Chechen origin of the first rulers of Salatavia from the privileged Sala-Uzdeni social class. The author determines the change in the ethnic balance of the region, which took place under the influence of various factors, including military and political. The conducted analysis  is proven by extensive bibliographical sources that testify to the ethnic commonality of the region throughout the early and late medieval periods. The author notes the migration of ethnic Chechens from Dagestan to Chechnya, perhaps under the pressure of other ethnoses during the XIV – XVI centuries. This process comes to an end by the time of Shamil’s rule. The research presents a fundamentally new perspective upon the ethnogenesis of the societies under review.