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Today’s conversation dwells on the multiplicity of religious influences that entered Dagestan through the ancient city of Derbent, as well as through the Western Caucasus. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all had established presences here at various times and much architecture remains to show it.
While religion may be a tender subject to bring up in mixed company in some parts of the world, in the North Caucasus, it’s unavoidable. Hardly a day goes by that we don’t talk religion with one friend or another. To understand the Caucasus, then, is to talk—and listen, and hear, and think—about religion. Over the next three episodes we will air an extended conversation between the two of us about the many colorful facets of religion in this region. As always, much is based on our experience with our many friends from many backgrounds. We want to acknowledge up front that even though we are not endorsing one thing or another, some listeners will likely feel misrepresented. Please know that is not our purpose at all. If you know us, you know that we are open to learning more! So let this serve as an invitation for more discovery about this rich, deep, and pervasive part of life in the North Caucasus. Enjoy the conversation!
Hi! I really enjoyed this episode! I really liked that you went through the history of religion in the region.Regarding the last question you had, about why Caucasians seem to become more religious, I think I can give some insight as a Chechen. I don’t really know about the other regions, but these are some of the reasons I think Chechens has become more religious the past decade or so. First of all, it’s the post-Soviet surge as you mentioned. During the Soviet times, religion was practised quietly for obvious reasons. Another reason, which I think is the most important one, is that the wars radicalized many people. After the wars ended, people embraced Islam more for various reasons. It is normal that a society becomes more religious and/or conservative after a brutal war (like WWII). Also, while I don’t want to get political here, the current government in Chechnya is very conservative and religious which might have moved more people into being religious. And lastly, it’s important to remember that the people that are becoming more religious are the younger people! Teenagers, essentially. I think it’s a form of typical teen rebellion in many cases. Many grandparents are always talking in dismay of how different this new type of Islam that the younger people are practising is so different from the one they were practising. This wasn’t really a proper answer, but it’s some of what I have observed personally. 🙂
Thank you, Malika, for your candid comment. It’s so helpful for us to hear from locals and get inside perspectives. We respect and appreciate your willingness to share your thoughts about this topic. As you get at, people seem to have a vast variety of reasons for their religious alignments and convictions. It’s interesting to hear that, even from a local’s point of view, there are different views. How did you find our podcast, if I can ask? Please be in touch!
Eli/Ilyas