Akhtyn district. History and modernity

In the southernmost part of Russia, the Akhtyn district is located. It is a place with a rich history and magnificent nature. In the development of the region has its own characteristics. Despite the high altitude location, the area was very attractive for people's lives and almost never completely deserted.

Early history

At the dawn of its history, the territory was part of the early feudal state of Lakz, which also owned the lands of modern southern Dagestan and parts of Azerbaijan. History has preserved only scrappy information about this state education. Lax can be called the ethnic kingdom of the Lezgins. It is they who still mostly inhabit the Akhtyn district.

The union of the rural Ahtypara communities was formed along the middle Samur. "Akhty" - means "six" in translation from the Turkic dialect, "couple" - part, a piece. The union included 6 communities, hence the name.

It can be assumed that the union of the communities is a step back, but in fact such leadership had a beneficial effect on the development of the Akhtyn district. The Union successfully brushed smaller territories and villages for itself. Communities successfully joined together to jointly protect the territory from the invaders.

As part of Russia

Together with the entire territory of Dagestan, the Akhtyn district became part of the Russian Federation. During this same period, many residents migrate from high-mountainous settlements. Before, most of the population lived in villages located in remote places. The high-mountainous terrain successfully hid from the enemies. Not knowing the exact place, it is difficult to find a remote village in the mountains.

With the beginning of the industrialization of the region, many villagers are sent to the cities for work. Sometimes entire settlements moved to the foot of the mountains, completely abandoning their homes. Often a new place retained its former name. As a result of this process, ghost villages of the Akhtyn region appeared.

Ghost Villages

The appearance of ghost villages became a characteristic feature for the entire highland Dagestan. The resettlement did not always pass systematically and voluntarily. The party leadership wrongfully believed that it was impossible to develop normally in confined conditions, so the activists forced the residents to resettle.

So many fruitful livestock farms were destroyed. People lost their way of life. In the new conditions, there were not always suitable meadows for grazing, so many had a hard time.

Villages in the mountains remained virtually lifeless. Some, in spite of everything, remained in their home, not wanting to resettle, but there were only a few. The villages remained empty and are being mercilessly destroyed under the influence of natural forces. These places need careful research, as long as there is something to study.

In the Akhtyn rayon, a program for resettlement of people is now in place. The city has little work, and the revival of villages with natural or farming will serve as a good impetus for the development of the region.

Akhtyn Fortress

The history of the Akhtyn district is rich in events. The region became the southernmost point on the territory of Russia, and here the southernmost fortress was built. Built in 1839, it became the first defensive line in the south. The fortress has the form of a pentagon, before it was surrounded by a moat and additional stone walls with a height of more than 4 meters and a width of more than 1 meter.

The location was not very successful. Hilly terrain prevented the review and shelling of the enemy from guns. The main battle was fought on near approaches. In the war of 1848 with Imam Shamil the fortress was repeatedly stormed. The enemy's troops captured almost the entire region, but the defensive walls continued to hold, being in complete surroundings.

Today the fortress of Akhtyn is recognized as a monument of history and culture. Despite this, it is closed to visitors. The main buildings are in an emergency condition, and the restoration of the speech is not yet. The monument is under threat of destruction and the ultimate loss for history.

Nature

The Akhtyn district has a beautiful nature and climate. Almost the entire area is covered with meadows, only rarely do they occur copses. A lot of mountain streams and rivulets create an excellent picture.

A unique thermal hydrogen sulphide source is located not far from the village of Kurukal. The mountainous terrain gives a lot of crystal clear waterfalls, the most famous of them is Zrykhsky. Delight and delight is caused by the Mijah's thousand-year-old oak. Numerous valleys of rivers help to find harmony with the world and with yourself.

The Akhtyn district is the southernmost territory of Russia. Here, the originality of the Lezghian culture, together with modern trends, has been partially preserved. The mild climate and beautiful landscapes make this place perfect for rest, which is clearly demonstrated by the photo of the Akhtyn district. The region has its own problems, including numerous abandoned villages, but all this can be overcome.