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Ethnic mosaics of the Stavropol region
Russia Today
15 October, 2009, 16:52
A melting pot of religions, Russia's Stavropol region is home to 14
ethnicities, which makes its diverse culture truly unique.
Whether it's a traditional Russian song, the serenity of prayer within
an Armenian church, or even the simplicity of daily conversation
around the dinner table in an Islamic home, the cultural, religious
and ethnic diversity in the region is special.
"There are Christians, Muslims and Jewish people here. We even have
Catholics, but we try not to consider the religious differences. We
consider ourselves people of our town who live together," says Sultan
Temirov, who is the head of the Cherkess Society in the resort city
of Pyatigorsk.
Though the thought is noble, but the practice is not always
successful. The Caucasus has been home to a multitude of ethnic groups
for centuries, and the area is known for clashes.
Read more
"The two most recent examples are the conflicts in Chechnya. According
to some figures, more than 200,000 Chechens died, and that is not
including other nationalities. Now, after another Caucasian war,
we have to find another way for peace," Sultan hopes.
The Stavropol region has seen its share of violence as well. In 2003,
four suicide bombers attacked a commuter train in the resort town of
Essentuki, killing 40 people and injuring nearly 160 more.
More recently, last June, a fight broke out in a small village
of Irgakly, drawing national attention. Around 200 young men are
said to have taken part, with several people injured and dozens of
arrests. Media reported that it was an ethnic brawl, although villagers
were quick to dismiss it as a "scuffle over daily issues." One way
or another, a conflict resolution process was launched after the fight.
The governor of the region said economic problems are partly to
blame for any tension. A series of meetings was held involving
the men who took part in the fight, as well as local officials and
religious leaders.
"How the ld be admired and appreciated. The two opposing sides found
in themselves enough will to overcome the conflict. They shook hands
and showed that they want peace and have the ability to forgive each
other," believes Zaynudin Azizov, head of Dagestanian Diaspora in
Irgakly village.
There are so many different cultures in this area each with their own
customs, costume and song, but instead of taking this diversity and
using it as a reason to fight, they are choosing to celebrate their
diversity and are using it to bring people together.
Community leaders hope that this message can be embraced in the rest
of the Caucasus as well.
"We meet here in this home of friendship and we try to understand
each other, culture, cooking, and traditions. We try to leave the
old unnecessary stuff and keep the clever traditions, and using this
we are trying to teach youngsters according to the modern situation,
but using past experience," says Sultan Temirov.
Among those of different faiths, there also seems to be a genuine
effort to try and understand each other.
"Nearby we have a mosque and when they have religious holidays they are
always inviting us and we go with pleasure. When other events happen
in town, representatives from different groups come together and we
have friendly communication and continue to discover new qualities
in each other," says Armenian priest Khachatur.
Orthodox priest Father Vladimir believes this is the key to much-needed
peace in the turbulent region:
"It is a fact that is inspiring me and giving me strength to believe
in my home and that here, where we live, we will have peace, order
and stability."
North Caucasus is a very multinational area with lots of influences
and living there you can hear songs of many nations, says poet and
composer Damir Yakubov.
"Whatever song you sing - everybody seems to know it and people
get engaged immediately and everybody loves what happens around and
everybody is happy."
Russia Today
15 October, 2009, 16:52
A melting pot of religions, Russia's Stavropol region is home to 14
ethnicities, which makes its diverse culture truly unique.
Whether it's a traditional Russian song, the serenity of prayer within
an Armenian church, or even the simplicity of daily conversation
around the dinner table in an Islamic home, the cultural, religious
and ethnic diversity in the region is special.
"There are Christians, Muslims and Jewish people here. We even have
Catholics, but we try not to consider the religious differences. We
consider ourselves people of our town who live together," says Sultan
Temirov, who is the head of the Cherkess Society in the resort city
of Pyatigorsk.
Though the thought is noble, but the practice is not always
successful. The Caucasus has been home to a multitude of ethnic groups
for centuries, and the area is known for clashes.
Read more
"The two most recent examples are the conflicts in Chechnya. According
to some figures, more than 200,000 Chechens died, and that is not
including other nationalities. Now, after another Caucasian war,
we have to find another way for peace," Sultan hopes.
The Stavropol region has seen its share of violence as well. In 2003,
four suicide bombers attacked a commuter train in the resort town of
Essentuki, killing 40 people and injuring nearly 160 more.
More recently, last June, a fight broke out in a small village
of Irgakly, drawing national attention. Around 200 young men are
said to have taken part, with several people injured and dozens of
arrests. Media reported that it was an ethnic brawl, although villagers
were quick to dismiss it as a "scuffle over daily issues." One way
or another, a conflict resolution process was launched after the fight.
The governor of the region said economic problems are partly to
blame for any tension. A series of meetings was held involving
the men who took part in the fight, as well as local officials and
religious leaders.
"How the ld be admired and appreciated. The two opposing sides found
in themselves enough will to overcome the conflict. They shook hands
and showed that they want peace and have the ability to forgive each
other," believes Zaynudin Azizov, head of Dagestanian Diaspora in
Irgakly village.
There are so many different cultures in this area each with their own
customs, costume and song, but instead of taking this diversity and
using it as a reason to fight, they are choosing to celebrate their
diversity and are using it to bring people together.
Community leaders hope that this message can be embraced in the rest
of the Caucasus as well.
"We meet here in this home of friendship and we try to understand
each other, culture, cooking, and traditions. We try to leave the
old unnecessary stuff and keep the clever traditions, and using this
we are trying to teach youngsters according to the modern situation,
but using past experience," says Sultan Temirov.
Among those of different faiths, there also seems to be a genuine
effort to try and understand each other.
"Nearby we have a mosque and when they have religious holidays they are
always inviting us and we go with pleasure. When other events happen
in town, representatives from different groups come together and we
have friendly communication and continue to discover new qualities
in each other," says Armenian priest Khachatur.
Orthodox priest Father Vladimir believes this is the key to much-needed
peace in the turbulent region:
"It is a fact that is inspiring me and giving me strength to believe
in my home and that here, where we live, we will have peace, order
and stability."
North Caucasus is a very multinational area with lots of influences
and living there you can hear songs of many nations, says poet and
composer Damir Yakubov.
"Whatever song you sing - everybody seems to know it and people
get engaged immediately and everybody loves what happens around and
everybody is happy."