Kabardino-Balkaria. Agriculture of Kabardino-Balkaria

The ancestors of modern Kabardians, known as the Circassians, by the middle of the 1st millennium BC. on the Taman Peninsula they had their own state association, which later became part of the Bosporan kingdom. Invasion of the Huns in the 4th century. forced the Circassians to move closer to the Caucasus Mountains.

The ancestors of modern Kabardians, known as the Circassians, by the middle of the 1st millennium BC. on the Taman Peninsula they had their own state association, which later became part of the Bosporan kingdom. Invasion of the Huns in the 4th century. forced the Circassians to move closer to the Caucasus Mountains. Around the same time, as a result of the mixing of North Caucasian tribes with Bulgarians from the Azov region, the Balkar nation was formed. In the 13th century In connection with the invasion of the Mongol-Tatars, the ancestors of the Balkars moved to the mountains. By the 14th century Some of the Circassians received the name Kabardians and occupied the modern territory of settlement.

In 1557, under the rule of Temryuk, Kabarda voluntarily became part of the Russian state. Soon, Ivan IV the Terrible married the Kabardian princess Maria, which significantly strengthened relations between the two countries. In 1774, after the signing of the Kuchuk-Kainardzhi Peace with Turkey, the annexation of Kabarda to Russia received international recognition. By 1827, the annexation of Balkaria to Russia was completed. In the 60s 19th century Kabarda and Balkaria were included in the Terek region. In 1867, serfdom was abolished here.

In 1921, the Kabardian Autonomous Region was formed as part of Russia, and in 1922 it was united with Balkaria. In 1936 the region was transformed into the Kabardino-Balkarian Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic.

From October 1942 to March 1943, Kabardino-Balkaria was occupied by Nazi troops.

On the site of Nalchik, an aul was founded in 1743, and from 1808 it became the administrative and political center of Kabarda, the residence of the Kabardian princes. In 1822 the Russian fortress Nalchik was built on the Caucasian border line. In 1838, a military settlement was founded at the fortress, in 1871 it was transformed into a settlement, the center of the Nalchik district of the Terek region.

Concluded an alliance with Russia. [ ]

Archaeological settlements

Name

Population

Kabardians

Main article: History of the Circassians

Later, when the Russians appeared on the historical arena, their chroniclers in 965 began to call the Kabardians - “KOSOGI” - see - Kosogi.

By the XV-XVI centuries. refers to the massive and peaceful resettlement of part of the Circassians (Kabardians) to the plains of the Central Ciscaucasia, almost depopulated after the pogroms committed by the hordes of the Central Asian conqueror Tamerlane at the very end of the 14th century.

Russians

After the Caucasian War, Russians became the second largest ethnic group in Kabardino-Balkaria. The rapprochement between Kabardins and Russians began in the 15th century, at the same time the settlement of Russian Cossacks began North Caucasus and the Terek Cossack army was created.

At the end of the 19th century, the Cossack villages flourished, and a settlement appeared near the Nalchik fortress. After construction at the end of the 19th century railway and the development of crafts, the share of the Russian population in the region increases significantly. Many Russian specialists came to Kabardino-Balkaria after the Great Patriotic War within the framework of the policy of the socialist state for the industrialization of outlying regions. Russian is the language of interethnic communication of the peoples of Kabardino-Balkaria.

Balkars

Balkars are also the indigenous people of the Caucasus and Kabardino-Balkaria. In accordance with currently available scientific developments The basis of this nationality should be considered the local Caucasian tribes, bearers of the Koban archaeological culture, which developed in the 14th-13th centuries. BC. in the mountains and gorges of the Central Caucasus, based on ancient population. In the 4th century. AD One of the Alan tribes, who were expelled by the Huns from the steppes of Ciscaucasia to the mountains, merged with the mountaineers - descendants of the Kobans. In the V-VI centuries. AD groups of Bulgarians settle in the Ciscaucasia. To the previously formed Alan-Koban ethnic group Turkic-speaking Bulgarians joined, who later became the main ethnic core of the Balkar people. As a result of the Mongol campaigns and especially the defeat of Alania, carried out by the hordes of the Central Asian conqueror Tamerlane at the very end of the 14th century, the ancestors of the Balkars were forced into the mountains.

A small republic not only by the standards of Russia, but even relative to the Greater Caucasus - Kabardino-Balkaria. The religion of this region differs from the generally accepted one in the country, but this is not what makes the republic famous throughout the world. This is where the highest mountains in Europe are located.

Story

Balkaria and Kabarda were completely separate regions until 1922. Part Russian Empire Kabarda became a state in 1557, while Balkaria only in 1827. Officially, these territories were transferred to our state in 1774 under the Kuchuk-Kainardzhi Treaty.

Kabarda and our country have always been on friendly terms, but they became especially close after Ivan the Terrible married the daughter of the Prince of Kabarda, Temryuk Idarov. In 1561 Goshane became his wife Russian ruler, taking the name Mary after baptism. Her brothers went to serve the tsar, founding the family of princes of Cherkasy, who gave Russia many politicians and famous commanders.

In 1944, “thanks to” Stalin, the Balkars were deported. More than 37 thousand people were sent to Central Asia in 14 echelons, among whom were both babies and ancient people. Their only fault was that they were born Balkars. 562 people died on the road. At the end point of the route, carefully guarded barracks were set up for people. For 13 years people actually lived in camps. Leaving without permission was equivalent to escape and was a criminal offense. The story seemed to stop there, since only Kabardians were allowed to remain in the name. Fortunately, in 1957 the Balkars were rehabilitated and the republic returned to its former name.

Since ancient times, Kabardians lived on the plains, while Balkars lived in the mountains. To this day, the situation remains virtually unchanged: the vast majority of villages in the mountains belong to the Balkars. However, the mountaineers are gradually descending into the flat part of the republic. In addition to these two peoples, the republic is inhabited by about ten other nationalities, including Russians.

Republic

First of all, Kabardino-Balkaria, whose religion is an important part of the culture, is known for its highest mountains: most of the world-famous five-thousanders are located on its territory.

The relief increases as you move south - the northern plains gradually rise and bring the traveler to the main Caucasian ridge. It is here, next to Karachay-Cherkessia, that rises Mingi-Tau, known to most under the name Elbrus.

Kabardino-Balkaria, whose religion and language are inextricably linked with the beginning of the history of these peoples, is in no hurry to urbanize. On the territory of the republic there are only 8 cities that remain faithful to the precepts of antiquity. The rest of the population lives in villages and auls located high in the mountains, on the banks of rivers or in gorges. The largest gorges vary greatly in natural conditions, and according to the degree of development. Thus, it is a well-known route for tourists to Cheget and Elbrus. Whereas Khulamo-Bezengiskoe remains a poorly developed area today, accessible only to hikers and climbers. To this day, all gorges have two things in common: stunning, incredible beauty and sheep.

Kabardino-Balkaria, whose religion prohibits the consumption of pork, focuses on sheep farming. Even where human habitation is not visible to the horizon, flocks roam. As soon as thunder thunders, frightening the animals with its echoing rolls, no less piercing cries of sheep are heard in the piercing silence. This makes an incredible impression - the roll call of the elements, the panicky voices of nature. Cows are slightly less popular in the republic. These animals are afraid of little and no matter the disturbances of nature, they still move slowly along the roads, phlegmatically working their jaws.

High in the mountains, with great luck, you can see a real symbol of the Caucasus - mountain tours: early in the morning these animals make their way along mountain paths to their grazing places.

The origin of Kabardino-Balkaria suggests a large number of mountain villages, life in which remains unchanged for many centuries. However, after the deportation, despite subsequent rehabilitation, people were not allowed to return to their homes. This is what explains the ruins of villages, through which only the wind blows today.

However, there are still authentic villages in the republic. Even today, everything happens here the same as it did hundreds of years before: elders gather in the central part of the settlement to discuss matters or have a leisurely conversation. Children are running around the streets, women are baking khichina and knitting socks. Centuries-old traditions and everyday life come together here in the most natural way.

Religion

Over the years, Kabardino-Balkaria has become more and more religious. Religion has a positive effect on all areas of the population’s life: for example, there are no drunk or homeless local residents. A woman smoking in rural areas will not only cause confusion, but will also attract comments from residents. Most women wear long skirts and headscarves. In the cities, however, young people are increasingly disregarding these conventions, but you won’t see revealing clothes on the locals here. When traveling to Kabardino-Balkaria, you should take these features into account and not take with you excessively tight outfits or extreme minis.

Customs

A clear difference between both Balkars and Kabardians from Russians is their incredible hospitality. They are able to invite someone whom they barely had time to meet. According to tradition, neither children nor the hostess sit at the table with the guest and men. They watch from the sidelines, waiting for the moment when their help may be needed. In cities this tradition is almost forgotten, but in villages it is firmly adhered to. You won’t be able to seat the hostess with you, so just thank her for her hospitality.

In the Caucasus, it is considered extremely impolite to interrupt your interlocutor, but interrupting a person older than you is simply impossible.

What is the republic famous for?

You can come to the republic all year round: There will always be entertainment for the season. Of course, in winter the first place is to relax at ski resorts and climb to the peaks. However, this is not only winter holidays- there is always snow on Cheget and Elbrus, you just need to climb higher.

In the warm season, mineral waters, mud, climatic resorts, hot springs and pine forests with their healing air are popular in Kabardino-Balkaria. In addition, lovers of hiking, horseback riding, and mountaineering also come here.

Transport

Major cities are easy to reach, as are tourist spots. Although not often, buses run regularly from Nalchik to all gorges. It is easy to get to any of the resorts by taxi. However, traveling through the passes is only possible in very capable vehicles. Passenger car will be able to move only in the Baksan Gorge.

Trains can take you to Terek, Nalchik, Maisky and Prokhladny. On the main territory of the republic, the laying of railway tracks is inaccessible due to the terrain.

Kitchen

Many types of cheeses, a variety of milk products, active consumption of vegetables - this is all Kabardino-Balkaria. Islam is a religion that excludes the consumption of pork, so lamb is most often eaten. Residents prefer to drink ayran - fermented milk product. Wine is sold only in tourist places, despite the fact that for most people the Caucasus is associated with homemade wine.

Souvenirs

Kabardino-Balkaria can offer a lot of knitted items. Religion (which one? Of course, Islam) makes it possible to eat lamb, but these animals are also famous for their wool, from which women knit beautiful and warm things.

Ceramic products that exactly replicate archaeological finds are very popular among tourists. Embossing, chain mail, bronze and leather items are what travelers in the Elbrus region are happy to buy.

September 1 marks the Day of Formation of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic. 90 years ago, on September 1, 1921, the All-Russian Central Executive Committee of the RSFSR approved a decree on the formation of the Kabardian Autonomous Okrug as part of the RSFSR.

Kabardino-Balkarian Republic- republic consisting of Russian Federation, a subject of the Russian Federation, is part of the North Caucasus Federal District.

Located on the northern slopes and foothills of the central part of the Greater Caucasus. In the south it borders with Georgia, in the north - with the Stavropol Territory, in the west - with Karachay-Cherkessia, in the east and southeast - with North Ossetia. In the south, four ridges of the Greater Caucasus stretch parallel: Cretaceous, Skalisty, Bokovoy (height up to 5642 m, Mount Elbrus) and Main (or Vodorazdelny).

The Kabardino-Balkarian Republic consists of 10 administrative-territorial districts, 5 cities of regional subordination and 3 republican cities. The capital is the city of Nalchik. Big cities: Tyrnyauz, Prokhladny, Baksan.

The Republic is one of the most densely populated regions of the country. The population density here is about 71.7 people per square meter. km.

The population as of January 1, 2010 was 894 thousand people, the share of the urban population was 64.4%.

Kabardino-Balkaria is a multinational republic where representatives of more than a hundred nationalities live. Of these, Kabardians make up about 55%, Balkars - 11.6%, Russians - 25.1%, Ukrainians, Ossetians, Tats, Georgians and representatives of other nationalities - 8.3%.

The territory of the republic was inhabited by Kabardians and Balkars in the XIII-XV centuries. Kabardians, speaking the language of the Abkhaz-Adyghe group, traditionally inhabited the plain and foothills. Turkic-speaking Balkars settled in the mountains. These territories were repeatedly subjected to devastating raids by the khans of the Golden Horde, Timur (XIV century). In 1557, the supreme Kabardian prince Temryuk Aidarov asked for Russian protection. In 1561, Temryuk's daughter Guashchenei (baptized Maria) became the wife of Ivan the Terrible.

Relations between Kabarda and Russia have strengthened. From the middle of the 16th century. The Kabardian people actively participated in the struggle of the Russian state for access to the Black Sea. Representatives of the Kabardian nobility occupied prominent positions at the royal court and in the troops. Strongholds were created on the Terek and Sunzha rivers for the defense of the North Caucasus from the Crimean and Turkish conquerors, which also contributed to the establishment of ties between Russia and Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The Belgrade Peace Treaty (1739), signed after the Russian-Turkish War of 1735-1739, declared Kabarda neutral, and according to the Kuchuk-Kainardzhi Peace (1774), Turkey recognized it integral part Russia. By 1827, the annexation of Balkaria to Russia was completed. The annexation had progressive significance for Kabarda and Balkaria. They received protection from Crimean Khanate and the Turkish Empire.

In January 1921, Kabarda and Balkaria as administrative districts became part of the Mountain Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic.

In July 1921, the Congress of Soviets of Kabarda, supported by the workers of the entire district, asked the highest bodies of the RSFSR to separate Kabarda from the Mountain Republic into the Kabardian Autonomous Region.

On September 1, 1921, on the basis of the Decree of the All-Russian Central Executive Committee (VTsIK), Kabarda was first proclaimed a full-fledged subject of the Russian state.

On January 16, 1922, by a resolution of the All-Russian Central Executive Committee, the Balkar Okrug was separated from the Mountain Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic and merged with the Kabardian Autonomous Okrug, resulting in the formation of the united Kabardino-Balkarian Autonomous Region.

In 1936, the autonomous region was transformed into the Kabardino-Balkarian Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic.

In 1944, the autonomy of the Balkars was eliminated, and the population was forcibly evicted. In 1957, the Kabardino-Balkarian Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic was restored.

In August 1991, the post of president was introduced.

After the collapse of the USSR in February 1992, the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic was formed as part of Russia.

The economy of Kabardino-Balkaria is basically an established diversified economic complex that corresponds to the natural, climatic and demographic conditions of the republic.

The basis of the material and raw material base of the republic are ores of non-ferrous and rare metals, oil and natural gas, different kinds mining chemical raw materials, mineral and fresh waters different meaning, numerous types of valuable building materials. In total, over 40 mineral deposits are exploited, and the estimated reserves mineral waters amount to more than 12 thousand cubic meters of daily debit. A number of deposits are unique in scale and type. On the basis of tungsten and molybdenum ore reserves, one of the largest in the world, the Tyrnyauz tungsten-molybdenum plant, was created.

The republic produces oil production equipment, various types of electrical cables, diamond tools, artificial leather and film materials. These products are in great demand in both domestic and foreign markets.

Based on the results of the first half of 2011, the foreign trade turnover of participants foreign economic activity Kabardino-Balkaria amounted to $84.55 million, which is 190% higher than the level of January-June 2010. The largest trade turnover in the reporting half-year was with Italy ($36.67 million), Germany ($13.65 million), China ($5.43 million) and Turkey ($3.37 million).

The volume of export operations amounted to $9.53 million, which is $1.13 million higher than the volumes of the first half of 2010. At the same time, 68.03% of exports went to non-CIS countries, which in value terms amounted to $6.48 million. The export volume to the CIS countries amounted to $3.05 million (31.97%).

Volume foreign trade enterprises of the republic in its import part amounted to $75.02 million, an increase of $54.27 million compared to the same period in 2010. Goods worth $69.74 million (an increase of 306%) were imported from non-CIS countries, and $3.6 million worth of goods were imported from the CIS (an increase of 46.43%).

Kabardino-Balkaria is an all-Russian and international region of tourism, mountaineering and skiing. There are tourist centers, alpine camps and comfortable hotels here. The republic's ski slopes are not inferior to, and in many respects superior to, world-famous resort slopes Western Europe. An important part of the economic potential of the republic is the recreational complex, created on the basis of the use of medicinal mineral springs and unique natural conditions.

In 2010, the republic was visited by 194 thousand tourists, of which about 100 thousand vacationed in the Elbrus region.

Kabardino-Balkaria has great cultural potential, combining the historical traditions of its peoples with the achievements contemporary art. There are professional theaters, choreographic and folklore-ethnographic ensembles, and a state philharmonic society in the republic. Rich in tradition art culture preserved in the products of masters of decorative and applied arts; Jewelry and blacksmithing crafts are widely developed.