Indo-European Languages of the Caucasus

Author(s):  
Oleg Belyaev

Indo-European languages have been spoken in the Caucasus over millenia, alongside languages of the three indigenous families of the region. This chapter provides a general overview of four languages whose core area is situated in the Caucasus (both the North Caucasus and Transcaucasia): Eastern Armenian (which together with Western Armenian forms a separate branch of Indo-European) and three Iranian languages: Ossetic, spoken in North Ossetia, part of Russia, and South Ossetia beyond the mountain range; Judeo-Tat, spoken by Mountain Jews in Dagestan and Azerbaijan; and Talyshi, spoken by the Talysh people mainly in the south of Azerbaijan, but also in neighboring regions of Iran. The chapter captures the current understanding of the core areas of phonology and grammar of these languages and provides information on features that could possibly have been induced by contact with the neighboring Caucasian languages.

Author(s):  
Oleg Belyaev

Ossetic is an Iranian language spoken by around half a million people (Census 2002) mostly in the North Caucasus, in the Republic of North Ossetia–Alania, part of Russia, and in the adjacent region of South Ossetia beyond the Caucasian mountain range. Ossetic is descended from a language spoken by a subgroup of the Alans, a tribe of Sarmatian origin, which has found refuge in the highlands of the Caucasus following the invasions of the Mongols and Tamerlane. Centuries-long contact with neighboring peoples speaking Northwest Caucasian, Northeast Caucasian, South Caucasian, and Turkic languages has made a considerable impact on Ossetic phonology, grammar, and lexicon. Ossetic is a textbook example of an Indo-European language in a foreign linguistic environment, and therefore its data are highly important for the typology of language contact.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chuan-Chao Wang ◽  
Sabine Reinhold ◽  
Alexey Kalmykov ◽  
Antje Wissgott ◽  
Guido Brandt ◽  
...  

AbstractArchaeogenetic studies have described the formation of Eurasian ‘steppe ancestry’ as a mixture of Eastern and Caucasus hunter-gatherers. However, it remains unclear when and where this ancestry arose and whether it was related to a horizon of cultural innovations in the 4thmillennium BCE that subsequently facilitated the advance of pastoral societies likely linked to the dispersal of Indo-European languages. To address this, we generated genome-wide SNP data from 45 prehistoric individuals along a 3000-year temporal transect in the North Caucasus. We observe a genetic separation between the groups of the Caucasus and those of the adjacent steppe. The Caucasus groups are genetically similar to contemporaneous populations south of it, suggesting that – unlike today – the Caucasus acted as a bridge rather than an insurmountable barrier to human movement. The steppe groups from Yamnaya and subsequent pastoralist cultures show evidence for previously undetected farmer-related ancestry from different contact zones, while Steppe Maykop individuals harbour additional Upper Palaeolithic Siberian and Native American related ancestry.


Author(s):  
Yu.A. Dzitstsojty ◽  

In this paper, the Turkic elements in the toponymy of South Ossetia were analyzed. Most of these elements have never been previously studied. A brief survey of the history of the study of Turkisms in the toponymy of the region was performed. It was revealed that the proportion of South Ossetian Turkisms is very insignificant: they account for less than 1% of the total number of toponyms of South Ossetia. Here, it should be emphasized that the study of South Ossetian toponymy and, in particular, Turkisms is at the early stage and, therefore, other Turkisms may be discovered in the future. In the toponymy of North Ossetia, there are many more Turkisms, which is explained by the direct Ossetian-Turkic contacts in the North Caucasus without the participation of the ancestors of South Ossetians. A total of 20 toponyms, all borrowed from the Turkic languages, were analyzed. These are mainly names associated with livestock life, as well as names reflecting the realities of mountain landscapes and water objects. The identified Turkisms in the toponymy of South Ossetia, with rare exceptions, do not occur in the toponymy or dialects of North Ossetia, thereby indicating their independent appearance due to the partial infiltration of the Turkic ethnic element into the territory of South Ossetia.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 123-151
Author(s):  
Denis Sokolov

In the 2000s, Al-Qaeda, represented by the Caucasus Emirate, took over the first Chechen resistance, as well as local Islamist armed groups in Dagestan and other republics of the North Caucasus. However, a decade later, the Islamic State won the competition with Al-Qaeda, by including the involvement of women in its project. Hundreds of Russian-speaking Muslim women followed men to live by the rules of Islam. Some joined their husbands or children. Others travelled to the Islamic State in pursuit of love and romance with future husbands they had met on the internet. Based on exclusive interviews done with women detained in the Roj detention camp in the Kurdish territories in northeastern Syria near the Iraqi border, this article analyzes some of the trajectories that has pushed young North Caucasian women to the Syrian war theater in the name of love.


2018 ◽  
Vol 52 (2) ◽  
pp. 455-462 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Ya. Doroshina ◽  
I. A. Nikolajev

Sphagnum mires on the Greater Caucasus are rare, characterized by the presence of relict plant communities of glacial age and are in a stage of degradation. The study of Sphagnum of Chefandzar and Masota mires is carried out for the first time. Seven species of Sphagnum are recorded. Their distribution and frequency within the North Caucasus are analyzed. Sphagnum contortum, S. platyphyllum, S. russowii, S. squarrosum are recorded for the first time for the study area and for the flora of North Ossetia. The other mosses found in the study area are listed.


Author(s):  
Х.М. Хетагуров

Кленовники Северного Кавказа – особый тип лесных формаций. Особенность проявляется не только в структуре фитоценозов, но и в способах самовозобновления. Объект исследования – чистые и смешанные кленовники в нескольких урочищах РСО-Алания. Объекты расположены в различных условиях горного рельефа и на разной высоте над уровнем моря, от 1100 до 1900 м. Целью исследования является установление особенностей семенного возобновления кленовников, произрастающих в верхнем поясе распространения лесов на Северном Кавказе. Для достижения поставленной цели устанавливали время цветения и созревания семян по вертикальным поясам распространения кленовников. Обилие цветения и средний балл плодоношения устанавливали по В.Г. Капперу. Биометрические характеристики семян определяли по урочищам в трех повторностях. Учет подроста проводили на круговых учетных площадках по 10 м2, в соответствии с методикой А.В. Грязькина. Установлено, что цветение клена Траутфеттера начинается 10–14 мая и заканчивается в третьей декаде мая. Семена начинают созревать к концу августа – к началу сентября. Сроки опадения семян растянуты. Часть семян попадает на почву до начала листопада, поэтому они оказываются погребенными под опадом. Такие семена быстро теряют всхожесть, выпревают. Другая часть опадает вместе с листьями. Третья категория семян (самые легкие) держатся на деревьях до декабря и даже до весны. Естественное возобновление клена семенами под пологом материнского древостоя сильно затруднено из-за мощного травяного покрова. В древостое с сомкнутым пологом доля цветущих и плодоносящих деревьев составляет 2–3%, а средний балл плодоношения составляет 1,3. Освещенность на поверхности почвы не превышает 100 люкс, т. е. составляет 0,2–0,3% от освещенности на открытом месте; на высоте 1,3 м (над травостоем) освещенность несколько выше – от 1,2 до 1,6 тыс. люкс. Под пологом древостоя преобладает подрост вегетативного происхождения. У верхней границы кленового леса подрост семенного происхождения встречается в окнах, прогалинах и на открытых местах в количестве 430–630 экз./га. По высоте преобладает крупный подрост 50–60%, доля мелкого – 10–20%. The maple stands of the North Caucasus – a special type of forest formations. The peculiarity is manifested not only in the structure of phytocoenoses, but also in the ways of self-renewing. Object of research – pure and mixed maple stands in some areas of North Ossetia-Alania. The properties are located in various mountainous terrain and at different heights above sea level from 1100 to 1900 m. The aim of the study is to establish the characteristics of the seed the resumption of the maple stands growing in the upper belt of forests spread in the Northern Caucasus. To achieve this goal setting time of flowering and ripening of seeds on vertical zones distribution dominated. The abundance of flowering and the average score of fruiting was established by V.G. Capper. Biometric characteristics of the seeds was determined by the tracts in three replicates. Accounting for the undergrowth was carried out on a circular experimental plots at 10 m2, in accordance with the method of A.V. Grashkin. It is established that the flowering maple Trautvetter begins may 10–14 and ends in the third week of may. Seeds begin to ripen by late August – early September. The timing of subsidence of the stretched seed. Some of the seeds falls to the ground before the leaves, so they are trapped under the litter. These seeds quickly lose their germination, vypivaet. The other part falls along with the leaves. The third category of seeds (the light) stay on the trees until December and even till spring. Natural regeneration of maple seeds under the canopy of parent stand is very difficult due to the strong grass cover. In forest stands with dense canopy, proportion of flowering and fruit-bearing trees is 2–3%, and the average score of fruiting is 1.3. The illumination on the surface of the soil does not exceed 100 Lux, i. e. 0.2–0.3% of the light in the open, at a height of 1.3 m (on grass) the lighting is slightly higher, from 1.2 to 1.6 thousand Suite. Under the canopy of the forest the undergrowth is dominated by vegetative origin. At the upper boundary of the maple forest, saplings of seed origin occurs in Windows, clearings and open places in the number 430–630 ind./ha. In height dominated by large undergrowth of 50–60%, the share of small – 10–20%.


2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 410-420
Author(s):  
Vladimir N. KAVKAZKY ◽  
◽  
Yana V. MEL’NIK ◽  
Alexey P. LEIKIN ◽  
Andrey V. BENIN ◽  
...  

Objective: Chirkeyskaya HPP is by far the most powerful hydroelectric power plant in the North Caucasus with the highest arched dam in Russia and the second highest dam in the country after the Sayano-Shushenskaya HPP. This explains why it is called the pearl of the Caucasus. Methods: For the operation and maintenance of this unique structure, a large-scale complex of underground structures for various purposes was built, the technical condition of which must be constantly monitored. To carry out work on the survey of underground structures, the management of the design and survey institute of JSC “Lengidroproekt” decided to attract specialists from the Department of Tunnels and Subways and the Test Center “Strength” of Emperor Alexander I Petersburg State Transport University. The work was successfully carried out at the end of 2015. Results: The safety of underground structures was objectively assessed. Recommendations for the repair and further comprehensive reconstruction of the Chirkeyskaya HPP have been developed. Practical importance: Carry out work on the survey of underground structures of Chirkeyskaya HPP is allowes elaborate of complex measures on safety from Chirkeyskaya HPP.


Kavkaz-forum ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 82-90
Author(s):  
Ф.С. Киреев

В статье анализируются причины строительства Владикавказской железной дороги и механизм сооружения этой важной железнодорожной артерии. Актуальность темы анализа истории развития железнодорожной сети Северо-Кавказского региона определяется необходимостью подробного изучения проблем ее социально-экономического развития. Строительство Ростово-Владикавказской железной дороги также является примером государственно-частного сотрудничества, которое хорошо себя оправдало. Дорога была построена полностью за счет средств акционеров, среди которых были как крупные промышленники, так и простые обыватели. Находясь в частной собственности, Владикавказская железная дорога хорошо функционировала и развивалась. При этом государство получило важную транспортную артерию, имевшую большое экономическое и военно-стратегическое значение. Немаловажным было и то, что за счет Владикавказской железной дороги был построен ряд социальных объектов – больницы, учебные заведения. В статье также показана заинтересованность общественности Владикавказа и региона в целом в строительстве железной дороги. Различные варианты прокладки пути, строительства станций широко обсуждались как специалистами, так и простыми горожанами. В итоге был выбран наиболее оптимальный путь и месторасположения станции Владикавказ. В свое время, благодаря открытию Владикавказской железной дороги, был дан заметный импульс дальнейшему развитию торговли и промышленности на Северном Кавказе. Последующее расширение транспортных артерий уже в наши дни может существенно оживить экономику Кавказа и России в целом, а также внести свой вклад в деле развития туризма в регионе. В связи с этим и необходимо анализировать историю строительства Владикавказской железной дороги и перенимать лучший опыт прошлого. The article analyzes the reasons for constructing Vladikavkaz railway and the mechanism of constructing this important railway artery. The topic relevance of studying the history of the railway network in the North Caucasus is determined by the necessity for further problem research of its socio-economic development. In its time Vladikavkaz railway had a huge impact on the development of trade and industry in the North Caucasus. The construction of the Rostov-Vladikavkaz railway is also an example of public-private cooperation, which has paid off well. The road was built entirely at the expense of shareholders, among whom were both large industrialists and ordinary people. Being privately owned, the Vladikavkaz railway functioned and developedwell. At the same time, the state acquired an important transport artery of great economic and military-strategic importance. It was also important that a number of social facilities were built at the expense of the Vladikavkaz railway - hospitals, educational institutions. The article also shows the interest of the public in Vladikavkaz and the region as a whole in the construction of the railway. Various options for laying the track, building stations were widely discussed by both specialists and ordinary citizens. As a result, the most optimal route and location of the Vladikavkaz station were chosen. Further expansion of transport arteries today can significantly revive the economy of the Caucasus and Russia as a whole, as well as contribute to the development of tourism in the region. In this regard, it is necessary to analyze the history of constructing Vladikavkaz railway and adopt the best experience of the past.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Н.Ф. Бугай

В статье на основе исследований российских ученых, архивных документов, воспоминаний рассматривается слабо изученная в отечественной историографии проблема участия представителей этнических меньшинств в битвах за Кавказ и Крым в ходе Великой Отечественной войны. В качестве примера автором избраны этнические общности курдов и корейцев. Использованы историко-генетический, историко-биографический и системно-исторический методы. Изучены меры советского командования по формированию национальных воинских подразделений; реконструированы биографии героев войны – корейцев и курдов, участвовавших в освобождении Юга России и получивших боевые награды; прослежена их послевоенная судьба; рассмотрены репрессивные действия советского правительства по отношению к военнослужащим некоторых национальностей. Автор заключает, что представители разных народов СССР, столкнувшись с врагом, проявили стремление к единству и добровольное желание выступить на защиту государства, которое они избрали своей Родиной. The aim of the article is to reconstruct the biographies of participants in the Great Patriotic War (1941–1945), who belonged to ethnic minorities and fought for the liberation of the Caucasus and Crimea from Nazi invaders. As an example, the author selected ethnic communities of Kurds and Koreans. The study was conducted on the basis of research by Russian scholars, archival documents, and memoirs of direct participants in the events. The historical-genetic, historical-biographical and system-historical methods were used. The measures of the Soviet command for the formation of national military units were studied, the biographies of war heroes, Koreans and Kurds who participated in the liberation of the South of Russia and received military awards (including the title Hero of the Soviet Union) were reconstructed. The author describes in detail the military clashes during which these fighters showed military prowess, presents their photographs, and traces their further military path, post-war fate and forms of their memory perpetuation. Quotations from the war veterans’ front-line letters and their relatives’ memoirs are given. The repressive actions of the Soviet government towards the military personnel of certain nationalities, who after the demobilization received the status of “special settlers” and lost their military tickets and award sheets, are also considered. The author emphasizes that the fight against the enemy was a test of strength for the unity of the peoples living in the Caucasus and Crimea. Examples of civic solidarity in the fight against the enemy shown by ethnic minorities in the early days of the war (mass enrollment in volunteers, holding civil rallies) are given. It is noted that representatives of local ethnic communities became the basis of 12 military units that were at the forefront of the defenders of the Caucasus. The paradoxical nature of the situation in which USSR citizens were repressed for various (often far-fetched) reasons is stated; however, during the war they still heroically fought against Nazism with arms in their hands. The author connects the repressions against members of the ethnic minorities with the ethnosocial policy pursued by the Soviet state, as well as the spread of desertion and draft evasion in the North Caucasus and Crimea. It is concluded that representatives of ethnic minorities living in the USSR, faced with the enemy, showed a desire for unity and a voluntary desire to defend the state, which they chose as their homeland.


2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 153-166
Author(s):  
Maxim A. Suchkov

The North Caucasus is a most significant but a least understood problem in contemporary U.S.-Russia relations. The United States as one of the prime pace-setters in the region shaped its own attitude towards Russia’s most volatile region. Over more than twenty years, Washington experienced at least three major stages in its “Caucasus strategy”, and each stage had its impact on the North Caucasus. Since the beginning, the two states stuck to conflicting narratives of developments in the region. With time, some of the assessments were re-evaluated, but some continue to impede cooperation on key security issues. The present article explores these phenomena and examines what implications major events like the 9/11 attacks, the Caucasus Emirate enlistment among top terrorist organisations, the Boston marathon bombings, etc. had for the U.S.-Russia joint efforts in fighting terrorism. It also assesses areas of potential disagreement in the North Caucasus between the two countries.


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