Situated between Russia, Turkey, and Iran and comprising part of the Russian Federation along with Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, the Caucasus region is best known for ethnic and religious divides that have resulted in bloody conflicts for centuries, most recently between various minorities and the post-Soviet independent states. This extensive volume reveals the rich and multifaceted nature of the Caucasus and includes a study of the region’s transition to independence; an exploration of the area’s religions; and a discussion of the role of art in war-torn communities. It is necessary reading for anyone with an interest in one of the world’s most complex regions.
Françoise Companjenis a senior lecturer at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and manager of Caucasus Interconnect.László Maráczis a lecturer in Eastern European studies at the University of Amsterdam.Lia Versteeghis a lecturer in European law at the University of Amsterdam.
On the spelling, words and map in this book
Map
Introduction
Françoise Companjen, László Marácz and Lia Versteegh
1. Gábor Bálint de Szentkatolna (1844-1913) and the Study of Kabardian
László Marácz
2. The Ethnic-Political Arrangement of the Peoples of the Caucasus
René Does
3. An Island of Classical Arabic in the Caucasus: Dagestan
Michael Kemper
4. Chechnya and Russia, between Revolt and Loyalty
Marc Jansen
5. Recent Political History of the South Caucasus in the Context of Transition
Françoise Companjen
6. Authoritarianism and Party Politics in the South Caucasus
Mals)