Located in the North Caucasus, bordering the Caspian Sea and a Republic of Russia, Dagestan is home to almost 3 million mostly muslim population. Ethnically very diverse, it is made up of several dozen ethnic groups and is Russia's most heterogeneous republic, where no ethnicity forms a majority. This relatively isolated corner of Russia, this Land of Mountains as its name translates as, is extremely beautiful and has maintained traditional cultures that have vanished in other regions. But if you search the internet about Dagestan today you will find mostly news stories about muslim extremists, kidnappings and bombings. For over 10 years until late 2012 Dagestan was subject to a small but violent Islamic separatist movement that spilled over from neighbouring Chechnya which is now been largely under control by the Russian Government. But as a result Dagestan today suffers from the turmoil of its past. A place that should receive many visitors and development is often avoided with many local people feeling ignored and abandoned. There is a pride amongst the people of Dagestan and a longing to show people their land. This collection of images aims to show a different side to the Land of Mountains, one that is a far away from its violent reputation.
