When the conversation comes about the inhabitants of the Caucasus, the image of a dark-skinned person, with dark hair and thick black eyebrows, immediately forms in the head. This is how, according to the majority, Ossetians, Ingush, Georgians and Armenians look like. But often bright children are born in families of representatives of this group of nationalities. No, they are far from blondes of the Scandinavian type, but light brown hair, gray, blue or green eyes are not so rare.
Mixed Marriages: Nature's Lottery
Why is this happening? One of the reasons, of course, is intermarriage in previous generations. The "white-skinned" gene is recessive, so brunettes are born in mixed couples much more often. However, the genetic information is preserved and after a few generations a smiling blue-eyed blond may be born. And then the young father should not grab his heart, but first of all you need to look into the album with family photos. There is sure to be a golden-haired beauty or a man with hair the color of ripe wheat.
The legacy of ancestors
But not only close ancestors can cause the appearance of a fair-haired baby in a Caucasian family. It is enough to turn to historical sources to find out that the ancestors of the Ossetians and Ingush were not at all like their contemporaries. In the annals, they are described as tall, with white skin and mostly blond hair.
The Alans, as this nomadic ethnic group was called, lived on a vast territory stretching from the Roman Empire to Asia. After numerous wars, some of them settled on the territory of modern Ossetia and Ingushetia, mixed with local tribes. But even here heredity and evolutionary mechanisms came into play - dark hair is inherited more often, in a warm climate it is much more comfortable to have skin rich in melanin. Therefore, the population gradually became more and more like contemporaries.
The proof of this hypothesis is also the notes of the researcher ethnographer I.I. Pantyukhov. He argued that the percentage of bright eyes among individual peoples of the Caucasus ranges up to 30%, which is comparable to the rates of Europeans and Slavs.
Blonde Circassians
The Circassians were one of the most numerous nationalities living on the territory of the modern Stavropol Territory. Ethnographers described them as "fair-haired, with a red mustache and fair skin, gray or light brown eyes."
However, during the Russian-Caucasian war, a significant part fled to Turkey. But many stayed. The closest genetically to the Circassians are the inhabitants of the village of Karm, it is difficult to distinguish them from a European exactly until they start talking.
There is also a hypothesis that the Circassians are the descendants of the Slavs, in particular the Cossacks, since the self-name "Cossackia" is often found in studies. (Russian Antiquities in Art Monuments. I. Tolstoy and N. Kondakov)
Caucasian Albanians
Lived on the territory of the Caucasus and the tribe, which was called the Albanians - white-skinned, fair-haired Caucasians. They were strikingly different from the Turks, were taller, had completely different beliefs and culture. Even the self-name of the nation comes from the Latin albus - “white”, which confirms the theory of historians about tribes that are not similar to the Caspian type that is now common.
Unfortunately, a significant part of the Albanians were destroyed during the numerous wars with the Arabs, but "genetic echoes" are also found among contemporaries.
Svans
Unlike the Albanians, the Svans did not disappear, they did not dissolve into the turbulent cauldron of small ethnic groups. They, like four thousand years ago, live in the highest mountainous region of Georgia (from 600 to 2500 meters above sea level). Their language is significantly different from Georgian, but gradually disappears, remaining only in the everyday speech of the older generation.
The royal colonel Bartholomew described these people as tall, with a proud profile, fair-haired and blue-eyed. He noted their innocence and kindness, as well as the fact that the Svans sacredly honored their traditions. Their culture developed in isolation for a long time, this allowed them to maintain genetic homogeneity.
And even after uniting with Georgia into one state, the Georgians were afraid of the Svans. Blond highlanders honored traditions, and blood feud was one of the most common ways to resolve family disputes. Therefore, mixed marriages have become commonplace only in the last few decades. And the gene of "golden curls" often manifests itself, displacing the dominant Caspian appearance.
Chechens
Modern Chechens and Ingush are direct descendants of the Vainakhs, a Hurrian ethnic group. However, around the third millennium BC, these tribes mixed with others that carried the genetic characteristics of the Cro-Manoid race (the modern representatives of this race are the Slavs, as well as the Finns and Swedes).
The genetic "cocktail" explains such a wide variety of types of appearance in Chechnya. When the genes of the Asiatic race dominate, the child is born swarthy, with dark hair. When the Cro-Magnoid type takes over, the appearance practically does not differ from the Slavic one.
Nomads: migration for the sake of salvation
Another genetic branch that has become part of the ethnic heritage of the Caucasus, predominantly fair-haired and white-skinned nomadic Polovtsians, who fled from numerous oppressions from warring tribes. They gradually assimilated, merged with the locals and actually dissolved into the ethnic groups that dominated the Ciscaucasia.
That is why fair-haired Caucasians are not uncommon at all - there are many of them in Chechnya and Dagestan, and in Armenia and Georgia. And this mixture of races is wonderful in its own way, because it once again reminds us that every person who left descendants is immortal. Its tiny part lives for centuries. And through the centuries they look at the world Blue eyes, exactly the same as those of a young boy who built the legendary towers of Svaneti.
The Caucasus hides many interesting secrets. One of them -
.
Chechens are a nation of about 1.7 million people, of which 1.4 million live in Russia, including 1.2 million in Chechnya. Chechen women have always been famous for their modesty, exemplary upbringing, and, of course, beauty.
Day.Az has collected the most beautiful, in our opinion, well-known Chechen women.
Aset Abubakarova- Chechen singer. 
Linda Idrisova- Chechen singer. 
Elbika Jamaldinova(born November 29, 1996, Khasavyurt, Dagestan) - singer. 
Tamila Sagaipova(born December 2, 1993, Grozny) - Chechen singer. Tamila is the younger (half-sister) sister of another Chechen singer, Makka Sagaipova. 
Ilona Bisultanova- Chechen model. 
Zamira Dzhabrailova(born February 8, 1992) - winner of the beauty contests "Beauty of Chechnya 2006" and "Beauty of the North Caucasus 2006", winner of the audience award at the beauty of Russia 2006 contest. 
Kheda Khamzatova- Chechen singer. 
Zarema Irzakhanova- Chechen singer. 
Dilara Surkhaeva- Chechen blues singer. In 2013, she received the ACCA Vainakh Music Award in the "Project of the Year" nomination. 
Tamila Eldarkhanova(born July 27, 1995) is a Chechen dancer and model. 
Amina Khakisheva(born September 4, 1990, Grozny) - TV presenter on the channel "Russia 24", Honored Journalist of the Chechen Republic. 
Makka Sagaipova(born February 14, 1987, Grozny) - Chechen singer and dancer of the Lovzar ensemble. Makka Sagaipova released two albums "I am your daughter - Chechnya" (2004) and "Bezam / Love" (2005), however, after marriage, due to the disapproval of her husband's relatives, she was forced to temporarily stop creative activity. At the end of 2011, Makka Sagaipova returned to singing again. 
From time immemorial, Chechens have been famous as hardy, strong, dexterous, inventive, severe and skillful warriors. The main features of the representatives of this nation have always been: pride, fearlessness, the ability to cope with any life difficulties, as well as high reverence for consanguinity. Representatives of the Chechen people: Ramzan Kadyrov, Dzhokhar Dudayev.
Take with you:
Origin of the Chechens
There are several versions of the origin of the name of the Chechen nation:
- Most scientists are inclined to believe that in this way the people began to be called around the 13th century, after the name of the village of Big Chechen. Later, not only the inhabitants of this locality, but also all neighboring villages of a similar type.
- According to another opinion, the name "Chechens" appeared thanks to the Kabardians, who called this people "Shashan". And, allegedly, the representatives of Russia simply changed this name a little, making it more convenient and harmonious for our language, and over time it took root and this people began to be called Chechens not only in Russia, but also in other states.
- There is a third version - according to it, other Caucasian peoples initially called the inhabitants of modern Chechnya Chechens.
By the way, the very word “Vainakh” translated from Nakh into Russian sounds like “our people” or “our people”.
If we talk about the origin of the nation itself, then it is generally accepted that the Chechens have never been a nomadic people and their history is closely connected with the Caucasian lands. True, some scholars argue that in ancient times, representatives of this nation occupied more large territories in the northeastern Caucasus, and only then massively migrated to the north of Kazvkaz. The very fact of such a relocation of the people does not cause any particular doubts, but the motives for the move are not known to scientists.
According to one version, which is partly confirmed by Georgian sources, the Chechens at a certain moment simply decided to occupy the North Caucasian space, where no one lived at that time. Moreover, there is an opinion that the very name of the Caucasus is also of Vainakh origin. Allegedly, in ancient times, that was the name of the Chechen ruler, and the territory got its name from his name "Caucasus".
Having settled in the North Caucasus, the Chechens led a settled way of life and did not leave their native places without extreme necessity. They lived in this territory for more than one hundred years (from about the 13th century).
Even when in 1944 almost the entire indigenous population was deported in connection with the unfair accusation of supporting the fascists, the Chechens did not remain in the “foreign” land and returned to their homeland.
Caucasian war
In the winter of 1781, Chechnya officially became part of Russia. The corresponding document was signed by many respectable elders of the largest Chechen villages, who not only put their signature on paper, but also swore on the Koran that they would accept Russian citizenship.
But at the same time, the majority of representatives of the nation considered this document a mere formality and, in fact, were going to continue their autonomous existence. One of the most ardent opponents of the entry of Chechnya into Russia was Sheikh Mansur, who had a huge influence on his fellow tribesmen, since he was not only a preacher of Islam, but was also the first imam of the North Caucasus. Many Chechens supported Mansur, which later helped him become the leader of the liberation movement and unite all the discontented highlanders into one force.
Thus began the Caucasian War, which lasted nearly fifty years. In the end, the Russian military forces managed to suppress the resistance of the highlanders, however, extremely tough measures were taken for this, up to the burning of hostile auls. Also during that period, the Sunzhinskaya (named after the Sunzha River) line of fortifications was built.
However, the end of the war was very conditional. The established peace was extremely shaky. The situation was complicated by the fact that oil deposits were discovered in Chechnya, from which the Chechens received practically no income. Another difficulty was the local mentality, which was very different from the Russian one.
Chechens and then repeatedly staged various uprisings. But despite all the difficulties, Russia greatly appreciated the representatives of this nationality. The fact is that the men of Chechen nationality were wonderful warriors and were distinguished not only by physical strength, but also by courage, as well as an unbending fighting spirit. During the First World War, an elite regiment was created, consisting of only Chechens and called the "Wild Division".
Chechens have indeed always been considered remarkable warriors, in which composure is surprisingly combined with courage and the will to win. The physical data of representatives of this nationality are also impeccable. Chechen men are characterized by: strength, endurance, dexterity, etc.
On the one hand, this is explained by the fact that they lived in rather harsh conditions, where it was extremely difficult for a physically weak person to exist, and on the other hand, by the fact that almost the entire history of this people is associated with constant struggle and the need to defend their interests with arms in hand. After all, if we look at the events that took place in the Caucasus, both in ancient times and in our time, we will see that the Chechen people have always remained quite autonomous and, in case of dissatisfaction with certain circumstances, easily went into a state of war.
At the same time, the combat science of the Chechens has always been very developed, and fathers from early childhood taught their sons how to use weapons and ride a horse. The ancient Chechens managed to do the almost impossible and create their own invincible mountain cavalry. Also, it is they who are considered the founders of such military techniques as nomadic batteries, the technique of blocking the enemy or the withdrawal of "crawling" troops into battle. From time immemorial, their military tactics have been based on surprise, followed by a massive attack on the enemy. Moreover, many experts agree that it is the Chechens, and not the Cossacks, who are the founders of the partisan method of warfare.
National features
The Chechen language belongs to the Nakh-Dagestan branch and has more than nine dialects that are used in oral and writing. But the main dialect is considered flat, which in the 20th century formed the basis of the literary dialect of this people.
As for religious views, the vast majority of Chechens profess Islam.
Chechens also attach great importance to the observance of the national code of honor "Konakhalla". These ethical rules of conduct were developed in ancient times. And this moral code, to put it very simply, tells how a man should behave in order to be considered worthy of his people and his ancestors.
By the way, Chechens are also characterized by a very strong relationship. Initially, the culture of this people developed in such a way that society was divided into various teips (kinds), belonging to which had for the Vainakhs great value. The relation to this or that genus was always determined by the father. Moreover, to this day, representatives of this people, getting to know a new person, often ask where he comes from and from which teip.
Another type of association is "tukhum". This was the name of teip communities created for one purpose or another: joint hunting, farming, protection of territories, repelling enemy attacks, etc.
Chechen. Lezginka.
Special attention should be paid to the national Chechen cuisine, which is rightfully considered one of the most ancient in the Caucasus. From time immemorial, the main products used by the Chechens for cooking were: meat, cheese, cottage cheese, as well as pumpkin, wild garlic and corn. Special meaning it is also attached to spices, which are usually used in huge quantities.
Chechen traditions
Living in the harsh conditions of the mountainous area left its mark on the culture of the Chechens, their traditions. Life here was many times harder than on the plain.
For example, the highlanders often worked the land on the slopes of the peaks, and in order to avoid accidents, they had to work in large groups, obliging themselves with one rope. Otherwise, one of them could easily fall into the abyss and die. Often, half of the aul gathered to carry out such work. Therefore, for a true Chechen, respectable neighborly relations are sacred. And if grief happened in the family of people living nearby, then this grief is the grief of the whole village. If a breadwinner was lost in a neighboring house, then his widow or mother was supported by the whole aul, sharing food or other necessary things with her.
Due to the fact that work in the mountains is usually very hard, the Chechens have always tried to protect the older generation from it. And even the usual greeting here is based on the fact that they first greet an older person, and then ask if he needs help with something. Also in Chechnya, it is considered bad form if a young man walks past an elderly man doing hard work and does not offer his help.
Hospitality also plays a huge role for the Chechens. In ancient times, a person could easily get lost in the mountains and die from hunger or an attack by a wolf or a bear. That is why it has always been unthinkable for Chechens not to let a stranger into the house who asks for help. It does not matter what the name of the guest is and whether he is familiar with the hosts, if he is in trouble, then he will be provided with food and lodging for the night.
Take with you:
Mutual respect is also of particular importance in Chechen culture. In ancient times, the highlanders moved mainly along thin paths encircling peaks and gorges. Because of this, it was sometimes difficult for people to disperse on such paths. And the slightest inaccurate movement could cause a fall from the mountain and the death of a person. That is why Chechens, from early childhood, were taught to respectful attitude to other people, and especially to women and the elderly.
Some men wear a beard, not because it is beautiful, but because it is accepted in their culture. For example, Muslims believe that a man must wear a beard.
However, today the fashion has spread so much that many have begun to pay attention to the beard of the eastern states. Today we will learn what Chechen beards are, how to cut them and how to care for them.
Basically, all Chechens wear a beard, few people cut it, and they have their own reasons for this. Chechens believe that if a man shaves off his beard, then he commits a serious sin. Every Chechen man should grow a beard.
Muslims believe that the beard is a symbol of masculinity. A Chechen with a beard shows that he bows before the Lord and wears his gift.
For reference! The beard was worn by the prophet in whom Muslims believe, and therefore they do not shave their beards to look like him.
What does the correct Chechen beard look like?
Chechens wear beautiful thick beards. They never shave off their mustaches, as this arouses a certain suspicion.
The length of such a beard is different for each man, but its peculiarity is that it is thick and grows almost along the entire chin. The photo shows what a beard Chechens should have.
beard trim
To cut a Chechen beard, you must first grow it correctly. It is important not to shave your hair until it has grown a few centimeters. Basically, such a beard is worn with sideburns and mustaches.
When you have grown your hair to the desired length, then you need to draw the boundaries of the beard and shave off unnecessary hair. A trimmer or a sharp machine will help you with this. At the end, you can use scissors to correct the shape of the beard.
Many do not want to cut their beard for the first time, so you can seek help from a specialist. If you want to dye your beard, then you need to do it in the salon.
Advice! A special computer program will help you choose the beard that will suit you.
Why do Chechens have a red beard?
You can often see that a Chechen has a red beard. Not every Chechen has such a beard color, but this is due to some factors:
- The genetics of the Chechens is that they will have a red beard. It can be said that this idiosyncrasy organism.
- Due to heredity, men have a red beard.
- Mix of nationalities.
- Hair color is also affected by hormonal failure, vitamin deficiency and malnutrition.
These factors affect the color Chechen beard. Some men specially paint the ford red.
Raid on bearded people without mustaches in Chechnya
A beard among Chechens is a normal phenomenon, which does not raise any doubts, but if a person wears a beard without a mustache, then he may be asked a few questions. Such a beard cut is worn by those men who support extremist ideologies. Therefore, men cannot wear beards without a mustache, and if they do not want to wear a mustache, then it is better for them to shave off their beards so as not to attract too much attention to themselves.
In Chechnya, they check the documents of those citizens who inspire doubt, this applies to bearded men without mustaches. In 2015, the police checked every such man. With this in mind, you need to know what beard styles can be worn in Chechnya so as not to attract too much attention.
Beard care
If you still decide to get yourself a beard, then you will have to constantly look after it. Be sure to buy special beard cleaners to keep it looking beautiful.
Trim your beard regularly. To do this, you need to buy a trimmer with different nozzles. Comb your beard daily with a special comb. A well-groomed beard always attracts attention.
A proud people who love independence and the Motherland live here. Its representatives have special features of appearance, character, upbringing. Chechens, whose appearance is very recognizable, are located far beyond the borders of their homeland.
Religion of the Chechens
Before the advent of Islam, this people worshiped a group of gods associated with nature and life. And only in the XIII century Islam begins to spread in the territory of Chechnya. To late XVIII century Chechnya will become completely Muslim.
Now the predominant religion in Chechnya is Islam. Basically, these are the teachings of Sufism - nadiri or nakshbandi. They, in turn, are divided into wird brotherhoods, of which there are more than 30.
The largest group is the zikrists. They are followers of Sheikh Kunta-Haji Kishiev.
Life and life of the Caucasian people
The main settlements of the Chechen people are auls. Turluch houses, in which the most important thing is a leak-proof roof, are very clean and bright inside. For those who live in the mountains, this is not so noticeable. There are no frames at the windows, but only shutters and a canopy in front of the door to protect from the weather.
A special oven is built in the courtyard of each house, in which delicious homemade bread is baked.
In fact, the highlanders are completely unpretentious in food, they are content with tortillas, corn porridge, shish kebab or stew.
The main activities of the people are:
- cattle breeding;
- beekeeping;
- arable farming;
- hunting.
Women's occupation - raising children, caring for the house, the mood of life. In addition, they weave very beautiful carpets, sew dresses and shoes.
Appearance of men
According to anthropological data, Chechens are not an integral type. The appearance of the Chechens can be attributed to the Western Asian race.
They are characterized by medium or high growth, strong physique, upturned or aquiline nose, strong-willed chin, thick eyebrows. In a mixed type, hair can be jet black or light blond. It is the same with the eyes, there are people with dark brown eyes, and with light green.
The main feature of the appearance of the Chechens is dolichocephaly, that is, their head shape is longer than that of other Caucasian peoples. Many men wear a beard or mustache, which gives them even more masculinity.
The menacingness, strength and courage inherent in men are to some extent reflected in the appearance of the Chechens. A firm and direct look shows the unbending will and stubbornness of these handsome highlanders.
The characteristic features of the appearance of the Chechens are a little protruding forward, and a strict outline of the face.
The appearance of women
There are many in Chechnya beautiful women. Instagram is filled with selfies of beautiful, young and well-groomed girls.
They have large eyes, ranging from black to light green, perfectly shaped eyebrows, a prominent nose, a wide, gracefully contoured face, beautifully defined lips and long hair. True, in old age the face coarsens and becomes very hard.
As a rule, women cover their heads, but recently many young girls allow themselves to walk around with their heads uncovered. At least until marriage.
Despite the fact that Muslim women in neighboring countries allow themselves to wear trousers or jeans, Chechen girls do not dare to do this, preferring long skirts and dresses.
Already from school, young girls are required to wear headscarves, which they later change to beautiful hijabs and stoles.
Modern girls pay special attention to accessories. If this is a bag, then it must be from a well-known brand. If shoes, then good quality sneakers.
Perhaps the most famous and beautiful Chechen women are:
- Zarema Irzakhanova;
- Amina Khakisheva;
- Zamira Dzhabrailova;
- Makka Sagaipova;
- Tamila Eldarkhanova and many, many others.
The nature of the people
Nokhchalla - this is how one can characterize the whole essence of a Chechen in one word. Appearance, inner feeling of being a person with dignity, attitude to life and people - all this is included in the word "nokhcho".
That is, it is a kind of honor of the Chechen. The way they build relationships in the family, in love, in friendship, at work - this is nokhchalla.
Chechens revere friendship so much that they can give their lives for a friend. Friendship is sacred to them. Highlanders support a friend in any position.
Attitude to female gender special. They always behave with restraint in the presence of women, get up at a meeting and do not allow to say something superfluous.
A Chechen man will never allow himself to hit a woman, let alone a child. In children, they do not want to bring up cowardice, so physical punishment is completely absent. If the highlander hits the girl, then his whole family will be responsible for this.
If it so happens that the wife cheated on her husband, then he has the right to drive her out of his home, demanding a return of the dowry.
Chechens are a cheerful hospitable people. Yes, the appearance of male Chechens sometimes inspires fear in the hearts of people of other nationalities, but this does not mean that they are actually so cruel.
Although in fairness it should be said that, nevertheless, the age-old struggle for the lands developed fearlessness, courage, dexterity, indomitability and endurance in them. Even the enemies of this people cannot but admit this.
Chechen traditions
The traditions of the Chechens originate from ancient times, and most of them are still observed to this day.
For example, a man is required to get up when an elderly woman enters the house. If he goes outside with a woman, he must go one step forward, so that in case of danger the blow falls on him.
If a girl marries, then her husband's family controls her future fate. The mother-in-law brings her up as she sees fit, transferring all household chores to her hands.
It is considered a great insult to touch the headdress of men.
Chechens are not accustomed to showing their feelings in public. In relation to any person, a Chechen is obliged to behave respectfully.