Islam in the North Caucasus: Cultural and Historical Perspectives
Journal name: Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions
Original article title: Islam in the North Caucasus
The journal “Archives of Social Sciences of Religions” publishes advanced research on religion in French, English, and Spanish. It studies the sociology of religions and religious traditions or theologies. It is supported by the INSHS-CNRS (“Institut des Sciences Humaines et Sociales”)
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Original source:
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Uwe Halbach
Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions:
(Founded in 1956 and published quarterly”)
Full text available for: Islam in the North Caucasus
Year: 2001 | Doi: 10.4000/assr.18403
Copyright (license): © Archives de sciences sociales des religions
Summary of article contents:
1) Introduction
The North Caucasus region of the Russian Federation has been at the center of significant conflict, particularly in relation to the wars in Chechnya following the Soviet Union's dissolution. The historical backdrop of Islamic resistance among the mountain peoples against Russian imperialism has resurfaced, highlighting complex ethnocultural and religious dynamics within the region. This summary explores the multifaceted relationship between Islam and politics in the North Caucasus, particularly in Chechnya and Daghestan, while addressing the local and international ramifications of these interactions.
2) The Interplay of Islam and National Identity in Chechnya
A crucial element in understanding Islam's significance in the North Caucasus is the historical and ideological role it plays in the construction of national identity, particularly in Chechnya. The region has experienced a long tradition of resistance against Russian imperialism in the name of Islam, which gained traction in the context of two wars against Moscow in the 1990s. However, support for a "holy war" is far from universal among the Chechen population; only the southern part, known as Ichkeria, shows significant mobilization against Russian authority, while many in the northern part seek accommodation and stability.
3) Daghestan's Religious Landscape
Daghestan presents a distinct case compared to Chechnya, where Islamic identity has been established over a longer historical period and is intertwined with local cultural practices. While there is an observable Islamic renaissance in Daghestan, with an increase in mosques and the influence of Islamic scholars, this renewed religious fervor has not translated into widespread resistance against Russian governance. Daghestan's diverse ethno-cultural makeup complicates the landscape, as local Islamic movements struggle with ethnic conflicts and attempts to forge a collective identity through religion.
4) Geopolitical Implications of Islamic Movements
The geopolitical significance of the North Caucasus has evolved, particularly concerning oil and gas resources in the Caspian region. The rise of Islamic movements in Chechnya and Daghestan raises concerns in Moscow about the potential for instability and the spread of Islamist ideology. Russian authorities have often emphasized fears regarding a broader Islamic fundamentalism in the region, framing the conflict in terms of religious extremism. However, local political realities show that Islamic solidarity is often limited and complicated by ethnic and socioeconomic factors.
5) The Role of Sufi Traditions and Fragmentation
Sufi traditions have historically played a significant role in the cultivation of Islamic identity in the North Caucasus. These traditions provided frameworks for anti-colonial resistance and social organization during the 19th century. In contemporary times, however, the resurgence of Sufi practices has led to fragmentation within the Islamic community, with local and divergent interpretations of Islam emerging, particularly between traditional Sufi followers and radical Islamist elements. This division complicates the collective identity sought by various social and political actors in the region.
6) Conclusion
The dynamics of Islam in the North Caucasus highlight a complex interplay of historical legacies, national identity, and contemporary political struggles. In Chechnya and Daghestan, the relationship between Islam and local populations varies significantly, reflecting broader geopolitical concerns and ongoing ethnic conflicts. Understanding these nuanced factors is essential for comprehending the future trajectory of the North Caucasus and the role of Islam in shaping its political landscape, revealing the continuous challenges and transformations faced by its diverse communities.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the primary issue regarding Islam in the North Caucasus?
The main issue revolves around the conflict between Russia and Chechnya, highlighting the historical anti-colonial resistance of Muslim mountain peoples and how Islam has influenced this dynamic.
What defines the post-Soviet identity of the North Caucasus?
In post-Soviet Russia, the North Caucasus comprises several autonomous republics, notably Chechnya and Daghestan, where Islamic identity and cultural affiliations have been increasingly significant.
How did the religious policy change under Gorbachev in Russia?
Gorbachev's era saw the liberalization of religious policies, leading to the construction and reopening of many mosques and the establishment of Islamic institutions across Russia.
What are the diverse forms of Islam found in Russia?
Islam in Russia encompasses various interpretations, including traditional, reformist, and Sufi practices, reflecting a complex cultural landscape rather than a homogeneous religious identity.
What historical influences shaped Islam's development in the North Caucasus?
The region's Islamization occurred from the 8th to 19th centuries, influenced by interactions with various powers and the persistence of pre-Islamic traditions, often blending local customs with religious practices.
What role did Sufi orders play in the North Caucasus?
Sufi orders were pivotal in uniting various ethnic groups against colonial powers and played a significant role in preserving Islamic identity and cultural heritage during and after Soviet rule.
How did the Chechen conflict alter perceptions of Islam?
The Chechen wars sparked perceptions of a religious war, though many local Muslims opposed the labeling of their struggle as purely Islamic, emphasizing the complexities of nationalism and religion.
Glossary definitions and references:
Theological and religious glossary list for “Islam in the North Caucasus: Cultural and Historical Perspectives”. The list explains important keywords that occur in this and other scholarly articles. It is also linked to the glossary for understanding that concept in the context of History, Religion, Philosophy, Theology, Sociology etc.
1) Mountain:
The term 'mountain' refers to the geographical context of the North Caucasus region, where the mountainous terrain has played a crucial role in shaping the cultural and religious identity of the local populations. The mountain peoples, resistant to external powers, used the rugged landscape for both physical and ideological protection in their historical struggles, particularly against Russian imperialism.
2) Religion:
Religion is a fundamental aspect of the North Caucasus, especially with the prominence of Islam among the local ethnic groups. The influence of Islam has created a complex tapestry of beliefs and practices, merging local customs with Islamic tenets, thus impacting social and political structures and giving rise to movements based on anti-colonial sentiments.
3) Civilization:
The term 'civilization' encompasses the diverse cultural and societal formations present in the North Caucasus. This region has been shaped by various powers, including the Russians and Ottomans. The interplay of civilizations has led to unique variations of Islam, contributing to the region's complex identity and the ongoing fight against perceived threats from outside influences.
4) Language:
Language plays a vital role in the preservation of ethnic identity among the diverse groups in the North Caucasus. The multitude of languages spoken reflects the intricate cultural tapestry, where language is intertwined with tradition, religion, and politics, serving as a key component in the existence of ethnic identities.
5) Fight:
The word 'fight' denotes the struggles and resistance movements in the North Caucasus, particularly against Russian rule. The historical fight of the mountain peoples was often framed in religious terms, reflecting their desire for freedom and autonomy. This resistance has brought forth various factions that view their combat as a continuation of a holy war.
6) Union:
Union refers to the attempts at cooperation among the diverse ethnic groups in the North Caucasus, particularly through movements like the Confederation of Caucasian Peoples. This concept signifies the aspirations of local groups to present a united front against external powers, emphasizing solidarity in their shared Islamic heritage despite cultural diversities.
7) Anti (Amti):
The prefix 'anti' relates to the anti-colonial sentiment prevalent among the people of the North Caucasus. This sentiment has fueled movements that reject external control, particularly from Russia. The local populations have frequently engaged in anti-imperialist fights, drawing on their religious identity as a catalyst for resistance.
8) Threatening:
The term 'threatening' encapsulates the perception of external forces, particularly the Russian state, as a danger to the cultural and religious integrity of the North Caucasian peoples. Historically, this perceived threat has mobilized communities to defend their rights and way of life through various resistance movements.
9) Underground:
Underground refers to the clandestine nature of certain Islamic practices and organizations during the repressive Soviet regime. Despite suppression, Islamic beliefs continued to exist and evolve underground, later re-emerging prominently after the end of the USSR when religious observance experienced a renaissance.
10) Realization (Realisation):
[see source text or glossary: #realization#]
11) Literature:
Literature in the North Caucasus often reflects the historical narratives of resistance, identity, and faith. Many authors have documented the struggles of mountain peoples, providing insights into their cultural context and the dimensions of their fight against external powers, contributing to a rich tapestry of regional literature.
12) Science (Scientific):
[see source text or glossary: #scientific#]
13) Geography:
Geography refers to the complex landscape of the North Caucasus, which comprises a mix of rugged mountains, valleys, and diverse environments. This geographical setting has been central to the historical dynamics of ethnic group interactions, influencing the development of distinct cultural and religious identities.
14) Dimension:
Dimension denotes the various aspects of identity, culture, and politics that shape the understanding of Islam in the North Caucasus. The interplay of these dimensions illustrates how religious beliefs intersect with ethnic identities, creating a multifaceted social landscape marked by resistance and solidarity.
15) Existence:
Existence pertains to the ongoing presence and identity of the mountain peoples in the North Caucasus. Their existence is characterized by a rich cultural heritage and a profound connection to both Islamic faith and historical struggles for autonomy against perceived threats to their way of life.
16) Ignorance (Ignorant):
Ignorance illustrates the misconceptions and stereotypes often associated with the mountain peoples and their Islamic practices. Historically depicted as 'fanatics,' such views fail to recognize the complexity of their motivations and the intricate relationship between religion and identity within the region.
17) Creation:
Creation refers to the emerging Islamic institutions and communities in the North Caucasus following the end of Soviet rule. This ongoing creation of religious life reflects a renaissance of Islam, revealing the diverse interpretations and practices that have developed since the liberalization of religion.
18) Branch (Branches):
Branches denote the different sects and interpretations within Islam that exist in the North Caucasus. The presence of various Sufi orders highlights the richness of Islamic practice, which has historically played a role in uniting ethnic groups against external rule while also fostering internal diversity.
19) Politics:
Politics in the North Caucasus is deeply intertwined with religion and ethnicity. The political landscape is affected by historical grievances, ongoing conflicts, and attempts to assert independence, often framed within the context of Islamic faith and cultural identity.
20) Identity:
Identity encompasses the multifaceted sense of belonging among the various ethnic groups in the North Caucasus. The interplay of ethnic, cultural, and religious identities shapes their collective resistance narratives and underpins the ongoing struggles for recognition and autonomy.
21) Animism:
Animism represents the ancient belief systems that coexisted with Islam in the North Caucasus. The blending of animistic and Islamic practices has influenced local traditions, contributing to a distinctive cultural identity that persists in the region alongside the dominant faith.
22) Freedom:
Freedom signifies the essential aspiration of the North Caucasian peoples, particularly in their resistance against Russian domination. The ongoing struggle for political, cultural, and religious freedom is a central theme in the narratives of both Chechnya and Dagestan.
23) Extreme:
Extreme indicates the heightened tensions and conflicts that characterize the North Caucasus, particularly in the context of the violent struggles for power and autonomy. Such extremity also reflects the urgent socio-political landscape shaped by historical grievances and religious motivations.
24) Nature:
Nature refers to the intrinsic characteristics of the North Caucasus region and its peoples. This includes the lush mountains and valleys that have historically shaped the cultures and social structures, affecting everything from identity formation to religious practices.
25) Prayer:
Prayer is a critical aspect of Islamic practice in the North Caucasus, serving as both a personal and communal expression of faith. The importance of prayer connects the local populations to their religious identity and communal solidarity, especially during times of conflict.
26) Gold (Golden):
[see source text or glossary: #golden#]
27) Power:
Power reflects the dynamics between the Russian state and the North Caucasian peoples, as well as the internal power struggles among various ethnic groups. The quest for power often intertwines with religious identity and historical narratives of resistance against oppressors.
28) Black:
[see source text or glossary: #black#]
29) Green:
Green symbolizes the Islamic faith in the North Caucasus, often represented through imagery such as the green headbands of fighters and the linking of combat with prayer. This color serves as a powerful emblem of faith and identity among those engaged in struggles for autonomy.
30) Pupil:
Pupil is relevant in the context of the murid system of organization, where the relationship between the 'pupil' (murid) and the master (murshid) fosters spiritual and communal ties. This educational structure plays a significant role in maintaining identity and religious practices within the local context.
31) Logic (Logical):
[see source text or glossary: #logic#]
32) Faith:
Faith is a central element in the culture of the North Caucasus, where Islam profoundly impacts social and political life. The personal and communal expressions of faith among local populations often serve as catalysts for resistance against oppression and as a foundation for identity.