Derbent in 3 Russian words

1. МЕЧЕТЬ ДЖУМА (Juma Mosque)

The Juma Mosque is considered to be the oldest in Russia. It was built in the year 734 during a period when the city was part of the Arab Caliphate. There is a theory that the mosque was rebuilt from an early Christian basilica. It was severely damaged by an earthquake in 1368 and acquired its modern appearance after reconstruction at the end of the 14th century.

2. КРЕПОСТЬ НАРЫН-КАЛА (Naryn-Kala Fortress)

This impregnable fortress with walls up to 25 meters high and up to 3.5 meters wide was built by the Persians in the 6th century and became their main stronghold in the Caucasus. Naryn-Kala played the same role for the Arabs, who conquered the region in the 7th century. The fortress is considered the oldest in Russia.

3. КЛАДБИЩЕ КЫРХЛЯР (Kyrkhlyar Cemetery)

The oldest Muslim cemetery in Russia was founded around the year 642, during the Arab invasion of the Caucasus. According to legend, 40 “ghazis” – warriors, who took part in the war for the faith – are buried there.