Ethnic groups of Russia: Avars

The Avars are one of the most numerous peoples in Russia. Over a million live in the country, primarily in the Republic of Dagestan in the North Caucasus. According to one theory, the ethnonym ‘Avar’ means ‘warlike’.

Today, the overwhelming majority of Avars practice Sunni Islam, which began to spread to the Caucasus as early as the 7th century. However, in the Middle Ages, many Avars were Christians.

Avars have established themselves as excellent mixed martial artists, often winning medals and prizes in international competitions. The most famous of them is Khabib Nurmagomedov.

The most important dish in Avar cuisine is ‘khinkal’ – pieces of dough boiled in meat broth. Also very popular is a thin flatbread called ‘botishal’, with a tender, chewy filling made out of cottage cheese and potatoes.