Ethnic groups of Russia: Laks

More than 173,000 Laks live in Russia, most of them in Dagestan. The historical center of this ethnic group is the settlement of Kumukh, founded in the 6th century and located 100 kilometers from Makhachkala, the Republic's capital. In the Middle Ages, it served as the capital of several Lak states.

The Laks were among the first in the North Caucasus to adopt Islam – the religion was introduced there by Arab conquerors in the 7th century. Kumukh became one of the centers for the spread of the religion. The Juma Mosque, built there in 779, is one of the oldest in Russia.

The Laks became renowned as exceptional jewelers, whose popularity extended far beyond the borders of the Russian Empire. At the beginning of the 20th century, two jeweler brothers from Kumukh visited Abyssinia (now Ethiopia) and so impressed Emperor Menelik II with their work that he invited them to stay in the country and take up high-ranking government positions.

One of the main dishes of traditional Lak cuisine is ‘kyachi’, a closed meat-filled pie. Also very popular is ‘Lak khinkal’ or ‘gyavkkuri’ –  pieces of dough shaped like ears or shells that are simmered in meat broth and served with meat and sauce.