Dagestan: Land of Mountains | Erick’s List

In the West, Russia’s Republic of Dagestan is known mostly thanks to Khabib Nurmagomedov – the undefeated star of mixed martial arts. Not only did he put Dagestan on the map, but also popularized the traditional sheep skin “papakha” headdress he took to wearing for press conferences and weigh ins. Mexican journalist Erick Fonseca Zárate didn’t know much about Dagestan before taking his show “Erick’s List” on the road to visit this amazing region that’s gradually turning into Russia’s top tourist destination. A predominantly Muslim region, Dagestan has a storied past: it wasn’t until the 19th century that Dagestan became part of the Russian Empire, but it was an important stop on the ancient Silk Road as early as the 7th century. Situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, it is populated by 33 ethnic groups, has 13 official languages and many more dialects. Although the republic’s capital of Makhachkala nestles right on the Caspian shore, Dagestan’s charm spreads far beyond the coastline: villages of sand