Ghost Town: Gamsutl

An ancient village in Dagestan's Gunibsky district, left uninhabited since 2015, continues to mesmerize visitors with its rich history and scenic beauty. Before exploring this once-vibrant village, many are urged to understand the broader cultural and historical context of Dagestan and its mountain communities. Situated on the western shore of the Caspian Sea, Dagestan whose name means 'land of mountains' is a striking region in the Eastern Caucasus with Makhachkala as its capital. Dagestan, once home to the Scythians and Huns, also bears significant Turkish heritage, visible in its historical cities. Capitals of the Khazar Empire, Semender and Belencer were founded in the region, leaving a lasting cultural imprint. Originally influenced by the Khazars and Avars to adopt Christianity, Dagestan's mountain communities later embraced Islam under the cultural influence of the Ottoman Empire a transformation that spread the faith widely across the region. Today, Turkic groups such as the Kumyks, Nogais, and Azerbaijanis constitute a significant portion of Dagestan's population, reflecting the area's deep-rooted Turkish heritage. Turkish remained a widely spoken and influential language in Dagestan until the 1950s. In modern times, however, Russian has become the dominant language in the region, with the Cyrillic alphabet now in standard use a reflection of broader political and cultural shifts. As two of Russia's most sensitive regions, Chechnya and Dagestan play a vital role in the country's energy landscape. Their significance stems not only from local oil production but also from their strategic position as crucial transit corridors for energy resources across the Caucasus. Bordering the Caspian Sea, Dagestan holds strategic value not only for Russia but also for Turkic nations like Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. Positioned as a key passage to the West, Dagestan serves as a critical corridor for these countries in terms of trade, energy, and geopolitical connectivity. Dagestan, now a republic within the borders of Russia, is considered one of the oldest inhabited regions. The city of Gamsutl in the Republic of Dagestan is said to have emerged around six thousand years ago. Perched on rugged alpine rocks, this dazzling ghost village in Dagestan boasts a history of being never conquered, thanks to its strategic position and the exceptional skill of its military leaders. Its untouched majesty continues to captivate visitors today. Abduljalil, the elderly last resident of the once-abandoned village of Gamsutl, returned from the city to spend his final years in his ancestral home. The village had been evacuated during the Soviet period, but his return symbolizes a deep connection to the land and history of Dagestan.

Ghost Town: Gamsutl

The historical journey of the Turks reached every corner of the world. The lands of Dagestan also once embraced this ancient people, allowing them to leave behind a legacy in the Caucasus that, even if erased, will always remain in memory.