0:00 [music] Friends of Islam, this time [music] the Islamic faith is back before you to share Islamic information. I hope it inspires your activities today. And don't forget to click the subscribe button and activate the bell button notifications [music] so you don't miss the latest news from the Islamic Faith Channel. As the world's largest country, Russia stretches across two continents, [music] Asia and Europe. Its unique geographic location gives it a strategic role in the ever evolving dynamics of global politics, economics, and power as it
0:46 moves into the future. With a population [music] of approximately 143 million, Russia is known not only for its vastness, but also for the diversity of its people. Among these millions of people is a significant Muslim community that [music] has been an important part of the country's history and identity for centuries. Many people may not realize that Islam is one of the largest religions in Russia. From major cities to remote mountain villages, Muslim life thrives with traditions, [music] culture, and heritage that remain preserved to this day. Muslim communities in Russia are spread across various regions, [music] particularly in the southern part of the country. One of the largest Muslim community centers is in Dagasan, a mountainous region in the Caucasus.
1:32 [music] It is in this area that the village of Kubachi located in the Dakadevki district of the Republic of Dagasan [music] is located. The village is known for its peaceful atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle of large cities and is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. Imagine a Muslim village not in the Middle East, not in Southeast Asia, but hidden in the high mountains of Russia. In a place often associated with snow, Orthodox [music] churches, and Eastern European culture, it turns out there's a Muslim community that has lived for centuries. [music] This is Kubachi, a remote Muslim village that almost feels like a different world. [music] Kubachi is located deep in the Cauasus Mountains in southern Russia. The village sits at an altitude of over 1,500 m above sea level. [music]
2:19 Stone houses stacked along the mountain slopes. The streets are narrow. Fog often descends in the morning. From a distance, Kubachi looks like an ancient fortress clinging to the mountain. Its remote [music] location has actually allowed its traditions to be preserved for hundreds of years. Islam entered the Caucasus region around the 7th century AD through trade [music] routes and the preaching of Islamic scholars. Since then, the people of Kubachi have gradually embraced Islam and made it a central part of their lives. Interestingly, this village was inhabited long before Islam arrived. This means that Kubachi is an ancient settlement that later became a Muslim community for over a thousand years. Islam here is not a new trend. It has been passed down from generation to
3:05 generation. Life [music] in Kubachi is simple yet religious. The call to prayer echoes from the mountains. The mosque is the center of social life. Men attend congregational prayers while families maintain Islamic traditions at home. Women wear simple and modest clothing. Family values [music] are strong. Neighbors know each other. In this village, modernity has come slowly, but the Islamic identity remains. There is no hustle and bustle of the big city. There is only tranquility, mountains, [music] and tradition. Kubachi is often called the hidden Islamic village for several reasons. First, its remote location. Second, few tourists know about its existence. Third, its people live far
3:50 from the spotlight of the modern world. While the world is changing rapidly, this village maintains a traditional rhythm of life. It's as if time passes more slowly there. The name Kubachi is believed to originate from the Turkish language and refers to the profession of weaponsmiths and metal workers. Since the 16th century, this village has been widely known as a center for the production of traditional weapons and metal jewelry, especially silver, which is of high artistic value. The majority of Kubachi's population is of Dargan ethnicity, and Islam has been a vital part of its society [music] since around the 10th century. Religious traditions, culture, [music] and inherited craftsmanship flourish side by side in the remote mountainous environment. In various [music] historical accounts,
4:35 Arab historians praise Kubachi as a center for the production of silver decorated weapons of exceptional quality. The craftsman's work was not only renowned throughout the Caucasus region, but also prized by international royalty, even reportedly receiving gifts from European rulers [music] such as Queen Victoria. To this day, the Kubachi people's expertise in metalwork remains a defining characteristic of the village. [music] Not only are the men renowned as skilled craftsmen, but Kubachi women also possess the skill of embroidering fine fabrics, preserving a traditional art heritage passed [music] down from generation to generation. Creating a traditional kubachi headscarf is no quick [music] process. It can take the craftsmen up to 6 months to produce a single headscarf. Each piece of fabric
5:22 is adorned with intricate floral motifs [music] in vibrant colors, symbolizing both elegance and artistic skill passed [music] down through generations. It's no surprise that this headscarf has become a highly valued and prized item both culturally and economically. Over time, Kubachi's [music] distinctive metal work has begun to be produced in other regions of Dagasan, including the [music] capital Makkala. However, Kubachi Silver still holds a unique reputation that is difficult to match. The village's name has long been synonymous with fine craftsmanship and distinctive [music] artistic detail. In the past, much of Kubachi's jewelry and weapons were inlaid with gold as a symbol of luxury and social [music] status. In recent decades, artisans have also developed
6:09 new techniques, adding colored enamel and semi-precious mineral stones, [music] further enriching their traditional designs without losing their original character. Kubachi [music] itself is located at an altitude of approximately 1,500 m above sea level. This geographical location results in a region with relatively low rainfall and limited vegetation. The harsh mountainous environment has shaped the character of its people. Resilient, independent, [music] and maintaining traditions despite the challenging landscape. To meet their daily water needs, Kubachi villagers must trek quite a distance to a spring located on a hilltop. This activity has been a part of the lives of mountain people since ancient times, reflecting their closeness to the [music] natural world. The most distinctive site is the Kubachi
6:55 women dressed in traditional white headscarves. They walk side [music] by side carrying large water jugs, some made of gleaming metal, handcrafted by the village's own artisans. Amidst the vast and serene green landscape of the Caucasus Mountains, this moment creates a beautiful and meaningful atmosphere. A blend of tradition, perseverance, [music] and a simple way of life that has endured for generations. One of the most captivating traditions in Kubachi culture is the wedding procession. For these villagers, marriage is not simply the union of two individuals, but a grand celebration that involves the entire community. Each wedding becomes a lively social event with hundreds, even [music] thousands of guests gathering to celebrate their happiness together. A
7:41 Kubachi wedding can be attended by between 500 and 1,500 people, drawn from various regions around [music] Dagasan. The atmosphere is filled with traditional music, energetic Caucasian dances, [music] and abundant dishes prepared collaboratively by the village community. This moment symbolizes the strong solidarity and togetherness of the community. Kubachi wedding traditions are also rich in symbolic meaning. In the past, there was a practice known as bride kidnapping, [music] a tradition that was agreed upon by the bride and groom as part of customary law. While this practice is no longer practiced, elements of it are still preserved in cultural performances at some modern weddings. [music] Kubachi along with the Dagistan region as a whole holds a unique historical and
8:28 Islamic cultural heritage. Despite its remote mountainous location, the village has maintained traditions, cultural values, and craftsmanship that have endured for over a [music] thousand years. The Kobachi community is built on strong family values, respect for customs, [music] and religious teachings that guide daily life. The village is a vivid illustration of how cultural diversity and spirituality can thrive in harmony, presenting a side of Russia rarely seen around the world. A blend of steadfast [music] tradition, natural beauty, and Islamic heritage that continues to thrive today. Kubachi is a village steeped in [music] history and renowned for its centuries old handiccraft heritage. Here traditions are not only remembered but also live on
9:13 in the daily lives of the people while cultural values and ancestral identity are preserved. Kubachi is located in the Cauasus Mountains, specifically in the Republic of Dagistan, [music] a federal territory of Russia. The village sits at an altitude of approximately 1,650 m above sea level, making it a mountainous settlement surrounded by a stunningly beautiful [music] natural landscape. Steep mountains, vast green valleys, and captivating natural panoramas define Kobachi's environment. Its remote location offers a calm and peaceful atmosphere far from the hustle and bustle of urban life. It is [music] precisely this remoteness that has helped the local people maintain their ancestral traditions, culture, and way [music] of life for centuries. Kubachi
10:01 is located in southern Dagasan, bordering Azerbaijan to the south and the Caspian Sea to the east. This village is located approximately 100 kilometers from the capital of Dagistan and can only be reached by a challenging overland journey, traversing winding mountain roads and hilly terrain. The journey to Kubachi may not be easy, but each step towards the village seems to transport us into a different world, a place where history, nature, and tradition coexist [music] to this day. Kubachi enjoys a mild climate year round. In summer, the average temperature ranges from 15 to 25° C, [music] providing fresh and comfortable air for
10:46 its residents. This cool mountain atmosphere creates a tranquil [music] atmosphere far removed from the heat of the lowlands. When winter arrives, temperatures [music] can drop to below 0° C. The snowcapped mountains create a stunning landscape, [music] enhancing the village's natural beauty and providing a uniquely peaceful atmosphere. The quiet secluded environment provides an ideal space for Kubachi's artisans to work with concentration and precision. In this quiet mountain atmosphere, traditional metal work and crafts continue to be created, preserving a cultural heritage that has endured for centuries. Kubachi [music] is a place where time seems to slow down. The calm rhythm of life allows artists and crafts people to devote close attention to the minute details of each piece they create.
11:32 Patience, precision, and dedication are essential to the creative process in this village. Kubachi is also known as a society that highly upholds Islamic teachings. The culture and daily life of its residents are deeply rooted in religious values that influence the way they live, work, and create. This spiritual dimension imparts profound meaning to each piece of art, making it more than just a craft, but also a reflection of faith and tradition. Almost every family in Kubachi maintains a well-maintained religious routine, from performing the five daily prayers, reciting the Quran to attending religious studies at the village mosque. The mosque plays a central role [music] in the community social life. In addition to being a place of worship, it also serves as a center for religious
12:17 education and a gathering place for residents to [music] discuss and strengthen community ties. Most children in Kubachi begin their educational journey [music] by studying the Quran at the local Madrasa. Islamic education is seen as a crucial [music] foundation in shaping the character of the village's younger generation from an early age. In addition to learning to read and understand the Quran, students are also taught ethical values, morality, and Islamic teachings that serve as guidelines for their daily lives. Through this education, the Kubachi community strives to instill a sense of responsibility, [music] respect for others, and a love of tradition and religion. For Kubachi residents, education is not only about academic
13:03 knowledge, but also about [music] developing individuals with good morals and the ability to preserve the cultural and spiritual heritage passed down from their ancestors for [music] centuries. Therefore, when discussing the traces of Islam in Russia, [music] Kubachi's story is not isolated. In the Cauasus Mountains region, there is also an ancient village that was once the center of the early development of Islam, Kala Kuresh. This place was once an important religious center in [music] the past. There are numerous tombs of scholars, ancient stone buildings, and historical relics that testify [music] to the spread of Islam in the Cauus Mountains. Kalauresh was once bustling with scholarly activity [music] and the religious life of the Muslim community. However, time has brought change. Today,
13:49 Kalauresh is almost completely depopulated. [music] The large settled community that once existed is no longer present. The old stone houses have largely been abandoned, leaving a silence that envelops this historic village. [music] Nevertheless, this place remains alive in historical memory. Pilgrims and descendants of [music] former residents occasionally come to visit ancestral graves and reminisce about the time when this village was a spiritual center of Islam in the Russian mountains. Unlike Kalakuresh which is now a desolate historical site, Kubachi [music] continues to pulsate with life. Islamic traditions are still practiced, crafts are passed down, [music] and the community maintains a balance between past and present. These two villages seem to tell [music] the story of a long
14:34 journey of civilization. How Islam grew, developed, and left a deep mark on the Cauasus Mountains, and how some of that heritage survives to [music] this day. In the religious life of the Kubachi people, Islam is present not only as a cultural identity but also as a value system that guides daily life. The majority of Muslims in this village adhere to the Shafi school of [music] juristprudence, a school of Islamic juristprudence within the Sunni Islamic tradition [music] that has flourished in the Caucasus region for centuries. The Shafi school is known for emphasizing a balance between the Quran, [music] the prophet's sayings, and the scholarly traditions of the ulama. This teaching
15:20 entered Dagasan through trade routes, [music] the preaching of Ulama, and intellectual connections with the Islamic world in the Middle East and Central Asia. In Kubachi, religious practices are simple yet strong. The community maintains traditions [music] of congregational prayer, regular Quranic study, and religious education from an early age. Local Ulama play a crucial role as spiritual guides and guardians of the Islamic scholarly traditions [music] passed down from previous generations. In addition to following the Shafi school of juristprudence, the spiritual life of the Kubachi community is also influenced by the Sufism tradition that flourished in the Cauasus region. Values [music] such as simplicity, humility, and closeness to God are reflected in the
16:05 village's way of life. Religion in Kubachi is not only practiced in [music] the mosque, but is present in every aspect of life, from work practices, and relationships between neighbors [music] to respect for parents and religious teachers. Through a blend of Islamic teachings, local traditions, and a tranquil mountain lifestyle, Kubachi exemplifies how Islam has been able to take root and coexist harmoniously with local culture for centuries. [music] The culture of respecting religious scholars and elders remains highly valued. Children grow up kissing their parents' hands, sitting respectfully in religious gatherings, [music] and learning that craftsmanship is part of worship. Here meticulous work is seen as a form of decremance of God in
16:51 action. These traditions serve as a link to the long history of Islam in the Cauasus Mountains. [music] While Kalauresh is now almost desolate with only the tombs of religious scholars and ancient stone buildings remaining as testaments to its past glory, Kubachi exemplifies how Islamic heritage lives on through the people who care for it every day. Amidst the misty mountains of the Cauasus Mountains, [music] the traditions of Kubachi are not simply historical memories. They are a living, breathing [music] life connecting the past, present, and future of Muslims in this region of Russia. In the Kubachi Highlands, Islamic life is shaped not only through education and social traditions, but also through a profound spiritual [music] heritage, the traditions of Sufism and Sufi orders,
17:38 which have been deeply rooted in the Cauasus region for centuries. [music] Sufi scholars played a crucial role in shaping the character of the mountain people. They not only taught Islamic juristprudence fik [music] in the Quran but also instilled the values of purification of the heart, patience, humility and spiritual closeness to God. In remote villages, Sufism became a means for Islam to be peacefully accepted by the local community. Sufi orders developed as centers of spiritual education. Dicker assemblies were held regularly, usually after the evening prayer or on certain days. In these dicker circles, the community gathered to recite wid recitations of the Quran, salawat, prayer, and pray together. The
18:23 solemn atmosphere became [music] part of social life, not something separate from daily activities. In the Cauasus Mountains, two major orders wielded significant influence. The Nakshbandia and the Kadaria. Both orders emphasize spiritual discipline, respect for teachers, and dicker, [music] remembrance of God, as a means of building inner strength. These traditions helped the community survive difficult [music] periods in the history of the Caucasus, including prolonged conflict and political change. Sufi shakes often moved from village to village, conducting gatherings of knowledge in simple homes in ancient [music] stone mosques. They served as community advisers, mediators in conflicts and guardians [music] of community morality. Therefore, the relationship between
19:09 spiritual teacher and student was not merely a religious one but also a highly respected social one. This spiritual heritage is closely linked to ancient Islamic sites such as Kala Kuresh which once served as centers of Islamic scholarship and the spread of religious knowledge in the region. Although now almost no longer permanently inhabited, [music] the tombs of the scholars there are still visited as a form of respect for the bearers of the light of Islam in the caucuses. In Kubachi [music] itself, the values of Sufism are present in the community's lifestyle, working sincerely, upholding family honor, [music] and viewing craftsmanship as a spiritual trust. For them, faith is not only expressed in prayer, but is also manifested in patience, [music] meticulousness, and the serenity of life
19:54 amidst the mountains. It is this Sufi tradition that gives Islam and the Caucases, particularly in southern Russia, its [music] soft spiritual flavor and deep ties to local culture, making religion not just an identity, but a way of life passed down from generation to [music] generation. Every week in Kubachi, the normally quiet village atmosphere becomes more vibrant. Thursday is the [music] most anticipated day for the community as it hosts the traditional weekly market, [music] a long-standing tradition that has been passed down for centuries. From early morning, vendors [music] from surrounding mountain villages begin arriving through the winding roads of the Dagistan region. They bring the best
20:41 produce, fresh fruits [music] from the green valleys, mountain vegetables, aromatic spices, [music] natural honey, and even traditional bread still warm from the home oven. Interestingly, [music] the majority of vendors at this market are women dressed in traditional Caucasian clothing and headscarves. [music] They are the primary face of the village's economic activity. Kubachi women are known not only as embroiderers of fine fabrics and keepers of family traditions, [music] but also as drivers of local commerce, ensuring the economic sustainability of the community. The Thursday market is more than just a [music] place for buying and selling. It is a social space. People exchange news discussing harvests, weddings, [music] births, and even the village's religious
21:27 plans. Amidst the bustle of bargaining, laughter, and warm conversations [music] strengthen the bonds between residents against the backdrop of the majestic Cauasus Mountains, the market presents a glimpse of traditional life that persists in the modern era. [music] These simple activities reflect the Kubachi people's philosophy of life, togetherness [music] hard work, and a balance between ancient traditions and everyday life. For locals, the weekly market is not just a business activity, but also a small celebration of village [music] life where culture, religion, and social relations naturally blend. When the holy month arrives, the mountain village changes its rhythm. The typical Dajistani chill envelops the pre-dawn meal. [music] Small lamps and stone
22:13 houses begin to light before dawn and families wake in silence. There is no bustle like in the city, but that is precisely what creates a solemn atmosphere. When the call to prayer adhan sounds from the ancient mosque in the center of the village, its echoes [music] bounce off the mountain slopes. People walk toward the mosque dressed warmly with slow but steady steps. In Kubachi, Ramadan is not just a personal devotion. It is a communal experience. [music] Ramadan in Kubachi feels very different from that in larger cities. Quieter, deeper, and full of a strong sense of tradition. The days are calm. Activities continue but at a slower pace. Many residents spend their time doing light work, reading the Quran, or
22:58 gathering with [music] family. Because the community is small, almost everyone knows each other, making Ramadan feel like one big family. As evening approaches, [music] the aroma of food begins to waft from the kitchens. Simple dishes are prepared. Traditional bread, warm soup, and hot tea to combat the mountain chill. Nothing extravagant, [music] but full of warmth. When the call to prayer for Maghreb sounds, the entire village seems to pause. They break their fast and many return to the mosque for congregational prayers in [music] Tarawi. At night, the mosque becomes a center of life filled with light, prayer, and the sound of holy [music] verses. What is most palpable is the sense of togetherness. There is no
23:44 extravagance, but a serenity hard to find elsewhere. In Kubachi, Ramadan is not about the abundance of food or the hustle and bustle of events, but about closeness [music] to God and to one another. It's as if in that small village, time slows down, allowing everyone to truly experience the meaning of Ramadan. After Ramadan ends, the atmosphere in Kubachi doesn't immediately return to normal. There's a warm and meaningful transition, [music] especially with the arrival of Adal. Adal morning begins with the fresh mountain air. People dress in their best clothes and walk together to the mosque. The tak beer Muslim called a prayer echoes through the stone houses in the mountainside [music] creating an
24:29 atmosphere both emotional and joyful. After aid prayers, village life becomes very social. Residents [music] visit each other's homes not just as a formality but truly to strengthen relationships. In Kubachi, this tradition is strong. Even families who live far away make an effort to visit. At each home, guests are warmly welcome. Typical dishes are served. Bread, meat, warm soup, and tea. [music] It's not always sumptuous, but always sincere. Children run from house to house experiencing [music] the joy of the holiday in their own way. A few days after Adid Alita, the atmosphere still feels like a small celebration continuing. People continue
25:16 to visit each other, share stories, and repair relationships that may have been strained. But slowly, life returns to a normal rhythm. Craftsmen return to their workshops. Kubachi is [music] indeed renowned for its metal work. Daily activities resume, but with hearts feeling lighter after the month of [music] Ramadan. Interestingly, the values of Ramadan don't disappear immediately. Traditions like congregational prayer, sharing and nurturing relationships remain strong even after the holiday is over. In Kubachi, Adalfeeder is not an end. [music] It's a bridge. A bridge from a month of worship to everyday life, which hopefully still carries the same spirit. Simplicity, closeness, and meaning. Islam isn't just heard in the call to
26:01 prayer echoing through the mountains. [music] It lives in every step, in every tradition, and in every heart that nurtures it. Times may change, generations may change, but the values they uphold remain the same. [music] Faith, togetherness, and simplicity. From Ramadan to Adelf, [music] from the quiet of dawn to the warmth of night, everything flows into one unbroken story. And perhaps that's what makes Kabachi so special. Not because of its size, but because of its steadfastness [music] in preserving the light of Islam. A light that never fades, even in the most desolate places. [music] Friends of the Islamic faith who are blessed by Allah, I hope this video is useful and see you in our next video.
