Dagestan is part of the North Caucasus region. This also affects the rate of development of settlements. Some of them are located on the coast of the Caspian Sea, which in the future can give impetus to the tourism industry. So far, recreational opportunities have been poorly implemented. However, a network of sanatoriums has been operating in Makhachkala and Buinaksk for a long time.
In terms of attractions, the Derbent architectural complex stands out, the central part of which is the Naryn-Kala fortress. The structure is unique, both from a historical and a geographical point of view - it was built on an isthmus, blocking the enemy's passage by land. And in Kaspiysk there is the eighth workshop of the Dagdizel plant, somewhat reminiscent of Fort Boyard.
The largest cities of Dagestan
List of major cities in the region by population.
Makhachkala
The capital of the region, the third largest city in the North Caucasus region. The population of the agglomeration is almost a million people. In the past, Makhachkala was called Petrovskoe or Petrovsk-port, as it is located on the Caspian coast. The warm climate and good geomagnetic conditions have led to the construction of several sanatoriums here. Tourists should pay special attention to the Juma Mosque, the Cathedral, the village of Tarki, the monument to the Russian teacher.
Population - 601 thousand people.
Khasavyurt
Located in the northwest of the republic. The name of the city was given in honor of the Kumyk Khan Khasav. Sightseeing: Svyato-Znamensky Cathedral, Park of Heroes, a tank mounted on a pedestal in the Dylymsky ring. Several large sports complexes have been built in Khasavyurt. A museum was opened, which combined local history and historical themes.
Population - 142 thousand people.
Derbent
Founded in a narrow passage between the Caspian Sea and the foothills of the Caucasus. That is why the Naryn-Kala fortress was erected here, preventing the passage of the enemy into the interior of the country. The Caspian Gate is also well preserved - the only monument of ancient Persian architecture in the region. The local Juma Mosque is the oldest in the CIS. The whole complex is under the protection of UNESCO.
Population - 124 thousand people.
Kaspiysk
It is located on the shores of the Caspian Sea, 14 km from Makhachkala, whose satellite city it is. Sightseeing: Mosque named after Said Atsaev, temple of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, stadium "Anji-arena". The eighth workshop of the Dagdizel plant is of particular interest to tourists. This abandoned structure is located almost 3 km from the coast and in the past was used as a test station for naval weapons.
Population - 119 thousand people.
Buinaksk
It is based on the Shura-Ozen mountain river, 41 km from Makhachkala. The appearance of the first fortifications here is associated with the army of Tamerlane. Sanatoriums focused on the treatment of tuberculosis have been built in the vicinity of the city. The largest mosque in the region with a madrasah functions in Buinaksk. And the old synagogue is not used because the building is in disrepair.
Population - 65 thousand people.
Izberbash
From here to Makhachkala 65 km. The translation of the name is “footprint on the top of the mountain”. The initial specialization was oil production. Now the city is developing as a place of rest and treatment on the Caspian coast. The length of the main beach is 3 km, width is up to 200 meters. Covering - fine sand with an admixture of shells. Summer is long and very warm. There is a drama theater and a local history museum.
Population - 59.5 thousand people.
Kizlyar
Located in the north of the republic near the Chechen border. There are 4 factories for the production of cognac in the city. The Museum of Local Lore is named after General Pyotr Bagration, who was born here. In the 2000s, the Exaltation of the Cross Convent was restored. There is also a small mosque. In 1995, a monument "Memory" was erected in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Victory.
Population - 49 thousand people.
Kizilyurt
It is based on the Sulak River, 55 km from the capital of the region. In the suburbs and in Kizilyurt itself, tourist centers have been built. Sightseeing: the cascade of the Sulak hydroelectric power station, the reservoir at the Chirkei hydroelectric power station - the largest in the North Caucasus, a mountain oak grove. There are hunting grounds and fishing grounds in the district. The city park has rides including a Ferris wheel.
Population - 37.5 thousand people.
Dagestan Lights
It is considered a satellite town of Derbent, which is about 5 km away. The Greater Caucasus Mountains and the Caspian Sea coast are also located in the immediate vicinity. Since 1987, the nearby lands have been declared a nature reserve, where about 270 species of birds are found. A nearby attraction is the Naryn-Kala fortress, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Population - 29.5 thousand people.
Yuzhno-Sukhokumsk
It is located in the Nogai steppe and includes the settlement of Vostochno-Sukhokumsa, which does not have a specific status. The economy is based on oil production. There is a lot of greenery on the streets of Yuzhno-Sukhokumsk, squares are laid out. In honor of the founding of the city, a monument was erected, which received the name "Goryanka". In 2015, the Eternal Glory monument was built with funds from local oil workers.
Population - 10 thousand people.
