The highest peak of Europe - Elbrus (partly situated in Karachaevo-Cherkessiya)

The best of Russia Close-Up: Meet the republic that wears a smile

After the break-up of the Soviet Union, life was tough. Ethnic divisions almost led to a violent political upheaval in 1999.  It happened again in 2004. Different ethnic groups tried to elect one leader, leaving the republic on the verge of serious conflict.

But Karachaevo-Cherkessia has managed to do what few such ethnically diverse places have, namely to live side by side in peace.

The republic is made up mostly of Karachays, Russians and Cherkessians. The five main ethnic groups have their own separate regions and speak their own languages, with Russian acting as a common language to communicate with each other.

People live simple lives. Many don’t have running water or modern facilities, but they love their lives. Even though they are making more money now they still choose to spend it on traditional things.

Seventy per cent of the region follows Islam and every meal consists of  lamb.

Their lamb is about to make its mark. The Karachay Breed is almost 100% cholesterol free and with the global demand for healthy food at its peak, France is already calling. According to the Agriculture Ministry, the republic will be supplying the French with up to 40 tonnes of meat per month.

Present & past

One of the most important things in this republic is tradition and passing old customs on to the next generation. Russian children learn how their Cossack ancestors lived hundreds of years ago. They youngsters take part in traditional festivals.

In fact, tradition greets you where ever you go. This is something that binds so many different people together. Karachays celebrate life’s most important events the same way their people did more than 500 years ago.

Video games and basketball don’t dominate the lives of young boys. They still climb logs covered in oil for the top prize in jow-jeep and wrestle each other in tush-tush, where only the belt can be used to down an opponent

However, Karachay student Alina Khapaela says the region is not cut off from the outside world.

“Of course television and other things are affecting young people. But we try to do all we can to carry on our traditions. I would like future generations to be proud of that and I am doing my part,” Khapaela says.

The openness of the people is almost overwhelming. There is even a Karachay saying that “a home without guests is a cursed one.”

But homes there are blessed with food, love, life and harmony. And if it’s up to the people it will stay that way.

Post this story to del.icio.us