The Didos are various Caucasic-speaking tribes, living for the most part in the northern Caucasus Mountains of western Dagestan, a republic in southwestern Russia. Their dialects are part of the North-East (Dagestanian) branch of North Caucasic and related to the dialects of the neighboring Andis. A related language known as Avarish is used for writing (see Avars). In addition to the Didos proper, Bezhtas other peoples grouped in their linguistic family are Bezhtas, Hinukhs, Hunzibs (Honzals), Kapuchis, and Khvarshis, each tribe with its own traditions.
As are other Caucasians, the Didos are considered indigenous to the region, perhaps maintaining tribal identity since the second millennium b. c.e. Over the centuries they have been influenced by the many invading peoples in their homeland from both Europe and Asia but have maintained many of their traditional lifeways. Most Didos live in villages along the upper reaches of the Andi-Koisu and Avar-Koisu Rivers; some also live in the lowlands.
In addition to the traditional raising of livestock, especially sheep, oxen, horses, and goats, terracing has allowed for some farming in the rugged highlands, where wheat and rye are among the main crops. The majority of Didos are Muslims; islam was introduced into the region in the eighth-ninth centuries. Animist influences persist, however. For part of their history some among the Didos also practiced Christianity. Traditional Dido society is regulated by two codes of law, customary law (adat) and Islamic law (shariah), the latter of which is administered by a Muslim cleric (qadi). A council of elders (dzhamat) directed the village assembly (rukken).
In 1991 Dagestan, consisting of 19 different ethnic groups, became a republic within Russia and subsequently a member of the Russian Federation.
See also Russians: nationality.
World History
