Lezgian

people

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 30, 2026

Quick Summary

The Lezgians are a people of the Caucasus region, primarily found in southern Dagestan and parts of Azerbaijan. They are part of the larger Northeast Caucasian language group. Historically, all Dagestanians, including groups like the Avars, sometimes referred to themselves as Lezginian.12

The Lezgian languages include Lezgi, Tabasaran, Agul, Rutul, Tsakhur, Archi, Kryz, Budukh, Khinalug, and Udi. Among these, only Lezgi and Tabasaran are written languages. The Lezgian people are also known for the "lezginka," a folk dance originating from the Caucasus.23

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

5 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

history of Transcaucasia
Russian penetration
…Circassians of Abkhazia and the Lezgians of Dagestan, was more fierce and protracted. During 30 years, from 1815 to 1845, the Russians could do little more than hold these mountain peoples at bay. Some were sustained by patriotic feelings, others by religious fervour. The Circassians of the Western Caucasus were…
Read More
…Circassians of Abkhazia and the Lezgians of Dagestan, was more fierce and protracted. During 30 years, from 1815 to 1845, the Russians could do little more than hold these mountain peoples at bay. Some were sustained by patriotic feelings, others by religious fervour. The Circassians of the Western Caucasus were…
Read More