The journey to this remote settlement can not be called too simple. And may you rise up with a proven SUV — one way or another, affects not the best way and of course air. With every turn of the road and with every meter, oxygen deficiency is felt more and more.
However, such an elevation and lack of air unusual only we, the urban people. The locals living here since birth, have long been accustomed to these living conditions.
What kind of place is this? The highest settlement of Russia and Europe ( if we take the boundary along the Caucasus range) is called Kurush is situated on the South-Eastern slope of Shalbuzdag mountain, in the valley of the river Usukhchay.
But to say that this is the mountainous town — to say nothing about Kurush.
To get to the settlement, we turn off the road Derbent-Akhty and begin to climb the mountain. The beauty is indescribable.
Passing noisy mountain stream and stopped to make a few frames.
Here is the bridge, clearly intended not only to pedestrians but to walk on it and go to the middle one much solved. The state does not inspire confidence and to break legs (and not only) is absolutely not in our plans.
When I was looking for more information about the village on the Internet, I came across this recording that someone had left one of the travelers:
“When you look down into a deep gorge, it is understandable why it is cool and damp – we have several times coming in and out of the clouds, they have a few layers left beneath our feet. Visibly quickens the breath, whiskey gripping something, the ears are slightly noisy”.
I can only say that this is the most accurate description of those sensations that we feel. However, we were luckier with the weather and clouds is not particularly observed, but about breathing and the General feelings everything written is true
But here, we enter the town itself.
And of course, the first thing you pay attention — fence) Usual for this place, but so unusual for us urban dwellers
In principle, the settlement at the moment is not great. If In 1886 in Kurush had 718 yards on 4761 people, of whom 2536 men, women 2225 and the total number of cattle was 71451 sheep, 1767 2189 horses and cattle, in the 2010th year in the village already had a population of only 826 people. About the cattle and to speak in this case not necessary.
Of course, in the spiritual life here was dominated by the Muslim religion. Most of the mosques has not survived to our days, but their number was quite considerable. Basically, all of them were destroyed after the October revolution. And BEFORE that, almost every tribal community has built its own mosque, equipped and supported her.
For historical references you can find information about that in Kurush lived educated people, received the title of Effendi. Among them, the head of the Muslim clergy in the Caucasus, in Tiflis, Amrah-Effendi, the listener Kazan University Rahim Effendi. Further Alisultan-Effendi, Sefer Efendi, the Umud-Effendi, Recep Efendi (grandpa N. Samur), who worked for then chief mufti in Akhty.
And today there is also a school for children who learn more than 100 people. The school Director is Agametov Rustam Abdullaevich.
Actually, while we roam the village, notice how the local kids play volleyball.
To take a picture of them all together is quite difficult. They are easy-going in communication, but being modest and hiding, as soon as you get the camera. Fortunately, in the process of communication we do manage to persuade them to do a few group photos
And even young girls decided on a photo session
As You can see, the entertainment here is not so much. Volleyball, jungle gym, yeah the local club, which is located nearby.
Fortunately, Kurush is built in the gym, thanks to the efforts of the Deputy of the state Duma Mamed Abasov. This year it is planned to fully pass and the children can spend it playing sports.
Well, while I will continue to show You the village.
The main question that often arises in many people than live in kuruscu? Definitely, the main occupation is pastoralism. It depends on their well-being and for a long time kuruscu was considered the richest village in the whole area of the Samur
In addition to livestock, in Kurush are also engaged in farming and the manufacture of those goods, the raw material which can give the sheep. It and the cloth, and felt, and of course cheese-making.
Alas, light living conditions here can not be called. According to local residents, some of the tourists tried to stay on the wait in order to experience all the delights of the local life, but few lingered for long.
Thus, every house has a satellite dish that catches almost all possible channels
Present post office. Apparently, also the South and the highest mountain in Russia
There were also difficulties associated with the boundary. With the collapse of the Soviet Union the border with Azerbaijan became a state, giving rise to the problem of the divided areas. Of course, I do not pass it a party and Kurush. But today the situation is much more peaceful than in previous years.
And yet, about Kurush we can say that it is not only the highest village, but live here and the most friendly people. Anyway, we just thought so. With the adult population we easily found a common language and talked on various topics.
I must admit, was surprised by the number of little kids running and playing around. However, this is not surprising, since children are the wealth and happiness, in which the highlanders see their hopes shattered dreams.
Having been in Sochi for several hours and we did not want to leave from here. The lack of oxygen, we pretty quickly got used to it and even smokers, who have almost stopped working lighters, appreciated the beauty of this fact.
When leaving we stopped at the memorial to soldiers killed in the great Patriotic war.
And noticed in the local cemetery. Many of the burials for several hundred years.
Still, looking at these mountains and nature, it is impossible not to admire the local beauties.
Of course, the further development of Kurush depends on many factors. And first and foremost is the road linking the village with the so-called “great land”. As I understand it, this issue in the near future still plan to do.
Well, I would hope that in the coming years tourism in Dagestan will develop and visitors will be able just as we are, to visit this picturesque and unique place.
