Republic of Dagestan, Derbent, 19 september, 2015
Debate about the true age of the city of Derbent continues in the academic community. According to the latest scientific data, the city is 2,000 years old. However, if one counts from the first settlements on Derbent Hill, it turns out that the city is at least 5,000 years old.
The southern Caucasian city of Derbent, located in the Republic of Dagestan, Russia, celebrated its 2,000th birthday over the weekend, residents and guests treated to all the pageantry, mirth and merriment such an anniversary deserves.
According to historians, Derbent is mentioned not only in ancient works of history, but also in the Bible and the Quran. The 'Caspian Gates', otherwise known as Alexander's Wall, was referenced by the ancient historians including Herodotus, Pliny and Strabo.
Over the course of many centuries, Derbent has been home to many nationalities, speaking different languages and practicing different religions, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism and Zoroastrianism.
Population of Derbent about 119,000, Dagestan's second-largest city after Makhachkala.
The festival included a historical reconstruction of the ancient life and customs of the inhabitants of Derbent.
Festival guests were given the opportunity to visit the homes of the city's ancient quarter, offered tea, sweets and good conversation with hospitable hosts.
Guests of the celebrations were treated to a grand program of celebrations. The cultural festival featured 29 national farmsteads, from Dagestan and across Russia.
