The capital of Dagestan is based on the shores of the Caspian Sea. The only ice-free Caspian port in Russia is located here. In the vicinity of the city there are mountains, forests, lakes and even a dune. The nature around the city is breathtaking, even for experienced travelers. Some sites, such as Mount Tarki-Tau, are in the queue for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The reason is the huge species diversity of flora and fauna.
The streets of the city are moderately modernized: nearby, both buildings of the Soviet era and new buildings are adjacent. Uninitiated tourists may be surprised at the number of theaters in Makhachkala. Some of them present performances in the languages of individual nations, for example, the Avar Theater named after Gamzat Tsadasa. But for the convenience of the guests, there is simultaneous translation.
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What to see and where to go in Makhachkala?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.
Lenin Square
Located in the city center in front of the administration building. The square took its current shape by 1952. In the past, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral towered on this site, which was demolished. The square was named after Stalin for a short time. The main street of Makhachkala, Rasul Gamzatov Avenue, originates from here. A monument to Vladimir Ilyich is erected here, and there are many green spaces around.
Central Juma Mosque
The main mosque of Makhachkala was built in the image of the Blue Mosque of Istanbul. The project was financed by Muslims of Turkey. The building was originally smaller than the current one. The area was enlarged in 2007 - 10 years after the opening. The money for the improvement of the territory was collected with the help of a telethon. The floor in the main hall is covered with a green carpet with markings to make the worshipers more comfortable. The walls are covered with quotes from the Koran.
Holy Assumption Cathedral
Only this Orthodox church has survived in the city. It was built at the very beginning of the 20th century. The services were not held from the coming to power of the Bolsheviks and until the 40s. Gradually Christians began to leave the republic, but the cathedral continued to function. In 2004, the chapel of St. Alexander Nevsky was added. The walls were also re-painted and the iconostasis was renewed. Local artists were responsible for the restoration work.
National Museum of the Republic of Dagestan
It was created in 1923 and is the largest of its kind in the North Caucasus. The museum has 38 branches, and the total funds of all institutions under its auspices are 170 thousand items. The exposition includes: archaeological finds, ancient manuscripts, painting collections, objects of decorative and applied art. During its history it was renamed several times. The current name has been since 2017.
Russian theater named after M. Gorky
The first professional theater in Dagestan was opened in 1925. A drama studio was created under him. The debut performances are plays based on the masterpieces of Russian and world classics. Now the theater's repertoire consists of works for all ages. Every season, the audience is waiting for the premiere, but the team does not depart from traditional performances. The troupe actively tours the North Caucasus and participates in festivals.
Kumyk theater named after A.P. Salavatov
Founded in 1925. The first official performance was played only 5 years later. In the period from 1932 to 1943 he was based in Buinaksk. In 1955, the theater was named after the founder of Dagestan drama Salavatov. The troupe acquired a new building only at the very beginning of the 21st century. Both national Kumyk works and world classics are staged, but in the translation of local playwrights.
Avar theater named after Gamzat Tsadasa
Although the troupe was formed in 1935, the theater moved to Makhachkala only in 1968. He occupies the same knowledge as at the moment of his appearance in the city. For its time, the building was almost futuristic. Its façade is very different from the typical ones. The foyer is decorated with mosaic frescoes. The performances are traditionally in Avar, but there is a system of simultaneous translation.
Dagestan Puppet Theater
The collective of puppeteers united into a theater troupe in 1941. The repertoire includes various works, but the most popular ones are based on Russian folk tales. On the basis of the theater, a competition of reciters is held. Every year, for several weeks, meetings of children and artists are organized. The theater building looks like a castle because of the two towers located on either side of the entrance.
Theater of Poetry
The youngest theater in the city. It opened its doors to viewers in 2015. In the past, this building housed a library and an ethnographic complex. The first floor is reserved for the exhibition hall. Local artists and photographers exhibit here. The stage is on the second floor. The hall can simultaneously accommodate about 100 people. The theater's activities are related to the popularization of poetry and literature in general.
Dagestan Museum of Fine Arts
Has been working independently since 1958. The collection was disconnected from the local history museum. The collection was replenished with donations from private philanthropists, as well as from the storehouses of Moscow. Under the leadership of P.S. The Gamzatova Museum became famous on the territory of the USSR and acquired a stable exposition. It currently bears her name. The building also houses a cinema, a lecture hall and a gift shop.
Museum of the history of the city of Makhachkala
The youngest museum in the city opened in 2007. The exposition occupies the building of the memorial complex. The difference from other museums is the absence of their own funds at the time of their foundation. Gradually, the halls were filled with artifacts donated by the Institute of Archeology, paintings received from local artists, just gifts from the townspeople. The project covers many topics related to Makhachkala.
Monument to the "Russian teacher"
The installation and opening ceremony took place in 2006. The name is unofficial and given by the appearance of the monument. It depicts a woman with a book in her hand and leaning on a globe. The height of the figure is about 10 meters. Massive beams close over her head. A wide staircase leads to the monument. The composition is dedicated to ethnic Russians who came to Dagestan to help in the development of the republic.
Monument to Makhach Dakhadayev
Until 1921, Makhachkala was called Port-Petrovsk. The current name of the city was formed in honor of the Bolshevik Magomed-Ali Dakhadayev, who bore the pseudonym Makhach. The monument to this public figure was erected in 1971 near the railway station. The equestrian sculpture was erected on a high and wide pedestal. Not so long ago, it was painted gold, which caused controversy at the highest level.
Dune Sarikum
Located 18 km from the city. Its name is translated from Kumyk as "yellow sand". A piece of the desert is amazing by the fact that it appeared among the mountains. Its length is 12 km, its width is about 4 km, and its height is within 250 meters. The peculiarities of the terrain and climate have led to the appearance of some species of fauna characteristic of Central Asia. Scientists associate the emergence of the dune with the centuries-old blowing of sand from the rocks.
Tarki-Tau
This hill stretches along Makhachkala. The name translates as "narrow mountain". Its length is about 12 km, and its width reaches 5 m. The highest point, the Tiktube peak, has a height of 725 meters. A breathtaking view of the countryside opens up from here. There is a convenient observation deck on the slope. It can be reached by car. The area is covered with forests, and the number of species of trees and shrubs is impressive.
