Are Ossetians Muslims or Christians? Religious worldview of Ossetians. Digorians Origin of Digorians

Plan:

1 History of the Digorians
2 Digor dialect
3 Main Digor surnames
4 Traditional Digor names
5 Digor estates
6 Digori settlements
7 Famous Digorians
- 7.1 Revolutionaries
- 7.2 Military
- 7.3 Athletes, coaches
- 7.4 Scientists
- 7.5 Writers
- 7.6 Painters and sculptors
- 7.7 Musicians, singers, actors
- 7.8 Businessmen

Introduction

Digorians(osset. dygur, dig. Digoron, digorænttæ, digoræ) - an ethnographic group of Ossetians, they speak the Digor dialect of the Ossetian language (within the framework of Lenin's linguistic policy, it developed as a separate literary language until 1937) of the Iranian group of the Indo-European language family. Speakers of the Iron dialect do not speak Digor speech and almost do not understand it. Digorians, on the contrary, for the most part understand Ironic speech and partially speak it, since until recently the Ironian dialect was fully taught in schools as their native language. According to the 2002 All-Russian Population Census of Russia, 607 people identified themselves as Digorians.

1. History of the Digorians

In the “Armenian Geography” (VII century) among the tribal names there is an ethnonym ashdigor- it is generally accepted that this is a mention of the Digorians. On this and other (in particular, linguistic) grounds, it is assumed that the dialect division in the Proto-Ossetian language occurred quite early, in pre-Mongol times. The Digorians have preserved legends about the invasion of the Caucasus by Timur (Zadeleski Nana and Temur Alsakh) at the beginning of the 15th century.

Digorians make up the bulk of the population of Digoria - the western part of North Ossetia (Digorsky and Irafsky districts of the republic) and the Ossetians living in Kabardino-Balkaria (the villages of Ozrek, Urukh, St. Urukh, etc.). At the beginning of the 19th century, a number of Digor families from the foothill villages of Ket and Didinatæ moved to the territory of the modern Mozdok region. Here, on the right bank of the Terek, two large settlements of Digorians arose - Chernoyarskoye (Dzæræshte, 1805) and Novo-Osetinovskoye (Musig'æu, 1809). These settlers later joined the Terek Cossack troops. Unlike the rest of Ossetia, which joined the Russian Empire in 1774, Digoria only became part of Russia in 1827 along with Balkaria [ ] . In the first half of the 19th century, Digorians predominantly professed Islam [ source? ] . But then, under pressure from the tsarist authorities, the position of Christianity strengthened and some Digorians converted to Christianity. In 1852, the Digorians were divided into Christians and Muslims, when the villages of Volno-Christianskoye and Volno-Mohammedanskoye were founded. A considerable number of Muslim Digorians moved to Turkey in the second half of the 19th century, where they settled compactly near the city of Kars (the villages of Sarykamysh and Hamamli). Now the majority of the religious Digor residents of the Iraf region and those living in Kabardino-Balkaria profess Islam; Christians predominate in the Digor region. Despite Christianization and Islamization, the majority of Digorians adhere to traditional beliefs, especially in mountainous areas. Digorians were among the first to support Soviet power in the North Caucasus, creating the revolutionary party “Kermen” in the summer of 1917. Then they took an active part in the August events in Vladikavkaz, when in August 1918 the counter-revolutionary forces of the Terek tried to capture Vladikavkaz. In 1919, when the White Army completely occupied North Ossetia, the Digorians remained loyal to Soviet power to the end. At the end of January 1919, residents of the village. Khristianovsky (now the city of Digora) spent three days surrounded by A. Shkuro’s troops. From May to August 1919, the Digor partisans and the remnants of the XI Red Army, led by Danel Togoev, defended the Digor Gorge from the White Guards and local counter-revolutionary forces for 100 days. When the ammunition ran out, the whites only entered the gorge. The Digor partisans fled through the mountain passes into Menshevik Georgia. In 1921, Digor partisans again crossed the mountain passes into Georgia. This time to liberate the working Georgian people of the Racha district from the Mensheviks. Subsequently, the Digori partisans were awarded a red banner with the inscription: “To the glorious detachment of the Revolutionary Digoria from Workers’ and Peasants’ Georgia.” From January 1921 to April 1922, a separate Digorsky district existed in the Mountain Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic. The territorial dispute between it and the Vladikavkaz district was resolved by the merger of both districts in 1922. During the Great Patriotic War, several thousand Digorians went to defend their homeland. Of these, 6 became heroes of the Soviet Union, 6 - generals, 3 - full holders of the Order of Glory, 1 - holder of the US Legion of Honor (1945). Of the five families, seven siblings each went to war (Ataevs, Kobegkaevs, Marzoevs, Khadayevs, Tseboevs). 6 Temirov brothers did not return from the war, and from the families of Tokaevs, Turgievs, Byasovs, Baloevs, Seoevs, Dzoblaevs, Takhokhovs, Vazagovs, 5 brothers each died.

2. Digor dialect

Compared to Iron, the Digor dialect retains more archaic features of the common ancestral language. As the famous Iranian scholar V.I. Abaev pointed out, the Digor dialect “in the field of phonetics and partly morphology reflects the norms transitional from ancient Iranian to modern Ironic. In other words, in a number of phenomena of phonetics and morphology, the Digor and Iron dialects can be considered as two successive stages in the development of the same language."

The founder of Digor literature is the first Digor poet Blashka Gurzhibekov (1868-1905). In addition to Gurzhibekov, such writers as Georgy Maliev, Sozur Bagraev, Kazbek Kazbekov, Andrey Guluev, Taze Besaev, Yehya Khidirov, Taimuraz Tetsoev, Kazbek Tamaev and others wrote their works in Digor. .

Writing in the Digor dialect existed (in parallel with writing in the Ironic version of the language) from the very appearance of Ossetian writing on a Russian graphic basis, that is, from the middle of the 19th century. However, gradually the proportion of writing in Ironic, which formed the basis of the Ossetian literary language, increased, which at times led to an almost complete cessation of the printing of Digor texts.

From the time of the establishment of Soviet power until 1937, Digor was considered a separate language; a special alphabet was developed for it, textbooks and other publications were published. However, in 1937, the Digor alphabet was declared "counter-revolutionary", and the Digor language was again recognized as a dialect of the Ossetian language, and the progressive Digor intelligentsia was subjected to repression.

Today, there is a rich literary tradition in the Digor dialect, newspapers (“Digoræ”, “Digori Khabartæ”, “Iræf”) and a literary magazine (“Iræf”) are published, and a voluminous Digor-Russian dictionary has been published. Collections of Digor writers are regularly published, and various literary competitions and evenings are held. The Digorsky Drama Theater operates. News programs are broadcast on radio and television in Digorsk. Some subjects are taught in the Digor dialect in primary grades in schools with a predominant Digor population. It is planned to open at SOGU named after. K. L. Khetagurova, Digorsky Department of Philology.

The Constitution of the Republic of North Ossetia-Asia essentially recognizes both dialects of the Ossetian language as the state languages of the republic; in Art. 15 says:

1. The state languages of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania are Ossetian and Russian. 2. The Ossetian language (Iron and Digor dialects) is the basis of the national identity of the Ossetian people. The preservation and development of the Ossetian language are the most important tasks of government authorities of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania .

3. Main Digor surnames

Kabaloevs, Tsagolovs, Kardanovs, Zoloevs, Tsarikaevs, Malievs, Tsorievs, Makoevs, Balikoevs, Kibizovs, Dzagurovs, Dedegkaevs, Tsallaevs, Khadaevs, Sabanovs, Sarakaevs, Tsakoevs, Dzoblaevs, Kambolovs, Gobeevs, Gabeevs, Budaevs, Khamitsaevs, Khamikoevs , Tavasievs, Atayevs, Akoevs, Albegonovs, Tokaevs

4. Traditional Digor names

Astan, Avdan, Saukuy, Tsaray, Kermen, Tambi, Fatsbai, Basil, Galau, Digis, Huasdzau, Barag,

5. Digor estates

Badeliata
Tsargasata
Ezdantta
Hehezta
Kumiyagta
Cusagonta

6. Digori settlements

City of Digora (dig. Kiristongguæu)

Plain Digor villages: Akhsarisar, Vinogradnoye, Dur-Dur, Dzagyepparz (Tekatig'u), Kalukh, Kora, Lesken, Mostizdakh, Novoosetinskaya (Musg'a'u), New Urukh (Seker), Ozrek, Sindzikau, Surkh-Digora, Toldzgun, Ursdon, Khaznidon, Chernoyarskaya (Dzæræshte), Chikola

Mountain Digor villages: Akhsargin (Ækhsærgin), Akhsau (Ækhsæuæ), Galiat (Gæliatæ), Gular (Gulær), Vakats (Uækhætsæ), Donifars (Donifars), Dunta (Duntæ), Dzinaga (Dzinaga), Zadalesk (Zadæleskæ), Kalnakhta (H'alnækhtæ), Kamat (K'amatæ), Kamunta (K'æmuntæ), Kumbulta (K'umbultæ), Kussu (K'ussu), Lezgor (Lezgoræ), Mastinok (Mæstinokæ), Makhchesk (Mæhcheskæ), Moska (Moskæ), Nara (Naræ), Nauaggau (Næуæggъæу), Odola (Odola), Stur-Digora (Ustur-Digoræ), Faraskat (Færæskjætæ), Fasnal (Fæsnæl), Khanaz (Khænæzæ), Khonsar (Khonsar)

Digor villages in Turkey: Poyrazli [ source not specified 47 days] (Poyrazlı), Hamamli (Hamamlı Köyü)

7. Famous Digorians

7.1. Revolutionaries

Avsaragov Mark Gavrilovich
Takoev Simon Alievich
Togoev Danil Nikolaevich
Tsagolov Georgy Alexandrovich

7.2. Military

Abaev Akhsarbek Magometovich - Hero of the Soviet Union
Baituganov Mikhail Andreevich - Lieutenant General
Bilaonov Pavel Semenovich - Hero of the Soviet Union, Lieutenant General
Bitsaev Sergey Vladimirovich - Hero of the Soviet Union
Bicherakhov Lazar Fedorovich (1882-1952) Major General of the Russian Army, Lieutenant General of the British Army
Gatagov Soslanbek Bekirovich - Major General
Gatsolaev Viktor Aslamurzaevich - Lieutenant General
Dzusov Murat Danilovich - Major General
Edzaev Akhsarbek Aleksandrovich - full holder of the Order of Glory
Kalaev Semyon Dzageevich - full holder of the Order of Glory
Kalitsov Soltan Getagazovich - Lieutenant General
Kesaev Alexey Kirillovich - Major General
Kesaev Astan Nikolaevich - Hero of the Soviet Union
Kibizov Alexander Nikolaevich - Hero of the Soviet Union
Kibirov Georgy Alekseevich - colonel of the tsarist army, eliminated the abrek Zelimkhan
Makoev Alikhan Amurkhanovich - Hero of the Soviet Union
Medoev Igor Basherovich (1955) - Hero of Russia, Major General
Mindzaev Mikhail Mayranovich (1955) - Hero of Russia, Lieutenant General
Seoev Alan Misirbievich - Major General
Togoev Nikolai Borisovich - full holder of the Order of Glory
Tuganov Ignatius (Aslanbek) Mikhailovich (1804-1868) - major general, first general from Ossetia
Tuganov Khambi Aslambekovich (1838-1917) - Major General
Turgiev Zaurbek Dzambolatovich (1859-1915) Lieutenant General
Khudalov Khariton Alekseevich - Lieutenant General
Tsagolov Kim Makedonovich - Major General

7.3. Athletes, coaches

Akoev Artur Vladimirovich - Olympic silver medalist
Gatsalov Khadzhimurat Soltanovich - Olympic champion in freestyle wrestling
Dedegkaev Kazbek Isaevich - Honored coach of Russia in freestyle wrestling
Dedegkaev Kazbek Magometovich - Honored coach of Russia and the USSR in freestyle wrestling
Kardanov Amiran Avdanovich - Olympic bronze medalist
Karaev Alan -
Sabeev Aravat Sergeevich - Olympic bronze medalist
Uruymagov Vladimir Borisovich - Honored Coach of Russia in Greco-Roman wrestling
Fadzaev Arsen Suleymanovich - two-time Olympic champion
Khromaev Zurab Mayranovich - President of the Basketball Federation of Ukraine
Tsagaev Alan Konstantinovich - Olympic silver medalist

7.4. Scientists

Dzagurov Grigory Alekseevich - professor
Dzarasov Soltan Safarbievich - Doctor of Economic Sciences, Professor
Isaev Magomet Izmailovich -
Dzidzoev Valery Dudarovich - Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor
Kokiev Georgy Aleksandrovich - Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor
Tsagolov Nikolay Aleksandrovich - Doctor of Economics, Professor

7.5. Writers

Avsaragov Boris Sergeevich
Bagraev Sozur Kurmanovich
Gurzhibekov Vasily Ivanovich
Kazbekov Kazbek Timofeevich
Kibirov Timur Yurievich
Maliev Georgy Gadoevich
Uruymagova Ezetkhan Alimarzaevna - the first woman writer from the peoples of the Caucasus to write a novel in Russian
Tsagolov Vasily Makedonovich
Tsagolov Georgy Mikhailovich

7.6. Painters and sculptors

Gadaev Lazar Tazeevich
Soskiev Vladimir Borisovich
Tavasiev Soslanbek Dafaevich - author of the monument to Salavat Yulaev in Ufa
Toguzaev Igor Eseevich
Tuganov Makharbek Safarovich

Tsagolov Vasily Vladimirovich

7.7. Musicians, singers, actors

Aguzarova Zhanna Khasanovna
Gergiev Valery Abisalovich
Gokinati Tamara Grigorievna
Tsallati Vadim Ramazanovich
Tsarikati Felix Viktorovich

7.8. Businessmen

Bagraev Nikolay Georgievich
Bolloev Taimuraz Kazbekovich
Gokoev Kazbek Kermenovich
Kagermazov Alan Aslanbekovich
Tsagolov Alexander Georgievich

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The Digorians make up the bulk of the population of Digoria - the western part of North Ossetia (Digorsky and Irafsky districts of the republic) and the Ossetians living in Kabardino-Balkaria (the villages of Ozrek, Urukh, St. Urukh, etc.). At the beginning of the 19th century, a number of Digor families from the foothill villages of Ket and Didinata moved to the territory of the modern Mozdok region. Here, on the right bank of the Terek, two large settlements of Digorians arose - Chernoyarskoye (Dzæræshte, 1805) and Novo-Ossetinskoye (Musgæu, 1809)

Unlike the rest of Ossetia, which joined the Russian Empire in 1774, Digoria became part of the Russian Empire in 1781.

In the first half of the 19th century, Digorians professed both Islam and Christianity. The Russian government, seeking to separate Christians and Muslims, resettled the Digorians to the plain, founding the Free Christian and Free Mohammedan villages in 1852. Mozdok Digorsk residents from the villages of Chernoyarskaya and Novo-Ossetinskaya are also Christians. A considerable number of Muslim Digorians moved to Turkey in the second half of the 19th century, where they settled compactly near the city of Kars (the villages of Sarykamysh and Hamamli)

Nowadays, most of the Digor residents of the Iraf region and those living in Kabardino-Balkaria profess Islam; predominantly Christians live in the Digor region. The influence of Ossetian traditional beliefs is significant both among nominal Muslims and nominal Christians.

Writing in the Digor dialect existed (in parallel with writing in the Iron dialect) from the very appearance of Ossetian writing on a Russian graphic basis, that is, from the middle of the 19th century. However, gradually the proportion of writing in Ironic, which formed the basis of the Ossetian literary language, increased, which at times led to an almost complete cessation of the printing of Digor texts.

From the time of the establishment of Soviet power until 1937, Digor was considered a separate language, textbooks and other publications were published. However, in 1937, the Digor alphabet was declared "counter-revolutionary", and the Digor language was again recognized as a dialect of the Ossetian language, and the progressive Digor intelligentsia was subjected to repression.

The question of who Ossetians are Muslims or Christians, and which religion is most widespread in North Ossetia, can only be resolved by considering the history of this people, starting from ancient times, when various tribes and ethnic groups lived on this territory.

History of the Ossetian people

Ossetians are one of the most ancient peoples of the Caucasus, having a specific religious culture and a rather complex structure of customs and beliefs. For centuries, their religion retained pagan roots, and then, under the influence of Christianity, the characters of pagan deities were firmly united with the Orthodox.

Therefore, answers to the questions of who the Ossetians were before the adoption of Christianity and what religious views they had must be sought in their historical roots, which originated from the Scythian-Sarmatians who founded the state of Alania here.

The inhabitants of the territory where North Ossetia is now located were tribes of Sarmatians and Alans, who back in the 9th-7th centuries. BC. settled here, creating a fairly developed “Koban” culture, the language of their communication was Iranian. Later, these settlements were raided by the Scythians and Sarmatians, who assimilated and formed new ethnic groups.

The appearance of the Sarmatian tribe of Alans happened in the 1st century. BC. and contributed to the emergence of the Alanian state in the 5th-6th centuries, the basis of whose government was military democracy. It included not only the current Ossetian territories, but also most of the North Caucasus.

The capital of Alanya - the ancient settlement of Tatartup - was located near the modern village. Elkhotovo. On the territory of the Alanian state, 2 ethnic groups emerged:

proto-Digorians (Asdigor) - the western territories of Kuban, Pyatigorye and Balkaria, their population maintained economic and friendly relations with Byzantium;
proto-Ironians (Irkhan) - eastern Alans (North Ossetia, Chechnya and Ingushetia), who were oriented towards Iran.

Christianization in the Alan Empire

In the VI-VII centuries. Byzantine preachers appeared in Alanya, introducing features of Orthodoxy into their life and religion. The process of Christianization was one of the forms of relations with Byzantium, which pursued its own political goals. With the help of Christian bishops and priests, the empire began to expand its sphere of influence and power over these lands, working through local leaders through bribes and gifts, endowing them with various titles.

This happened in order to reduce the danger of an attack by nomadic tribes on the borders of Byzantium, which at that time inhabited the steppe and mountainous regions from the North Caucasus and Maeotis to the Caspian Sea. Therefore, the empire tried to provoke conflicts between them, and also tried to enter into an alliance with the steppe peoples in order to resist Iran.

The strategic position of the territories of the Alanian state contributed to the empire’s interest in its population, whom they, although they considered barbarians, sought to strengthen relations with them with the help of Christianity. Until the middle of the 7th century. independent Alania was an ally of Byzantium in confronting the Arab caliphate in the Caucasus.

After the end of the Arab-Khazar hostilities, the political influence of the Khazar Khaganate was greatly strengthened, which was Alania’s tactics in order not to fall under the rule of the Arab conquerors.

The fall of Byzantium, friendship with Georgia

At the end of the 10th century. The Alans enter into an alliance with the Rus, thus ensuring the victory of the Kyiv prince Svyatoslav over the Khazars, which helped the state free itself from the influence of the Kaganate and the Arabs. In independent Alanya in the X-XII centuries. a period of supreme political, military and cultural prosperity begins.

The Christianization of the Alans in these years was greatly influenced by friendly relations with the Georgian kingdom, where King David IV the Builder and Queen Tamara ruled. They pursued an active educational, missionary and peacekeeping policy throughout the region. An important moment in the history of the consolidation of Christianity as the religious worldview of the Ossetians was the emergence of the Alan metropolis. Georgian missionaries who came to the Ossetian lands were engaged in the construction of small Orthodox churches, which later began to turn into pagan sanctuaries.

In the Alanian state in the 2nd half of the 12th century. Feudal fragmentation begins, and then after the Tatar-Mongol raids it ceases to exist. In 1204, the crusaders' campaign and the capture of Constantinople led to the fall of Byzantium.

The era of rule of the Golden Horde led to the isolation of the Ossetian population, which survived only in the areas of mountain gorges, isolated from other peoples and states. During the period of the XII-XIII centuries. There was a decrease in the influence of Orthodoxy in the North Caucasus region; the bulk of the population adhered to semi-pagan beliefs, remaining isolated from civilization.

Religion of Ossetians - a mixture of Christianity and paganism

Forming mountain communities, Ossetians preserved their pagan religion for many years. Even during their subsequent migration to the plains, they adhered to these ancient views. According to the descriptions of travelers who visited them in past centuries and were interested in what religion the Ossetians professed, it was noted that they adhered to mixed religious rites.

Their religion intertwined Orthodox traditions, the veneration of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary with semi-pagan holidays. Together with pagan deities (Ovsadi, Alardy, etc.), they worshiped Chiristi (I. Christ) and Madia-Mayram (Mother of God), etc. The Alans celebrated Orthodox holidays (Easter, the Descent of the Holy Spirit, etc.), strictly They kept fasts and went to the cemetery to remember the dead.

The Ossetian folk religion was created by a mixture of Christianity and paganism, partly Mohammedanism. Moreover, the adherence to religious rituals was not always accurate; much was confused and mixed up, which is associated with the missionary movements of not only Christians, but also Muslims.

Influence of the Russian Empire

Since the 18th century. the next stage begins: Christianity comes from Russia. Orthodox missionaries preached religious dogmas in the most remote mountain settlements, bringing with them goods for exchange and money to pay for baptism. Moreover, the highlanders managed to baptize not only themselves, but also their pets in order to get more coins.

Ossetian Christianity took a unique form: they believed in Jesus Christ, but also in their pagan deities. Ossetians did not go to churches built by Georgians, because the service there was conducted in Georgian. And only at the end of the 19th century. Local priests began to appear. After the founding of the Ardon Theological Seminary in 1880, where Ossetians studied, Orthodox churches also began to be built in settlements on the plains, which were supposed to resist the Muslim religion that had spread during these years.

Ossetians (Muslims or Christians) lived in small groups in the mountain gorges, continued to celebrate their traditional holidays and pray to their pagan deities.

Islam in Ossetia

Information about the preaching and acceptance of Islam by some families indicates its spread in the territory of Alanya back in the 7th-10th centuries, after the Arab campaigns. According to some sources, minarets were functioning already during the time of the Golden Horde, one of which, Tatartup Minarets, was destroyed in the 1980s.

However, in the official history of Ossetians it is generally accepted that wealthy feudal lords (Digorians, Tagaurians, Kurtatinians) began to accept Islam from the Kabardian princes only in the 16th-17th centuries. Moreover, the poor mountaineers at that time remained Christians, but gradually also adopted Islamic ideas. By the beginning of the 19th century. Most of the families were Muslims, with the exception of the Alagir and Tual communities.

During the Caucasian War (1817-1864), the propaganda of the Muslim religion began to prevail and came from Dagestan: the arrival of the envoys of Imam Shamil helped spread Islamic ideas to 4 more mountain communities.

In the second half of the 19th century. The Russian government, following an anti-Islamic policy, forces Muslims to settle separately from Christians to prevent the further strengthening of the influence of this religion. Islamic villages had their own imams, who received education in Dagestan and Kabarda, the spread of Arabic writing began, and religious publications were published. The Caucasian War, which lasted almost 50 years, caused a partial resettlement of highlanders and Ossetians to Turkey.

Active anti-Muslim policies during the Russian Empire continued after the 1917 revolution by the communist government, along with the propaganda of atheism. During Soviet times, Islam was persecuted and banned.

Since the late 80s of the 20th century, there has been an increase in the influence of the Muslim religion, which is expressed in the adoption of Islam by Ossetians, who came from Muslim families.

Deities of folk religion

The native Ossetian religion believes in the existence of a God who rules the world (God of Gods). Below him there are other deities:

Uacilla - the god of thunder and light (Gromovnik), the name comes from the biblical prophet Elijah;
Uastyrdzhi or Saint George is the most important deity, the patron of men and travelers, the enemy of all murderers and thieves;
Tutir is the ruler of wolves, people believe that by respecting him, they divert wolves from attacks on livestock and people;
Falvara is the most peaceful and kind deity, protector of livestock;
Afsati - controls wild animals and patronizes hunters, looks like a white-bearded old man sitting on a high mountain, it is for him that the traditional 3 pies are baked, calling for good luck in life;

Barastyr is the deity of the afterlife who cares for the dead in both heaven and hell.
Don Battir is a water ruler who owns fish and patronizes fishermen.
Rynibardug is a deity who sends diseases and heals them.
Alard is an evil spirit that sends mass diseases - a monster with a scary face.
Khuytsauy Dzuar - patronizes family and old people.
Madii-Mayram - protects and patronizes women, the image is taken from Saint Mary in Christianity.
Sau Dzuar is the “black” patron of the forest, protecting against fire and deforestation, etc.

Religious holidays in Ossetia

Numerous holidays in Ossetia differ in form and content, and in mountain villages they differ in their rules and customs. The main religious festivals of Ossetians are as follows:

Nog Az (New Year) is celebrated on January 1 by the whole family, when treats are put on the table: traditional 3 pies, fizonag, fruits and festive dishes. A Christmas tree with toys is set up for children. The eldest, sitting at the head of the table, reads a prayer to God for the blessings expected in the coming year.
Donyskafan - celebrated after 6 days, in the morning all women take jugs of “basylta” and go for water, where they pray for prosperity and happiness in the family, carry water home and spray all the walls and corners, wash themselves with it. It is believed that such water helps purify the soul; it is stored for future use.
Hayradzhyty Akhsav - celebrated at night to appease the devils who, according to ancient legends, once lived with people. On “Night of the Devils,” it is customary to cut a kid (chicken, etc.) and bury its blood so that no one will find it. The table set at midnight with refreshments was first left for the “unclean”, and then the whole family feasted.
Kuadzan (corresponding to Easter) - marks the end of Lent on the first Sunday after the full moon in April. All preparations are identical to the Orthodox holiday: eggs are painted, pies and meat are prepared. At the festive table, the eldest in the family prays, turning to Jesus Christ about everything that Ossetians believe in: about the good for the family, about the remembrance of deceased relatives, etc. A holiday for the whole village (kuvd) is held, general fun, dancing, and visiting neighbors .
Tarangeloz is one of the oldest traditional celebrations, celebrated 3 weeks after Easter. Tarangeloz is the name of the fertility deity, whose sanctuary is located in the Trusovsky Gorge. A sacrificial lamb is brought to him, the holiday is celebrated for several days, and races are organized for young people.
Nikkola - the name of an ancient saint, known since the time of Alanya, is considered the deity of cereals, who helps to harvest the crops. The holiday falls in the second half of May.
Rekom is a men's holiday, named after the sanctuary, especially revered among the mountaineers of the Alagir Gorge. According to tradition, a sacrificial lamb is slaughtered, national festivities and sports competitions are organized. During the festival (7 days), many families move into temporary buildings located near Rekom, ritual dances and processions are organized around the sanctuary, and neighbors from other villages are invited to tables with refreshments.

Uacilla is the Thunder God, who takes care of everything that grows from the earth, a traditional holiday of agriculture since the time of Alanya. Its sanctuaries are located in different places, the main one in Dargavs on Mount Tbau. For the festive table, pies are baked, a sheep is slaughtered, and prayers are offered during the feast. Only the priest can enter the sanctuary, who brings offerings and a bowl of beer brewed specially for this day.
Khetaji Bon is the day of Uastirdzhi, which helped the Kabardian prince Khetag escape from the enemies who were persecuting him for accepting Christianity. Celebrated in the Holy Grove near the village. Suadag on the 2nd Sunday of July is a national holiday with the ritual of sacrificing a ram and a feast.

Religions in Ossetia: XXI century

The question of whether Ossetians are Muslims or Christians can be answered accurately by looking at statistics that confirm that 75% of Ossetians are Orthodox Christians. The rest of the population professes Islam and other religions. However, ancient pagan customs are still practiced and have become firmly established in the everyday and family relationships of representatives of the people.

In total, 16 religious denominations are now represented in Ossetia, among which there are also Pentecostals, Protestants, Jews, etc. In recent years, attempts have been made to create a “neopagan” religion, an alternative to traditional beliefs, but based on tribal rites and the way of life of the population.

Center of Christianity in the North Caucasus

North Ossetia is the only Christian republic in the North Caucasus; Vladikavkaz is home to the dioceses of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC), which unite the believers of this region.

The native religion of the Ossetians has its own national identity and can become the basis for the existence of Orthodoxy in this country, which preserves Christian values and the heritage of the Alans. The Russian Orthodox Church in Vladikavkaz begins work on the development of Ossetian-language worship, beginning the translation of Christian texts into the Ossetian language. Perhaps the tradition of holding Orthodox services in their native language will return to the ancient churches scattered in mountain settlements.

The policy of the government of North Ossetia within the Russian Federation is aimed at preaching and strengthening the Orthodox faith among Ossetians (Muslims or Christians).

Number and range
Digorians
Modern self-name	Digoron, digorænttæ

Language	Digor dialect of the Ossetian language
Religion	Orthodoxy, Islam, traditional beliefs
Included in	Ossetians
Related peoples	Ironians

Unlike the rest of Ossetia, which joined the Russian Empire in 1774, Digoria became part of the Russian Empire in 1781.

In the first half of the 19th century, Digorians professed both Islam and Christianity. The Russian government, seeking to separate Christians and Muslims, resettled the Digorians to the plain and in 1852 the Free Christian and Free Mohammedan villages were formed. Mozdok Digorsk residents from the villages of Chernoyarskaya and Novo-Ossetinskaya are also Christians. A considerable number of Muslim Digorians moved to Turkey in the second half of the 19th century, where they settled compactly near the city of Kars (the villages of Sarykamysh and Hamamli)

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Digor dialect

Culture

Monument to the poet Blashka Gurdzhibekov in Vladikavkaz and Digor.
State North Ossetian Digorsky Drama Theater - in Vladikavkaz,
Drama folk theater of regional significance in the city of Digora,
Song and dance ensemble "Kaft", Digoræ,
Statue of Jesus Christ with open arms (similar to the statue in Rio de Janeiro) at the entrance to the city of Digoræ,
Walk of Fame in Digoræ.
Park of culture and recreation named after the conductor of the Mariinsky Theater (St. Petersburg) Valery Gergiev in Digor.
Newspaper "Digori habærttæ" ("News of Digoria", Digori district newspaper)
Newspaper "Digoræ" (republican newspaper)
Newspaper "Iraf" (Iraf district newspaper)
Life of the "Iraf region"
Magazine "Iræf" (literary magazine of the Writers' Union of North Ossetia-Alania)
Museum in the village of Zadalesk, Iraf district
Local Lore Museum of G.A. Tsagolov, Digoræ,
In the village Dur-Dur, Digorsky district, Museum of the People's Artist of Ossetia M. Tuganov (Branch of the Regional History Museum of North Ossetia-Alania), Vladikavkaz
In the village of Karman-Sindzikau, Digori district, the work of the People's Artist of Ossetia Soslanbek Edziev is exhibited.
The monument to Salavat Yulaev, the people's hero of Bashkiria, an associate of E. Pugachev, was erected by Soslanbek Tavasiev.
A native of Digora, Murat Dzotsoev, was awarded the Order of Glory in 1956 during the Hungarian events.
In the city of Digor, streets are named after Heroes of the Soviet Union who showed courage and heroism on the battlefields of the Great Patriotic War: Astana Kesaev, Alexander Kibizov, Akhsarbek Abaev, Sergei Bitsaev, Pavel Bilaonov, Alexander Batyshev.
In Voronezh, a street is named after Lazar Dzotov (“Lieutenant Dzotov Street”)
In the city of Digora, a street is named after Sergei Chikhaviev, an employee of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, who tragically died in 1994 while on duty.
In Krasnoyarsk, a secondary school and a street were named after the hero of the civil war, Khadzhumar Getoyev, a native of the village of Surkh-Digora, and a bust was erected.
Monument to Kermen revolutionaries, heroes of the Civil and Great Patriotic Wars in the city of Digoræ,
In Vladikavkaz, streets are named after Kermenist revolutionaries: Georgy Tsagolov, Debola Gibizov, Andrey Gostiev, Kolka Kesaev, Danel Togoev
In the city of Vladikavkaz, a street is named after the Hero of the Soviet Union Astan Nikolaevich Kesaev (captain of the submarine "Malyutka").

In the first half of the 19th century, the majority of Digorians professed Islam. The Russian government, seeking to separate Christians and Muslims, resettles the Digor Muslims to the plain and in 1852 the Free Mohammedan Empire was formed. A considerable number of Muslim Digorians moved to Turkey in the second half of the 19th century, where they settled compactly near the city of Kars (the villages of Sarykamysh and Hamamli).

Digor dialect

Today, there is a rich literary tradition in the Digor dialect, newspapers (“Digoræ”, “Digori habærttæ”, “Iræf”) and a literary magazine (“Iræf”) are published, a voluminous Digor-Russian dictionary has been published, as well as an explanatory dictionary of mathematical terms authored by Skodtaev K. B.. Collections of Digor writers are regularly published, various literary competitions and evenings are held. The Digorsky Drama Theater operates. News programs are broadcast on radio and television in Digorsk. Some subjects are taught in the Digor dialect in primary grades in schools with a predominant Digor population. It is planned to open at SOGU named after. K. L. Khetagurova, Digorsky Department of Philology.

Digor surnames

STURDIGORSKY BRANCH

Budaevs, Gabeevs, Gobeevs, Etdzaevs, Zuraevs, Kadokhovs, Kalabekovs, Keloevs, Kodzasovs, Sabeevs, Sarakaevs, Salagaevs, Khortievs, Chikhtisovs

TAPANDIGOR BRANCH

Arkaevs, Bazievs, Getsaevs, Dzagurovs, Kambolovs (Nars), Mindzaevs, Murievs, Ramonovs, Sabanovs, Temiraevs, Khadayevs, Tsakoevs

DONIFAR BRANCH

Aseevs, Bolloevs, Gegkievs (Donifar), Dashievs, Kambolovs (Donifar), Kanukovs, Kozhievs, Tamaevs, Tubeevs

WALLAGCOM BRANCH

Abagaevs, Atayevs, Baysongurovs, Balaovs, Gazdarovs, Gegkievs, Gibizovs, Gostievs, Dzusovs, Zigoevs, Kibizovs, Kornaevs, Magayevs, Mamukaevs, Okazovs, Sindirovs, Tukkaevs, Tsagolovs

Traditional Digor names

Astan, Avdan, Saukuy, Tsaray, Kermen, Tambi, Fatsbai, Basil, Galau, Digis, Huasdzau, Barag, Uruymag, Afsati, Akhsarbek, Dzala.

Digor estates

BADILYATA (Digor nobility) ADAMIHATA (free community members - the main population) KUMAYAGTA (bastards, born in a stable) KOSAGTA (servants, slaves)

Digori settlements

City of Digora (dig. Kiristong'æu)

Plain Digor villages:
Akhsarisar
Dzag'epparz (Tekatig'æu)
Kalukh
Mostizdakh
Novoosetinskaya (Musg'æu)
New Urukh (Sheker)
Ozrek
Shinjikau
Toldzgun
Khaznidon

Mountain Digor villages: Akhsargin (Ækhsærgin), Akhsau (Ækhsæuæ), Galiat (Gæliatæ), Gular (Gulær), Vakats (Uækhætsæ), Donifars, Dunta (Duntæ), Dzinaga (Dzinaga), Zadalesk (Zadæleskæ), Kalnakhta (Khalnæ) xtæ) , Kamat (Kamatæ), Kamunta (Kaæmuntæ), Kumbulta (Kumbultæ), Kussu (Kyussu), Lezgor (Lezgoræ), Mastinok (Mæstinokæ), Makhchesk (Mækhcheskæ), Moska (Moskæ), Nara (Naræ), Nauaggau (Næuæggaæu) , Odola, Stur-Digora (Ustur-Digoræ), Faraskat (Færæskjætæ), Fasnal (Fæsnæl), Khanaz (Khænæzæ), Khonsar

Famous Digorians

Revolutionaries

Avsaragov Mark Gavrilovich
Getoev Hadzhiomar Elbizdikoevich
Gibizov Debola Dabpoevich
Kesaev Nikolay (Kolka) Uruspievich
Takoev Simon Alievich
Togoev Danil Nikolaevich
Tsagolov Georgy Alexandrovich

Military

Abaev Akhsarbek Magometovich - Hero of the Soviet Union
Baituganov Mikhail Andreevich - Lieutenant General
Bilaonov Pavel Semenovich - Hero of the Soviet Union, Lieutenant General
Bitsaev, Sergei Vladimirovich - Hero of the Soviet Union
Bicherakhov Georgy Fedorovich (1878-1920) organizer of the 1918 protest of Terek Cossacks against Soviet power
Bicherakhov Lazar Fedorovich (1882-1952) Major General of the Russian Army, Lieutenant General of the British Army
Gatagov Soslanbek Bekirovich - Major General
Gatsolaev Viktor Aslamurzaevich - Lieutenant General
Dzusov Murat Danilovich - Major General
Edzaev Akhsarbek Aleksandrovich - full holder of the Order of Glory
Kalaev Semyon Dzageevich - full holder of the Order of Glory
Kalitsov Soltan Getagazovich - Lieutenant General
Kesaev Alexey Kirillovich - Major General
Kesaev Astan Nikolaevich - Hero of the Soviet Union
Kibizov Alexander Nikolaevich - Hero of the Soviet Union
Kibirov Georgy Alekseevich - colonel of the tsarist army, eliminated the abrek Zelimkhan
Makoev Alikhan Amurkhanovich - Hero of the Soviet Union
Medoev Igor Basherovich (1955) - Hero of Russia, Major General
Mindzaev Mikhail Mayranovich (1955) - Hero of Russia, Lieutenant General
Seoev Alan Misirbievich - Major General
Togoev Nikolai Borisovich - full holder of the Order of Glory
Tuganov Ignatius (Aslanbek) Mikhailovich (1804-1868) - major general, first general from Ossetia
Tuganov Khambi Aslambekovich (1838-1917) - Major General
Turgiev Zaurbek Dzambolatovich (1859-1915) Lieutenant General
Khudalov Khariton Alekseevich - Lieutenant General
Tsagolov Kim Makedonovich - Major General, senior military adviser to Soviet troops in Afghanistan

Athletes, coaches

Akoev Artur Vladimirovich - silver medalist of the Olympic Games in Barcelona, world and European champion in weightlifting
Gatsalov Khadzhimurat Soltanovich - Olympic champion in freestyle wrestling
Kazbek Isaevich Dedegkaev - Honored Coach of Russia in freestyle wrestling, Master of Sports of the USSR
Dedegkaev Kazbek Magometovich - Honored coach of Russia and the USSR in freestyle wrestling
Kardanov, Amiran Avdanovich - Olympic bronze medalist
Karaev Alan - seven-time world champion in Armwrestling, world and Russian champion in sumo
Kulchiev Boris Khasanovich, master of sports in freestyle wrestling, master of sports in mountaineering. One of the peaks of the Great Caucasus Range is named after Kulchiev.
Sabeev Aravat Sergeevich - Olympic bronze medalist
Tavitov Valery Danilovich - ST of the RSFSR in freestyle wrestling, ZRFK of the Russian Federation, honorary worker of education of the Russian Federation.
Uruymagov Vladimir Borisovich - Honored Coach of Russia in Greco-Roman wrestling
Fadzaev Arsen Suleymanovich - two-time Olympic champion, six-time world champion in freestyle wrestling
Skodtaev Anatoly Aidarukovich - five-time world champion, two-time European champion, multiple Russian champion in arm wrestling
Khromaev Zurab (Zurik) Mayranovich - President of the Basketball Federation of Ukraine
Tsagaev Alan Konstantinovich - Olympic silver medalist
Khamitsaev Kazbek Borisovich - Honored climber of the Russian Federation and the world, conqueror of the highest mountain on the planet Everest
Hallaev Vyacheslav (Khabos) - Master of Sports of the USSR in freestyle wrestling, Honored Coach of Russia, international class referee.

Famous scientists

Dzagurov Grigory Alekseevich - professor
Dzarasov Soltan Safarbievich - Doctor of Economic Sciences, Professor
Isaev Magomet Izmailovich - Russian linguist, specialist in Iranian studies, interlinguistics and ethnolinguistics, professor
Dzidzoev Valery Dudarovich - Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor of SOGU
Kokiev Georgy Aleksandrovich - Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor
Tsagolov Nikolay Aleksandrovich - Doctor of Economics, Professor
Magometov Akhurbek Alikhanovich - Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor of SOGU, Academician, President of SOGU
Tokaev Nokh Khasanbievich - Doctor of Economics, Professor of SOGU
Kalabekov Artur Lazarevich - Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor of SOGU
Kulchiev Akhsarbek Agubeevich - head. Department of Surgery FPDO, Professor, Doctor of Medical Sciences
Dzagurova Galina Taimurazovna - Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor of SOGU
Dzagkoev Kazbek Soslanbekovich - Doctor of Sociological Sciences, Professor of SOGU
Khataev Erast (Eristau) Elkanovich - Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor of SOGU
Tsoriev Ramazan Izrailovich - Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor of SOGU
Balikoev Totraz Magometovich - Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor of SOGU
Kizinov Felix Isaevich - Doctor of Agricultural Sciences, Professor of GSAU
Koibaev Boris Georgievich - Doctor of Political Sciences, Professor of SOGU
Lolaev Totraz Petrovich - Doctor of Philosophy, Professor of SOGU
Ekati Bella Petrovna - Candidate of Historical Sciences, Associate Professor SOGU
Khamikoev Felix Georgievich - candidate of pedagogical sciences, professor of SOGU
Khachirov Anzor Kansaovich - Doctor of Philosophy, Professor of GSAU
Gabeev Vasily Nikolaevich - Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor of SOGU
Marzoev Arkady Inalovich - Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor of SOGU
Byasov Kazbek Kharitonovich - Doctor of Agricultural Sciences, Professor of SOGU
Takazov Valery Dzantemirovich - Doctor of Philology, Professor
Takazov Kharum Alikhanovich - Doctor of Philology, Professor of SOGU
Tavasiev Akhsar Mukhaevich - Doctor of Economics, Professor, Moscow
Tsugkiev Boris Georgievich - Doctor of Agricultural Sciences, Professor of GSAU
Maliev Nokh Dagkaevich - Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor of SOGU

Laureates of the Stalin, State and Lenin Prizes

Akoev Inal Georgievich
Gutsunaev Vadim Konstantinovich
Dzardanov Andrey Borisovich
Zoloev Kim Karpoevich
Zoloev Tatarkan Magometovich
Medoev Georgy Tsaraevich