Makhachkala is the capital of the Russian Republic of Dagestan. It is located on the west coast of the Caspian Sea. The city is home to the Makhachkala Mosque, the largest mosque in all of Russia. It is the most populous city of the North Caucasus Federal District in terms of population. It is a city where many ethnic elements, especially Varlar and Laks, live together.
The city, which was seen as a fortress by the Russian Empire in 1844, received city status 13 years later. The city, named after the Russian Tsar Peter the Great until 1921, was the scene of Muslim uprisings after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Where Is Makhachkala?
Makhachkala is the capital of the Russian Republic of Dagestan. It is located on the west coast of the Caspian Sea.
When To Go To Makhachkala?
While the mild effects of the subtropical climate are observed in Makhachkala in summer, the cooler effects of the continental climate are experienced in winter.
Best Places To Visit In Makhachkala
Although Makhachkala is the capital with a deep-rooted history, there are not many places to visit in terms of tourism.
In the current places to visit, the most striking touristic place is the Great Mosque. Although the mosque was planned for seven thousand people, with the changes made over time, seventeen thousand people can stay inside.
Other places you should see in the city are the
- Russian Teacher Statue
- The Dagestan Museum of Fine Arts
- The Cathedral
- The Gorky Drama Theatre
- The City History Museum
You should definitely visit Makhachkala Market to experience the daily life of the locals and to buy many products at affordable prices. To relieve the tiredness of the day, Makhachkala Beach, located in the city center, is one of the preferred points of many tourists.
Transportation In Makhachkala
Trolleybuses and buses are mostly used as public transport in Makhachkala. The use of shared taxis called Marshrutka is also common.
Makhachkala Cuisine
Each region has a different culinary culture and taste that is suitable for its geographical conditions. In Northern Russia, ‘Shchi’ (a soup with cabbage and fish), cabbage dishes, ‘Kvass‘, a rye-based drink, and generally barley-based dishes are preferred, while in the Don region, ‘Ucha‘, a fish soup prepared with tomatoes, is preferred in Southern Russia. The country’s world-famous ‘Borsc soup‘ is preferred. Game meats, smoked meats, dried fish, mushrooms and forest nuts play a leading role in the cuisine of the forested regions.
In the ‘shashlik‘ dish of the Russians, the meat is cut a little larger and the bottles are arranged by placing onions between them. Mushrooms are in almost every dish. Desserts are prepared with berries such as blueberries and ribes, and honey.Such as blueberry, ribes, nuts and honey. Honey is also used to make strong drinks in some parts of Siberia.
Although it contains separate culinary cultures, the most common feature of Russian cuisine is aromatic herbs and spices grown in almost all parts of the country. These are indispensable delicacies of the Russian palate since ancient times. In addition to aromatic herbs and vegetables such as dill, anise, mint, onion and garlic, spices such as cinnamon, tarragon, black pepper, saffron are used in fresh and salt water fish dishes, meat and vegetable dishes.
Another common feature of Russian cuisine is sauces prepared with sour cream and butter called ‘Smetana‘. Soup, vegetable, meat, chicken and fish varieties are usually served with sour cream and sauces. Sour cream is similar to our milk cream, but tastes a bit more sour.
Russian cuisine draws attention not only with its richness, but also with its magnificent food presentation from the tsarist period. The presentation of the food is as important as its taste. Magnificent accessories give the dining atmosphere an elegant atmosphere.
Popular restaurants
- Zolotoy Orel
- Zafferamo
- Giardino Cafe
- Salva.
Shopping In Makhachkala
The main gift you can bring from Russia to your loved ones is, of course, the world-famous Russian Vodka. Matryoshka dolls, lacquered wooden boxes, a rare example of Russian craftsmanship, and colorful scarves called ‘pavlovsky platok‘ are among other options.
Makhachkala Nightlife
The city has a very lively and colorful nightlife. There are many nightclubs and bars where amazing DJs perform, as well as places with live music. The famous nightclubs and bars of the city are as follows:
- Drago Hall
- Cafe Del Mar
- Ganzo
- Level.
Makhachkala Festivals
- Maslenista Cultural Festival (February)
Makhachkala Public Holidays
- New Year Holiday Week
- Orthodox Christmas Day (January 7)
- International Women’s Day (8 March)
- Spring And Labor Day (May 1-2)
- Victory Day (9 May)
- Russia Day (12-13 June)
- Unification Day (November 4)
Useful Information For Makhachkala
- Emergency Help: 112
- Fire: 112
- Police: 112
