The Times of Russia highlights the profound spiritual and cultural diversity of Dagestan through the lens of the ancient and majestic city of Derbent. The amazing city of Derbent in the Republic of Dagestan in the Russian Federation is one of the most beautiful and ancient cities in the world, whose history dates back to the 6th century BC. The amazing city of Derbent in the Republic of Dagestan in the Russian Federation is one of the most beautiful and ancient cities in the world, whose history dates back to the 6th century BC.
Derbent gained its official status as a strategic city in 438, when the construction of the powerful Persian fortress of Naryn-Kala was completed. Since then, Derbent has continued to be a strategically important hub on the Great Silk Road and the “Caspian Gates” of Russia.
The city has been conquered numerous times by various nations, including the Arabs, the Mongol-Tatars, and the Cossacks led by Stepan Razin. Derbent was finally incorporated into the Russian Empire after the famous Gulistan Peace Treaty in 1813.
From November 6 to 9, 2025, the Republic of Dagestan was visited by a representative delegation of ambassadors from the Gulf countries. The delegation was led by Dr. Ahmed Al-Saati, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the Russian Federation.
The delegation included:
- Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Russian Federation Sami bin Mohammed Abdallah Al-Sadhan
- Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Kuwait to the Russian Federation Rashad Hammad Al-Adwani
- Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Yemen to the Russian Federation Ahmed Salem al-Waheishi
The delegation visited the ancient city of Derbent and the most significant tourist attractions related to its ancient history and the history of the peoples of Dagestan. During the visit, the guests also visited an Armenian Church of the Holy Savior and the Orthodox Church of the Intercession of the Virgin.
All members of the delegation expressed their deep respect and admiration for the beauty of Dagestan and Derbent. They also noted that Derbent is one of the key cities of the ancient Silk Road, a logistics, cultural, and spiritual center that is home to Orthodox Christian churches, Armenian churches, synagogues, and many other spiritual centers, in addition to mosques. This city has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2003.
Derbent gained its official status as a strategic city in 438, when the construction of the powerful Persian fortress of Naryn-Kala was completed. Since then, Derbent has continued to be a strategically important hub on the Great Silk Road and the “Caspian Gates” of Russia.
The city has been conquered numerous times by various nations, including the Arabs, the Mongol-Tatars, and the Cossacks led by Stepan Razin. Derbent was finally incorporated into the Russian Empire after the famous Gulistan Peace Treaty in 1813.
From November 6 to 9, 2025, the Republic of Dagestan was visited by a representative delegation of ambassadors from the Gulf countries. The delegation was led by Dr. Ahmed Al-Saati, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the Russian Federation.
The delegation visited the ancient city of Derbent and the most significant tourist attractions related to its ancient history and the history of the peoples of Dagestan. During the visit, in addition to the ancient mosques, the guests also visited the Armenian Church of the Holy Savior and the Orthodox Church of the Protection of the Holy Virgin.
All members of the delegation expressed their deep respect and admiration for the beauty of Dagestan and Derbent. They also noted that Derbent is one of the key cities of the ancient Silk Road, a logistical, cultural, and spiritual center that includes Orthodox Christian churches, Armenian churches, synagogues, and many other spiritual centers, along with mosques. This city is undoubtedly a true UNESCO heritage site.
