With a history going back by five thousand years, Derbent is said to be Russias oldest city.
It is also the southernmost city in Russia, and the second-most important city of Dagestan.
The citadel of Naryn-Kala dating from the 6th century is the most important structure in Derbent.
It is one of only two crossings over the mountain range; the other being over the Darial Gorge.
In fact, the citys present-day name comes from the Persian wordDarbandwhich means barred gate.
Naturally, Derbent was of great interest to a number of empires over its history.
The city was historically an Iranian city right from the first intensive settlement in the first millennium BC.
Derbents splendid twin stone walls stretching from the mountains to the sea was built during this period.
The old town of Derbent was built between these two walls.
Everything outside the walls is new city.
In 654 AD, Derbent came under the hands of the Arabs.
They called the city Bab al-Abwab, or the Gate of Gates, signifying its strategic importance.
The Arabs transformed the city into an important administrative center and introduced Islam to the area.
Derbents oldest mosque, the Juma Mosque, dates from this period.
During the 9th century, Derbent was the largest city in Caucasus with population exceeding 50,000.
Today, Derbents main attraction are its defensive walls, or what remains of it.
Thankfully, a large portion of the walls and several watchtowers still remain in reasonable shape.
The city of Derbent in the late 17th century.
Illustration by Jacob Peeters, circa 1690.
Photo credit:Sulim Kudusov
The walls of the citadel.
Photo credit:Sulim Kudusov
The gates of the Naryn-Kala fortress.
Photo credit:Sulim Kudusov
View of the city from the citadel of Naryn-Kala.
Photo credit:Sulim Kudusov
The fortification wall of Derbent.
Photo credit:Shamil Magomedov/Flickr
Juma mosque in the city of Derbent.
Photo credit:Sulim Kudusov
