The life of the peoples of the Caucasus mountain region is difficult, but for the Ingush it was particularly cruel. During World War II, they were accused of supporting the Nazis and deported en masse to Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Siberia, losing a significant part of their population. After years of exile, they were allowed to return home in 1958, but soon found their lands occupied by others. Most Ingush live in south-west Russia, in the North Caucasus, but some live in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
The Ingush have strict gender restrictions. The husband "owns" his house, even his wife and children. The lineage is traced back to the father. A wife becomes part of her husband's clan after marriage and never mentions her parents again. Marriages are arranged.
Despite constant hardship, the Ingush have preserved a fine history of art, music, dance, woodcarving and storytelling.
