The Tzahurs are so named after the largest village, Tzahur. The history of the Tzahurs is a rich fabric of rugged beauty and communal identity, but also full of tragedy and lack of grace.
The Tsakhurs originally lived in Dagestan, but in the 13th century some of them moved north to Azerbaijan. For centuries they fought for independence from the Turks and Persians. Until 1850, the Tsakhurs were ruled by their own Tsakhur sultanate. Their independence lasted for centuries. In the early 19th century they became part of the Russian Empire. In the middle of the XIX century Dagestani Tsakhurs were exiled to Azerbaijan, but after only nine years some of them returned to their homeland, while others decided to stay in Azerbaijan. Today, the Tsakhurs live in south-western Dagestan and Azerbaijan.
The Tsakhurs are a proud mountainous people. They are traditionally farmers, growing maize, barley, wheat, rice and millet. They also raise cattle, sheep and poultry. Income is supplemented by horticulture, silk production and tobacco cultivation.
The traditional diet of the Tsakhur includes meat, dairy products and cereals, supplemented with fruits and vegetables. Alcoholic beverages and tea were introduced in the early 20th century. Today, they still prepare many traditional dishes, as well as harvest fruit and vegetables for jams and pickles.
The Tzahurs traditionally weave fabrics from wool with silk threads. Other crafts include carpet making, knitting woollen socks and shoes, and working with wood, leather and metal.
Previously, tsakhurs belonged to tukhums, family groups with common male ancestors. Although the importance of tukhums has diminished, it is still undesirable to marry someone from a less honoured family. Young tsakhurs choose their spouses themselves, but still enlist the help of matchmakers. Weddings last from two to five days and include all relatives and villagers. The Tzahurs live in nuclear families: father, mother and their minor children. They are known for their proverbs and love of wisdom.
Islam was established among the Tzahurs about a thousand years ago. Today, almost all Tsakhurs are Muslims. In the 13th century, the town of Tsakhur was one of the centres of Islam in Southern Dagestan. Mosques were the centres of religious life and were built in the central square of the village. Mullahs served in the mosques and performed various rites. However, some of the rites are related to pre-Islamic customs. Among them: «rites of spring» (making fires and jumping over them), gathering flowers, summoning rain, and certain wedding rituals. Elements of animism were preserved: belief in the special power of stones, trees, fire, water and spirits. In case of illness or ailment, the Tzakhurs traditionally turned to local healers, fortune-tellers and sorcerers, used magic and made pilgrimages to holy places. Today they embrace modern medicine.