The Avars are a Dagestani people; one of the indigenous peoples of the Caucasus, historically living in Dagestan, as well as in Eastern Georgia and Northern Azerbaijan. Witty humour, jokes, teasing, and sporting competitiveness are common among the various Avar groups. Sometimes communication requires switching to Russian, Kumyk or Azeri. Most Avars are multilingual. Survival in the mountains requires many skills, and languages are like a multifunctional tool for Avars. The 1991 international border between Dagestan and Azerbaijan cemented the physical separation but did not weaken social or cultural ties and sense of kinship. The Avar ethnic community existed long before that.
One of the most numerous kinship groups in Dagestan, Avars in Azerbaijan form a small minority known as Zakatala Avars, after the town of Zakatala. In the Zakatala and Balakan districts, there are both Avar villages and mixed villages where Avars live together with other Dagestani peoples and Azerbaijanis.
The historical homeland of the Avars, Avaria, has always been located in Dagestan and Azerbaijan. Lowland and mountain Avar villages are scattered across the central and southern highlands of Dagestan and the southern lowlands of the Northwest Caucasus in Azerbaijan (on the border with Georgia and Dagestan). The Caucasian mountainous terrain has given rise to dozens of dialects.
The Avars have a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in exquisite traditional dress, musical forms, instruments and dances. Their national dress contains intricate patterns and is made from local materials. They celebrate folk festivals showcasing music, dance and traditions.
Most Avars are Sunni Muslims, but religious beliefs retain elements of local traditions and historical Sufism.
The main physical need of all villages in north-western Azerbaijan is economic stability. Village communities rarely benefit from the Caspian oil industry centred in Baku.