Once a troubled Russian republic, Chechnya has been largely transformed by peace: it is now calm and quiet, reviving its national identity and securing a peaceful future for its younger generations.
Chechnya today is a reminder of what was wrong in the past and what can be dealt with in the present in a positive way – step by step.
Above: A man with children in a square at "The Heart of Chechnya" mosque, named after Akhmad Kadyrov, the President of the Chechen Republic assassinated on May 9, 2004.
Above: A man with children in a square at "The Heart of Chechnya" mosque, named after Akhmad Kadyrov, the President of the Chechen Republic assassinated on May 9, 2004.
Grozny, the capital of the republic, has a bright new look: its shiny new skyline features gleaming minarets and new apartment blocks to replace those destroyed during the war.
Above: Workers planting flowers to mark the unveiling of a mosque named after Aimani Kadyrova, mother of the current leader of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, and a high-rise complex, “Argun-City”, in the town of Argun.
Above: Workers planting flowers to mark the unveiling of a mosque named after Aimani Kadyrova, mother of the current leader of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, and a high-rise complex, “Argun-City”, in the town of Argun.
Chechnya's quiet rural areas pacify and provide visitors with the opportunity to meditate or just relax.
Above: Ancient ruins of mosques and towers near the village of Makazhi in the Vedensky district of southeastern Chechnya.
Above: Ancient ruins of mosques and towers near the village of Makazhi in the Vedensky district of southeastern Chechnya.
Rebuilding homes and infrastructure is just as important as getting out the right message about the Chechnya of today.
Above: A man playing with his children at a kindergarten named after Shamil Magomayev, the head of the Vedensky district administration, in the village of Elistanzhi in the Vedensky district in southeast Chechnya.
Above: A man playing with his children at a kindergarten named after Shamil Magomayev, the head of the Vedensky district administration, in the village of Elistanzhi in the Vedensky district in southeast Chechnya.
Every home that is built or restored speaks volumes about what is really happening. Hope and a belief in the future are returning brick by brick.
Above: Chechen school students take part in the “Traditions Fair” contest in Grozny’s main square.
Above: Chechen school students take part in the “Traditions Fair” contest in Grozny’s main square.
The Caucasian mountains stand tall and dignified; their beautiful nature, waterfalls and fresh air can add years to your life.
Above: An elderly man on a day of the Feast of the Sacrifice during the Muslim holiday of Kurban Bayram in the Chechen village of Itum-Kale.
Above: An elderly man on a day of the Feast of the Sacrifice during the Muslim holiday of Kurban Bayram in the Chechen village of Itum-Kale.
Hospitality and respect for guests is a source of pride for the average Chechen. Although it is a strongly patriarchal Sunni Muslim society, the republic remains tolerant of other congregations.
Above: The Church of the Archangel Michael, the only Orthodox church in Grozny, located on Akhmad Kadyrov Avenue.
Above: The Church of the Archangel Michael, the only Orthodox church in Grozny, located on Akhmad Kadyrov Avenue.
Chechen social interaction is based on the principles of honor, chivalry, hospitality, and respect.
Above: Border checkpoint view near the village of Tsoi-Pede, in Chechnya's Itum-Kale district, on the border with Georiga.
Above: Border checkpoint view near the village of Tsoi-Pede, in Chechnya's Itum-Kale district, on the border with Georiga.
The mountainous region is an important source of oil deposits, as well as natural gas, limestone, gypsum, sulfur, and other minerals.
Above: A mosque named after Sultan Delimkharov in the village of Dzhalka, in the Gudermes district in the east of Chechnya.
Above: A mosque named after Sultan Delimkharov in the village of Dzhalka, in the Gudermes district in the east of Chechnya.
The mountain lake Kezenoyam remains a true natural gem of the republic with its crystal clear waters, and is heavily oxygenated.
Above: Krasnodar tourists taking pictures at the Kezenoyam lake in Chechnya near its border with Dagestan.
Above: Krasnodar tourists taking pictures at the Kezenoyam lake in Chechnya near its border with Dagestan.
