Ancient Russian City of Derbent Celebrates 2,000th Birthday

Debate about the true age of the city of Derbent continues in the academic community. According to the latest scientific data, the city is 2,000 years old. However, if one counts from the first settlements on Derbent Hill, it turns out that the city is at least 5,000 years old.

According to historians, Derbent is mentioned not only in ancient works of history, but also in the Bible and the Quran. The 'Caspian Gates', otherwise known as Alexander's Wall, was referenced by the ancient historians including Herodotus, Pliny and Strabo.

Derbent is Russia's southernmost city, and, with a population of 119,000, Dagestan's second-largest city.

Festival participants offering viewers daring highwire performance on Freedom Square, central Derbent.

Residents of the city, located in the Republic of Dagestan, off the coast of the Caspian Sea and near the Caucasus mountains, were congratulated by Russian President Vladimir Putin on their city's momentous anniversary. The president noted that the people of this ancient city can be proud of all the glorious pages of the city's history, recalling that many well-known writers, scientists, composers and military leaders have emerged from the city through the centuries.

City residents and guests were given a chance to become more acquainted with the craftsmanship of carpet weaving and pottery making.

Guests of the celebrations were treated to a grand program of celebrations. The cultural festival featured 29 national farmsteads, from Dagestan and across Russia.

The festival included a historical reconstruction of the ancient life and customs of the inhabitants of Derbent.

A boy performing a daring highwire act on Freedom Square.

Over the course of many centuries, Derbent has been home to many nationalities, speaking different languages and practicing different religions, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism and Zoroastrianism.

Festival guests were given the opportunity to visit the homes of the city's ancient quarter, offered tea, sweets and good conversation with hospitable hosts.

A man on a bicycle offering guests a daring highwire performance on Freedom Square.

Residents and guests in the area of the ancient city of Magal during celebrations of Derbent's 2,000th birthday.

City residents and guests were given a chance to become more acquainted with the craftsmanship of carpet weaving and pottery making.

A view of the city of Derbent from the ancient Naryn Kala Fortress.