Dagestan: Land of Mountains, Erick s List

In the West, Russias Republic of Dagestan is known mostly thanks to Khabib Nurmagomedov the undefeated star of mixed martial arts. Not only did he put Dagestan on the map, but also popularized the traditional sheep skin papakha headdress he took to wearing for press conferences and weigh ins. Mexican journalist Erick Fonseca Zárate didnt know much about Dagestan before taking his show Ericks List on the road to visit this amazing region thats gradually turning into Russias top tourist destination. A predominantly Muslim region, Dagestan has a storied past: it wasnt until the 19th century that Dagestan became part of the Russian Empire, but it was an important stop on the ancient Silk Road as early as the 7th century. Situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, it is populated by 33 ethnic groups, has 13 official languages and many more dialects. Although the republics capital of Makhachkala nestles right on the Caspian shore, Dagestans charm spreads far beyond the coastline: villages of sand