At present, most Avars live in the south-western part of Dagestan. In Azerbaijan, the Avars are settled in the north-western villages – Mahamalar, Matsekh, Baratbina, Katekh, Chadarovtala, Gasbina, Gabizdere, Gochahmed, Qabaqchol, Khirkhatala, Beretbina, Mazimgara, Saribulag, Uzuntala, Mollachibina, Pirdakh, Hotaj, Merashda, Mesta, Mechard Kilsabugov, Tsar, Akhakhdare, Yukhari Tala, Ashagi Tala, Goyam, Dardoggaz, Yolayryj, Danachi, Takhtalar, Chokakoba, Ashagi Chardakhs, Yukhari Chardakhlar, Silban, Makov, Oytala, Pashan, Matsekh, Zilbal Maziz-dara.
The ethnic name of the Avars – is maarulal – is interpreted as “mountain people”, and “mountain man”.The word “Avar” means “crazy, stubborn, belligerent, brave.” This was the reason why the Avars, known as a warlike people at all stages of history, were often involved in wars. Alexander Bestujev-Marlinsky, a Russian writer exiled to the Caucasus, also described the Avars as the most militant tribe in the Caucasus, a free, unyielding, courageous, straightforward, and hospitable people.
Abbasgulu aga Bakikhanov, one of the Azerbaijani enlighteners of the 19th century, also wrote that a tribe of the mighty Avar people still lives in the Caucasus mountains and has its own language and traditions.
Today, Azerbaijan, has created favorable conditions for the Avars to preserve and develop their national traditions of self-determination. The Avar language is taught in the settlements and rural schools where the Avars live. Folklore groups, including boys’ dance groups “Qafqaz” and “Cahan” in Balakan, and folk dance groups “Alazan” and “Hudulki” operate in Zagatala to preserve Avar traditions and pass them on to future generations.
