Capturing Russia from white to black, north to south, east to west

Posts Tagged "Makhachkala"

Dagestani Youth

Dagestani Youth

MAKHACHKALA, DAGESTAN: As I walked through a small park in central Makhachkala with my camera, two groups of youth approached to have their photo taken. Of all the towns I have been to in Russia, youth approached me for photos only in Makhachkala and Stavropol. In the latter case, it was two groups of girls.  

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Kamil: Dagestani Volleyball Player

Kamil: Dagestani Volleyball Player

MAKHACHKALA, DAGESTAN: Kamil was walking with friends along the Makhachkala seaside, dressed in a Brooklyn Nets sweat suit. Kamila, two meters tall, said he plays volleyball while studying at an automobile technical college to become a traffic police officer. He said he boxed from 5th grade till 9th grade, but moved over to volleyball at the recommendation of his teacher, who said he had the right height for the sport.

Sharukhan: Dagestani Dental Student

Sharukhan: Dagestani Dental Student

MAKHACHKALA, DAGESTAN: Sharukhan, 19, was hanging out in a park with friends when they approached to ask for a group photo. Sharukhan, dressed in a red 'Russia' sweater, said he wanted to become a dentist, following somewhat in the footsteps of his father, who is a a top doctor. The dental student said he ''likes the profession, plus it offers a normal salary.'' Makhachkala is considered an economically depressed region, where salaries tend to be lower than in other parts of Russia. He said he spends the weekends with his friends, playing football, going for walks or dancing at night clubs.

Sakura: Dagestani Dancer

Sakura: Dagestani Dancer

MAKHACHKALA, DAGESTAN: Sakura, 22, was probably destined to dance. As a baby, she once woke up to music on a TV commercial, shaked her body, and went right back to sleep when it ended. She may have inherited the love of dancing from her mom, who performed ethnic Dagestani and Indian dances. Sakura said she practices experimental dance when alone at home and will be moving to St Pete to develop further her skills. While many girls her age in Dagestan are contemplating marriage, Sakura is dreaming of visiting Japan .... Marriage is not in her near-term plans. She says she still feels like she is 16.

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Dagestan Street Style

Dagestan Street Style

MAKHACHKALA, DAGESTAN: This young man was walking around in a USA hat and a RUSSIA sweatshirt.