Iran is increasing its economic and cultural influence in Dagestan
Since 2022, trade turnover between Iran and Dagestan has more than tripled. Tehran is also increasing its religious influence in the Russian region, the Special Eurasia think tank reported.
It is noted that ports on the Caspian Sea and Dagestan have become a key link in Iran's logistics network to bypass sanctions and are used in the interests of shipping and oil companies.
Despite the fact that only 5% of Dagestanis profess the dominant Islamic movement in Iran, Shiism, the latter is actively promoting its centers and language in the region. In particular, the Shiite association "Ahlul-Beit" operates in Makhachkala. It distributes Iranian literature and magazines through religious centers, universities and libraries in Dagestan, as well as Chechnya and the Stavropol Territory.
