THE EVOLUTION OF SELF-CONSCIOUSNESS OF THE MOUNTAIN AND THE SLAVIC PEOPLES OF THE NORTH CAUCASUS

This article describes the evolution of self-consciousness of the peoples of the North Caucasus from the XV century to present time. Given the relationship between the development of ethnic identity with the Soviet nation-building. Shows the importance of religion in the identity of the Highlanders. Authors overview modern attempts to form a new identity of the population, based on the Islamic world outlook.