Reconstruction of the Last Stage of the Spread of Islam in Dagestan on the Basis of Local Arabic-language Written Sources (16th-17th Centuries)

The article examines the process of spread Islam in Tsunta, i. e., southwestern part Highland Dagestan, which is now Tsuntinsky district Republic Dagestan. By end XV Century Tsunta was only micro-region Dagestan whose inhabitants did not yet adhere to Islam. study based on a comprehensive approach issue: authors use information from epigraphic monuments, narratives, already published written sources, as well oral traditions recorded by them. latter are used an auxiliary source, helps bring additional facts reconstructed picture. basic sources local Arabic-language epitaphs memorial monuments and correspondence representatives spiritual political elite with rural societies mountain former were identified Kortan locality, located Antsukh Gorge, Tlyaratinsky district. During archaeographic expedition also three letters, contain answers some key questions related topic under study. One them, it turned out, had been previously published, but offer their own version translation, publish copy letter for first time. other two letters being researched have managed identify little-known phenomenon functioning Ghazi center medieval From Kortan, involvement volunteers settlements, military campaigns organized against “pagan” communities that want convert there, Qadis Islamic clergy appointed carry out missionary work spot. We able date took place sixteenth century beginning eighteenth century.