1. C HECHNYA By: Mira Wise

2. T HE C HECHEN -I NGUSH ASSR WAS SPLIT INTO TWO PARTS AFTER THE COLLAPSE IN THE SOVIET UNION. Republic of IngushetiaRepublic of Chechnya

3. C HECHEN T IMELINE 1600- The Chechens are introduced to the Muslim Religion. 1780s-1859- The Russians and Chechens are in constant conflict. Eventually, the Chechens are unsuccessful and lose. 1944- Many Chechens are deported by Joseph Stalin and the communist Russian regime. 1957- The Chechens are allowed to return to their homeland. 1989-1991- The Soviet Union collapses, the Chechens declare their independence, however, they are still Russian territory and two wars have occurred already as they fight for independence.

4. L ANGUAGE The official language practiced in Chechnya is Chechen. This language is based on the Arabic Script, and is written and spoken. During the 1920’s however, the Arabic Script was replaced with the Latin alphabet.

5. T HE C HECHEN W ARS. The devastation these wars have had on the Republic of Chechnya is huge. Most people are now hoping for peace and stability, which is all they have been seeking. It is the rebel fighters who are fighting for independence over Russia, or at least self rule.

6. R ELIGION There are not many different religions practiced in Chechnya, the main religion is Islam, and since 1990, almost all of the people are Muslim and believe in the Islamic religion.

7. C HECHNYA ’ S G EOGRAPHY. As of right now, Chechnya is a Russian republic and it is located directly in Russia. The northern part of Chechnya is mostly rugged mountains and terrain, and the Caucasus Mountains cover al

8. G OVERNMENT The Chechens rely on oil, and their main export. Because they are located by the black sea, it is easy for the Chechens to use this resource to their advantage.

9. A RTS & LITERATURE. The Chechen people are interested in : Traditional Folk Arts. Architecture. Music. Theatre. Fine Arts. Sciences. Cultural Events. Cinema.

10. C USTOMS & T RADITIONS. Chechen children are taught at a young age about the proper way to treat people. For example, there is a certain way to treat a woman. You must always let her go first in keeping with the western tradition. Also, the Chechens have great hospitality, all houses have a guest bedroom and it is always kept clean just incase visitors may show up. The Chechen family is very close and the children treat their elders with great respect.