Dagestani Muslim Reformism of the First Third of the 20th Century as a Type of Jadidism in the North Caucasus

This article characterizes Muslim reformism in Dagestan in the first third of the 20th century as a form of Jadidism in the Muslim outskirts of Russia. Based on an analysis of press materials, manuscripts, correspondence of Dagestani scholars, and other literature, it is revealed that Dagestani reformers developed a concept for a new perception and development of Islam to facilitate the peaceful adaptation of Dagestani Muslims within Russia during the late imperial and early Soviet periods. Dagestani Muslim reformism was educational in nature: a comprehensive reconstruction and analysis of Islamic education reform was conducted, the theological and legal aspects of Muslim enlightenment were established, the practice of women’s emancipation was summarized, and the Dagestani reformer’s; policy regarding outdated adats was defined. Dagestani reformers prioritized social progress in science, culture, and the study of national history, languages, and literatures.