Universal History Annotation << Back HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF ETHNOCULTURAL INTERACTION IN THE TEREK-SULAK INTERFLUVE OF DAGESTAN M.S. Berkihanov The article reveals the historical background of ethnocultural interaction in the Terek-Sulak interfluve of Dagestan, which was a kind of melting pot, where close and diverse interaction of heterogeneous peoples and ethnic groups took place. The study of this problem is of scientific interest, since it allows for a deeper understanding of both the historical roots and dynamics of the ethnic diversity of such a unique ethnocultural Russian region as the Republic of Dagestan, as well as the essence of its modern social and cultural characteristics. In the context of globalization and interethnic interactions, knowledge of how ethnic groups were formed, what conflicts arose and how they were resolved, as well as what cultural characteristics were preserved, contributes to a more effective solution to modern problems in the fi eld of interethnic relations, revealing the complex mechanisms of ethnic dynamics. Keywords: Dagestan, Terek-Sulak interfluve, ethnocultural interaction, Turkification. DOI: 10.25791/vseist.02.2025.1226 Pp. 30-38.