Was Dagestan Part of Iran?

Dagestan, which means “mountain country,” was penetrated by Russians as early as the 15th century. Following an agreement between Russia and Iran, the region was annexed by Russia in 1813; control over the area was completed in 1877. In 1921, following the Russian Civil War, it became an autonomous republic.

Is Dagestan Sunni or Shia?

Dagestan's population is majority Sunni Muslim, but it has a Shia minority that is mainly spread out in the south of the republic among ethnic Azeris who traditionally live in the city of Derbent.

Who brought Islam to Dagestan?

According to Dagestani legends, Maslamah ibn ʿAbd al-Malik (r. 723–731), having conquered all Dagestan, imposed Islam on the local rulers.