Udins

Population	8,000
Language group	Lezgin group of the Caucasian (Daghestan) languages
Language	Udin
Region	The village of Nidzh, Kutkamensky district, and the town of Vartashen in Azerbaijan; the village of Oktomberi, Kvarel district in Georgia
Religion	Christianity (Orthodox and Georgian)

*Population estimates for 1994

On the left-bank tributaries of the Turianchai River there is a village of Nidzh whose outskirts are smothered in fruit and walnut orchards. Nidzh and its suburbs are inhabited by the Udin (or Udi, Uti as they call themselves), the representatives of a small, but ancient people having its own language. Nidzh is surrounded by vast virgin leaf forests with many birds. Local honey, which is particularly tasty, is also famous. Scientist believe the Udin to be the descendants of the Caucasian Albanians.

The Udin written language had not been established until the twentieth century. For their literary language, the Udin used the Azerbaijanian, Georgian, Armenian, and Russian languages.

The main Udin occupation is agriculture, horticulture, and cattle-breeding. Some Udin people work in the industries. Carpet weaving is the traditional Udin craft. Clothing, skin and leather footwear are also a popular manufactured item.

Udin material and spiritual culture is close to the Azerbaijanian culture. Udin believers follow Christian ideas, both Orthodox and Georgian.