Kryts people

Kryts
Хърыцӏаь

Total population
c. 10,000–15,000 (2005)
Regions with significant populations
Azerbaijan	4,400 (2009)[1]
Languages
Kryts, Azeri
Religion
Sunni Islam
Related ethnic groups
Shahdagh people and Northeast Caucasian peoples

The Kryts (self-designated хърыцӏаь) or Gryz (Azerbaijani: qrızlar) are a people of Azerbaijan who reside in several villages in the Quba, Khachmaz, Ismayilli and Gabala regions, as well as in the cities of Baku and Sumgait.

In 2005, the number of Kryts was between 10,000 and 15,000. They speak the Kryts language, which belongs to the Lezgic branch of the Nakh-Dagestan language family. In addition, all speak the Azerbaijani language.

Demographics[]

The number Kryts according to H. Seidlitz, extracted from family lists in 1886, was 7,767 people. In "The Sociolinguistic Situation of the Kryts in Azerbaijan" it was reported that the number of Kryts was between 10,000 and 15,000.

Lifestyle and culture[]

Their main occupation is raising livestock; agriculture and horticulture are of secondary importance. In the development of crafts, they manufacture of carpets, rugs and woollen patterned socks.

The Kryts are predominantly Sunni Muslims.

References[]