Cultural Transformations in the Life of Chechen Society by the Beginning of the 20th Century

The article highlights the processes of renewal of some aspects of the traditional material culture of Chechen society at the beginning of the 20th century. The Russian authorities had a great influence on the changes that took place, striving to turn the North Caucasus into an integral part of their empire and transform the patriarchal life of their new subjects. Under the influence of Russia, the processes of updating traditional foundations primarily covered the economic and household sphere of life of the Chechens, who were forced to adapt to new circumstances of existence. The changes were most noticeable in the flat part of Chechnya, which was more open and accessible to external influences. Gradually, there was a rejection of the traditional internal layout of living spaces with strict isolation of the female and male parts of the home, their equipment and furnishings. The appearance of households and the spatial structure of settlements changed, their functional role expanded, which were directly related to new socio-cultural values, social statuses, and everyday life. Changes also included clothing and shoes, which became not only a tribute to fashion, but also acted as markers of social status and material success. The mountainous part of Chechnya for the most part remained aloof from the changes taking place due to difficult accessibility to external influences.