Ali Kayaev Dagestani scientist and religious figure, Lak by nationality Date of Birth: 01.01.1878

1. Early Life and Education
2. Academic Pursuits
3. Al-Azhar University
4. Arrest and Return to Russia
5. Islamic Reform and Cultural Heritage
6. Political Activism and Arrests
7. Later Life and Legacy

Early Life and Education

Ali Kayaev, a Lak by ethnicity, was born in the village of Kaazi-Kumukh, the cultural center of the Lak people. His father, Abdulgamid, was a master weaponsmith. After his father's tragic death, Ali studied at the Kaazi-Kumukh Madrasah under the tutelage of Gazi Seidguseynov.

Academic Pursuits

After completing his studies in Kaazi-Kumukh, Kayaev sought knowledge from various Dagestani scholars. He spent five years in Sogratle, where he delved into Muslim law, history, ethnography, and astronomy. In 1899, he made a handwritten copy of Muhammad al-Karahi's "The Gleam of Highland Sabers in Some of Shamil's Wars," which later became the basis for a scholarly publication.

Al-Azhar University

Kayaev's pursuit of knowledge led him to Cairo in 1905, where he enrolled in the prestigious Al-Azhar University. He excelled in his studies and became known for his exceptional abilities in Arabic and other disciplines.

Arrest and Return to Russia

In 1908, Kayaev relocated to Istanbul but was arrested and deported back to Russia. He returned to Dagestan and opened a madrasah in Gundealen before becoming editor of the newspaper "Jaridat Dagistan" in 1913. He later served as a deputy in the Dagestan Oblast Council and a member of its executive committee.

Islamic Reform and Cultural Heritage

Kayaev advocated for the reform of Islam and viewed Dagestani culture as an integral part of world culture. He authored groundbreaking works on the history and language of the Lak people, including a comprehensive dictionary of the Lak language.

Political Activism and Arrests

In 1918, Kayaev opened a madrasah in Kaazi-Kumukh, where he taught traditional secular disciplines. His madrasah was closed in 1928, and he was arrested in 1930 and exiled to the Southern Urals. He was released in 1934 but rearrested in 1938 and exiled to Kazakhstan.

Later Life and Legacy

Ali Kayaev died of typhus in 1943 in exile in Kazakhstan. He left behind a legacy of scholarship, activism, and cultural preservation that continues to inspire Dagestanis today.