Caucasian scholars explain goals of public reconciliation of blood feudists in Chechnya

From ancient times, the respect for the clergy and authorities has helped resolving blood feudists' conflicts; and making these events public allowed priests and officials to demonstrate their influence, Caucasian experts have noted.

The "Grozny" TV Channel has reported that the two families, who had been at odds for 10 years because of the death of a young man, reconciled with the participation of the Muftiate.

Islamic figures have always been involved in preventing blood feuds, Alexei Malashenko, a historian, told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

"Islam is categorically against blood feuds. The fact that religious leaders are involved in reconciliation shows the significance of this event; it demonstrates that people in Chechnya are looking for peace and getting rid of blood feuds," he has explained.

If this action was carried out sincerely, it can also be important for other regions of the Caucasus, since the blood feud exists in Ingushetia and Dagestan, Mr Malashenko believes.

The publicity of the reconciliation, the participation of the clergy in it, is undoubtedly a tradition, said Ruslan Kutaev, the president of the Assembly of Caucasian Nations. On the other hand, in our time this event is used for propaganda purposes. "The authorities show that they also take part in people's lives," Mr Kutaev has stated.