Situated between Russia, Turkey, and Iran and comprising part of the Russian Federation along with Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, the Caucasus region is best known for ethnic and religious divides that have resulted in bloody conflicts for centuries, most recently between various minorities and the post-Soviet independent states. This extensive volume reveals the rich and multifaceted nature of the Caucasus and includes a study of the region's transition to independence, an exploration of the area's religions, and a discussion of the role of art in war-torn communities. It is necessary reading for anyone with an interest in one of the world's most complex regions.