THE NORTH RIDING PROJECT

When one man murders another in Dagestan, for any reason whatever, it becomes the sacred duty of the murdered man’s nearest relative to avenge his death.  So soon as a homicide becomes known, the relatives of the murdered man and the relatives of the murderer, all armed to the teeth, assemble in separate houses for the purpose of consultation.  At that time any relative of the murdered man has a legal right to kill any relative of the murderer, provided he can do so in the open air.

Kennan/Caucasus, 1874