On the Impact of Soviet Modernization on Urbanization Processes in the North Caucasus in 1975-1985

This article aims to provide a historical, retrospective analysis of urbanization in the North Caucasus in the 1970-s and 1980-s. It examines the influence of Soviet modernization on the main trends of this process. It traces its impact on the regions industrialization, urban growth, the transformation of local mentality, and its shift toward the formation of a "Soviet consciousness." Drawing on archival material, scientific literature, and online data, it attempts to identify the main driving forces of this process and highlight the distinctive regional characteristics of urbanization in the North Caucasus. Furthermore, a brief historiographical overview is provided and the main trends in the study of this process in modern Caucasus studies are identified, taking into account the fact that, compared to other Russian regions, the republics, territories, and regions of the North Caucasus and their development are quite unique, and the lack of a comprehensive statistical dataset and the fragmentary nature of sources do not always allow for a full understanding of these characteristics.