Literacy project as a basis of sociocultural change in the North Caucasus in the context of Soviet modernization

The article analyzes implementation of the literacy project in the North Caucasus. It deals with the features of this process considering multiethnic and multi-confessional nature of the region. The authors conclude that the Soviet policy regarding eradication of illiteracy in the North Caucasus affected traditional principles of the highland nations, causing keen conflict between old and new lifestyles.