The cult of manhood: Who is 'Caucasus man'?

Zaurbek Maliti, 26, teacher: What should a man be like? "He must be courageous, of course, and a man of his word. If you say you’ll do something, you must do it. The main thing for a man is honor. Other things are secondary."

The Ossetian nation has been through some hard times, with its uniqueness and very survival coming under threat. Tough living has shaped the Ossetian character – an Ossetian man is proud and he fights for freedom. The national ethos emphasizes the supremacy of the ancient fighter — brave, strong, free. Every man and boy in Ossetia wants to match this image. The first thing evident in Ossetia is the perfect physique of the local men. Every young man does martial arts, the most famous kind being freestyle wrestling.

Ossetia is home to a cult of manhood. It is based on the region’s cultural and ethnic heritage. It always has been very important to be a great fighter and hero, which is why Ossetia boasts more Heroes of the Soviet Union and Russia than anywhere else. However, the cult has a reverse side – intolerance to those who do not meet the stereotype. One person who took part in the photo project said that he was bullied for wearing colored shoes.

The Ossetians are descended from Iranian-speaking nomads – the Scythians and the Sarmatians. In historical writings from the 2nd century A.D. these tribes were known for their serious military and political might.

Alikhan Ktsoev, 13, pupil: “A man should be athletic and have a strong character.”

Soslan Alborov, 26, boxer: “A man should be fair, honest, and decent. Being a man means strength, being able to protect his loved ones.”

The main saint in the local religion is Uastrydzhi, the patron of men and travelers, and the enemy of criminals and thieves. The image of the saint on a white horse can be spotted everywhere (pictured: Uastrydzhi carved into a cliff).

Alan Khugaev, 26, martial artist: “A man should be militant with a strong character and principles. He should live a worthy life.”

A wrestling class in Vladikavkaz, the Ossetian capital.

Khetik Tsabolov, 26, martial artist. “A man needs to be fearless. He should not lie, must keep his word, and must understand who he is. He should guard himself and his family.”

Cesar Tibilov, 35, honored trainer of Russia. “A man needs to behave like a man, should be brave, courageous, and kind. He should love his family and job. A man helps others to stand on their own two feet. He should respect his elders and younger ones. He should be a kind, a very kind man.”