Where Does the Caucasus End and the Truth Begin

Abstract

In reviewing various criteria for defining the boundaries of the Caucasus, the author inclines toward the opinion that ethnographic and linguistic criteria are not likely to be successfully applicable in this case, and gives preference to physical-geographical and political criteria, arguing that the southern border of the Caucasus has to coincide with the present day northwestern border of Iran and northeastern border of Turkey, thus leaving these countries beyond the boundaries of the region.