| Total population | |
|---|---|
| c. 10,000–15,000 (2005) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 Azerbaijan | 4,400 (2009)[1] |
| Languages | |
| Kryts,Azeri | |
| Religion | |
| Sunni Islam | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Shahdagh people andNortheast Caucasian peoples | |
TheKryts (self-designatedхърыцӏаь) orGryz (Azerbaijani:qrızlar) are a people ofAzerbaijan who reside in several villages in the Quba, Khachmaz, Ismayilli and Gabala regions, as well as in the cities ofBaku andSumgait. They are one of the peoples that have traditionally been calledShahdagh (along with theBudukh people andKhinalug people).[2]
In 2005, the number of Kryts was between 10,000 and 15,000. They speak theKryts language, which belongs to theLezgic branch of theNakh-Dagestan language family. In addition, all speak theAzerbaijani language.
The number Kryts according to H. Seidlitz, extracted from family lists in 1886, was 7,767 people. In "The Sociolinguistic Situation of the Kryts in Azerbaijan" it was reported that the number of Kryts was between 10,000 and 15,000.
The area the Kryts inhabit was once part of theShirvan Khanate during the 18th century but then became part of theKuba Khanate by the end of the century. The region was annexed into the Russian empire in 1806. During Soviet rule, the authorities imposed themselves into Kryt society, fully eliminating the autonomy the Kryt have historically enjoyed. Traditional beliefs and lifestyles valued by the Kryts underwent rapid change during this period as well.[3]
Their main occupation is raisinglivestock;agriculture andhorticulture are of secondary importance.[3] In the development of crafts, they occupy manufacture carpets, rugs and woolen patterned socks.
The Kryts are predominantlySunni Muslims.[2]
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