The Udis are considered to be the descendants of the people of Caucasian Albania. According to the classical authors, the Udis inhabited the area of the eastern Caucasus along the coast of the Caspian Sea, and a territory extending to the Kura River in the north, as well as the ancient province of Utik, which many historians believe was named after them.[6] The Caucasian Albanians were a Christian people whose alphabet is derived from Armenian and Georgian.[8] Even today, most Udis belong to the Armenian Apostolic Church.[9][6] Centuries of life in the sphere of Perso-Islamic culture made a relevant impact on the Udi culture and mentality. This trace is noticeable in Udi folk traditions and the material culture.[6]
