Haïdan (Djidân)
"The nearest nation to Bab el-Abwab [Derbend, Dagestan] are the Haïdan. They form one of the kingdoms of the Khazar. Next to Haïdan is the Kingdom of the Khazar. Their metropolis was the city of Semender, which is eight days journey from the town of Bab al-Abwab. This city has a numerous population of Khazar, but it is no longer the capital, for when Suleiman son of Rabiah el-Balhili conquered Semender in the beginning of Islam, the king transferred his residence to Itil, which is seven days journey from Semender; and since this time the kings of the Khazar reside there."
Al Masudi - Meadows of Gold and Quarries of Jewels, Volume 1,
Glossary
Bab-el-Abwab - Bab Sul, Bab Allan, or Derbend.
Arabic: Gate of Gates or, Gate of the Alans - an ancient city in Dagestan on the western shore of the Caspian (Khazar) Sea, whose walls used to bar passage between the mountains and the sea. The Sasanians closed the Caucasus passes to prevent the passage of the northern nomadic peoples.
Semender (Tarkou) - Tarku -
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