Vladikavkaz (, lit. ruler of the Caucasus; , Dzæwdžyqæw, lit. 's settlement) is the capitalcity of the Republic of North Ossetia–Alania, Russia. It is located in the southeast of the republic at the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains, situated on the Terek River. Population: Vladikavkaz is one of the most populous cities in the North Caucasus.