Adyghian

The Adyghians, also known as Circassians, are a Caucasian people who speak a Northwest Caucasian language. Historically, their homeland, Circassia, was a region in the northwestern Caucasus situated between rival empires. Their early history is not well-documented, but they experienced influences from various groups including Greeks, Romans, Mongols, Crimean Tatars, Turks, and Russians.12

The Adyghians faced significant conflict with Russia, leading to a forced resettlement campaign in the mid-19th century. This resulted in the emigration of a large portion of the Adyghian population to the Ottoman Empire. Today, Adyghians primarily reside in the republics of Adygea and Karachay-Cherkessia in Russia, with smaller communities in Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Iraq, and Iran. Their traditional economy is based on pastoralism, farming, and fruit growing. While officially Sunni Muslims, some ancient cults have been reported in modern times.1