Kabardian

people

Also known as: Kabardin, Upper Circassian

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June 30, 2026

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The Kabardians are a Circassian people of the Caucasus Mountains. They speak the Kabardian language, which is part of the Northwest Caucasian language group. This language is known for its many consonant distinctions and few vowel distinctions.12

The Kabardians primarily reside in the Kabardino-Balkaria republic in southwestern Russia. Historically, Circassia, their traditional homeland, experienced influence and control from various empires, including the Romans, Mongols, and Russians. The Kabardians, along with other Circassian groups, fiercely resisted Russian domination, leading to significant population displacement and emigration, primarily to the Ottoman Empire.134

Traditionally, their economy was based on pastoralism and farming, with a social structure that included princes, nobles, and a slave class. While officially Sunni Muslims, ancient cults were also reported in modern times.4

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Caucasian peoples
…in southwestern Russia, and the Kabardians, settled along the Kuban and upper Terek river basins, are the most populous. Among other northern Caucasian peoples are the Abkhaz, the Ingush, and the Lezgi. There are a vast number of less populous groups.
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…in southwestern Russia, and the Kabardians, settled along the Kuban and upper Terek river basins, are the most populous. Among other northern Caucasian peoples are the Abkhaz, the Ingush, and the Lezgi. There are a vast number of less populous groups.
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Circassian
The Kabardians (or Upper Circassians) number about 345,000 and live mostly in the republic of Kabardino-Balkaria, Russia. Circassian communities also exist in Anatolian Turkey (150,000) and Syria (35,000), with smaller groups in Jordan, Iraq, and Iran.
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The Kabardians (or Upper Circassians) number about 345,000 and live mostly in the republic of Kabardino-Balkaria, Russia. Circassian communities also exist in Anatolian Turkey (150,000) and Syria (35,000), with smaller groups in Jordan, Iraq, and Iran.
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Kabardino-Balkariya
The Kabardin, who are mostly plains people, allied themselves with the Russians as early as 1557, and Kabarda formed part of the Terek Cossack district. A Russian fortress was built at Terek on the river, and another, in 1818, at Nalchik. Many of the Russians now…
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The Kabardin, who are mostly plains people, allied themselves with the Russians as early as 1557, and Kabarda formed part of the Terek Cossack district. A Russian fortress was built at Terek on the river, and another, in 1818, at Nalchik. Many of the Russians now…
Read More