Circassians

Circassians are an ethnic group from the North Caucasus region of Eurasia. They form a number of closely related peoples, chiefly the Adyghe and the Kabardians, who share dialects and a common cultural heritage. The Circassian languages belong to the Northwest Caucasian language family; the Adyghe and Kabardian languages are often referred to as separate languages within that family.

Geography and population: Traditionally centered in Circassia, a historical region along the western Caucasus. Today most Circassians live in the Russian Federation, primarily in the republics of Adygea, Karachay-Cherkess Republic, and Kabardino-Balkar Republic. There are also sizable Circassian diaspora communities in Turkey, Jordan, Syria, and Israel, with smaller populations in Europe and North America.

History: The Circassians were organized into tribal groups and confederacies in the Caucasus. From the 18th through the 19th century, Russian military expansion culminated in the Russo-Circassian War (approximately 1763–1864). Following the war, many Circassians were displaced or exiled in a large-scale diaspora; some sources describe the events as genocide. The descendants of these communities today maintain cultural links with Circassia.

Culture: Circassian culture emphasizes hospitality, music, and dance. The lezginka is a well-known traditional dance. Traditional crafts include weaving and woodwork. The majority of Circassians are Muslim (mainly Sunni), though some communities retain Christian or other practices, particularly among descendants of early converts in the diaspora.

Today, Circassians continue to preserve language and cultural traditions, while integrating into the societies of their home regions and diasporas alike.