Kabarda

Kabarda refers to a historical and ethnographic region in the North Caucasus, primarily associated with the Circassian people, specifically the Kabardian subgroup. It is situated in what is now Kabardino-Balkaria and parts of adjacent republics in Russia. The Kabardians are a North Caucasian ethnic group whose language, Kabardian, is a Northwest Caucasian language. Historically, the Principality of Kabarda was a significant power in the region from the 15th to the 18th centuries, playing a role in the geopolitical dynamics between the Russian Empire, the Ottoman Empire, and the Crimean Khanate. The region is known for its mountainous terrain, with a portion of the Greater Caucasus range within its borders. Traditional Kabardian culture emphasizes honor, hospitality, and a complex social structure. Their economy has historically been based on agriculture and animal husbandry. The Kabardian horse, a breed known for its endurance and spirit, is also associated with the region. In modern times, the Kabardian people are a constituent ethnic group of the Russian Federation, primarily residing in the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic.