Karachays

The Karachays are a Turkic-speaking ethnic group of the North Caucasus, concentrated mainly in the Karachay-Cherkess Republic of Russia. They belong to the broader Karachay-Balkar language group, part of the Kipchak branch of Turkic languages, and many speak Karachay-Balkar with several local dialects.

Geographically, the majority of Karachays live in the Karachay-Cherkess Republic, where they are one of the region’s largest ethnic communities. Smaller populations are found in adjacent areas of the North Caucasus and other parts of Russia. A diaspora traces back to historical migrations during the Soviet period and earlier.

Historically, the Karachays inhabited the western Caucasus foothills and mountains. They came under Russian imperial rule in the 19th century. In 1943, during World War II, Stalin's government deported many Karachays to Central Asia and Siberia as punishment for alleged collaboration with the enemy. They were allowed to return beginning in 1957, and many resettled in the Caucasus region.

Religiously, the Karachays are predominantly Sunni Muslims, following the Hanafi school. Islam shapes many cultural practices, rites, and daily life. Traditionally, Karachay social organization revolved around extended families and clans, with agriculture, livestock, and crafts forming the economic base; today many are urban workers, professionals, or farmers.

In modern Russia, Karachays are recognized as an indigenous people of the North Caucasus and participate in regional administration in the Karachay-Cherkess Republic. The culture preserves language, music, dances, and cuisine, with ongoing efforts to maintain Karachay-Balkar alongside Russian.