abaza

Abaza refers to an indigenous ethnic group of the North Caucasus and to the language they speak. The Abaza are a Circassian sub-ethnic group, primarily concentrated in the Russian republic of Adygea, with smaller communities in Krasnodar Krai and in other parts of the Caucasus. A diaspora also exists in Turkey and Jordan, a result of historical migrations in the 19th century.

The Abaza language, also called Abazakh or Abaza, is a Northwest Caucasian language closely related to Abkhaz and Abazin. It comprises several dialects and is typically used alongside Russian in daily life. Language vitality varies by community, with ongoing efforts in education and media to support its transmission to younger generations, while Russian remains widely used.

Culturally, the Abaza share many features with other Circassian-speaking groups, including traditional music, dance, hospitality, and artisanal crafts. The majority of Abaza have traditionally practiced Islam, predominantly Sunni, though individual religious affiliations can vary within communities. Social and family structures often emphasize clan ties and local customs that preserve historical identities.

Historically, the Abaza trace roots to the western Caucasus and participated in the broader history of the Circassian world. In the 19th century, during the Russian expansion into the Caucasus, many Abaza and other Circassians were displaced, leading to emigration to the Ottoman Empire and other regions. Today the Abaza maintain a distinct cultural and linguistic identity within the broader Circassian umbrella and Russian federation.

See also: Abkhaz, Circassians, Abaza language, Adygea.