çerken

Çerkez is a term used to refer to ethnic Turks living in the Balkans, primarily in modern-day Bulgaria, Macedonia, and Greece. They have a distinct cultural and linguistic heritage, shaped by their history and geography. The term is derived from the Turkish word "çerkez," meaning "circassian," likely due to the historical connection with the Circassian people, a North Caucasus ethnic group.

Historically, the çerkez population was formed by Turkish tribes that settled in the Balkans during the Ottoman Empire's expansion in the 14th century. Over time, they developed their own language, administrative units, and traditions. Many çerkez people assimilated into the wider Ottoman and later Habsburg Empires, adopting different languages, customs, and social norms.

In the 19th century, many çerkez individuals emigrated to other parts of the Ottoman lands, the Middle East, and the Americas, contributing to the growth of Turkish populations in various regions. Today, çerkez communities can be found in various countries, including Turkey, Bulgaria, Greece, and the United States.

Whilemuch of the çerkez population assimilated into the dominant mainstream cultures, efforts have been made in recent years to revive and document the unique cultural and linguistic heritage of the çerkez people. This has included the creation of cultural organizations, language courses, and other initiatives aimed at promoting awareness and cultural preservation. However, the čerkez identity remains a subject of ongoing scholarly debate and investigation. As such, researchers continue to study and document the complex and multifaceted nature of this ethnic group's history and cultural practices.