çerkez

Çerkez refers to a member of the Circassian people, an indigenous ethnic group indigenous to Circassia, a historical region in the northwestern Caucasus. Circassians are distinct from many of their Caucasian neighbors and have a rich and complex history. Their language, Adyghe, belongs to the Northwest Caucasian language family and is unrelated to the Turkic or Slavic languages of surrounding regions. Historically, Circassian society was organized into a feudal-like system of princes, nobles, and commoners.

The Circassians faced significant conflict with the Russian Empire during the 19th century in a series of wars known as the Russo-Circassian War. This conflict resulted in the displacement and exile of a large portion of the Circassian population, with many migrating to the Ottoman Empire and other parts of the Middle East. Today, Circassian communities can be found in Turkey, Jordan, Syria, Israel, and other countries, in addition to a remaining population in their ancestral homeland in Russia, primarily within the republics of Adygea, Karachay-Cherkessia, and Kabardino-Balkaria.

Circassian culture is known for its unique traditions, including distinctive music, dance, and a strong sense of honor and hospitality. Their historical struggle for independence and their diaspora experiences are central to their modern identity. The term "Çerkez" is commonly used in Turkish and other languages to refer to Circassians.