Cherkess

Cherkess or Cherkes (Russian: Черкесы Čerkesy; Adyghe: Чэркэс, Шэрджэс Šerdžes) is a term derived from the Russian language name for the Circassians, a people of the North Caucasus. While the term was traditionally applied to all Circassians before Soviet times, it has since usually referred only to the Circassians living in northern Karachay-Cherkessia, a federal subject of Russia where they are indigenous and formed just under 12% of the population in 2010. These Circassians are mostly Besleney Kabardians who speak the Cherkess, i.e. Circassian, language. They also inhabit the villages of Khodz, Blechepsin, Koshekhabl, and Ulyap in nearby Adygeya.

The Cherkess generally call themselves Adyge (Адыгэ) as do most Circassians. The name of the Cherkess was given to Cherkessk, formerly called Batalpashinskaya, the capital of Karachay-Cherkessia.

History

The Cherkess (in the narrow sense) migrated from Kabarda between 1780–1825, settling in the upper Zelenchuks and Urup valleys, from which they were largely displaced during the period of the 1830–1850s. During the 19th century, due to pressure from the Russia, many Cherkess moved to the Middle Eastern countries, where they largely assimilated, while still living there as a distinguishable minority. Most Cherkess (but not all) have converted to Islam.