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Circassian: Абдзах | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Total population | |
| Approximately 500,000; mostly in Turkey. | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 Turkey | 500,000 |
 Israel | 1,123 |
| Languages | |
| Adyghe (Abzakh dialect) | |
| Religion | |
| Sunni Islam | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| OtherCircassian tribes | |
| Part ofa series on the |
| Circassians Адыгэхэр |
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 List of notable Circassians Circassian genocide |
| Circassian diaspora |
| Circassian tribes |
Surviving Destroyed or barely existing |
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| Religion in Circassia |
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TheAbzakh (Circassian: Абдзах,Abdzakh;Russian: абадзехи) also known asAbdzakhs orAbadzekhs are one of the twelve majorCircassian tribes, representing one of the twelve stars on the green-and-goldCircassian flag.[1] Historically, they lived in the mountainous part of the modern Russian republics ofAdygea andKrasnodar Krai. Major settlements or villages were located in the river valleysKurdzhips,Psheha,Pshish, andPsekups.
However, today the vast majority of them live indiaspora in Turkey — about 500,000 people, which are the descendants of those expelled from their homeland as a result of theRussian–Circassian War. AfterKabardians, the Abzakh are the second-largest Adyghe tribe in Turkey, other diaspora countries, and in the world in general. They are also the second-largest Adyghe tribe in Israel (afterShapsugs), largest in Jordan, and the sixth-largest in Russia. The Abzakhs are not to be confused with theAbkhazians or theAbaza, yet the naming "abadz'ekh" in Circassian language means "the people who live under the Abazas", but they are different in language.
Before the Caucasian War, Abzakhs inhabited the northern slope of the Caucasus mountain range, near the land of theShapsug tribe. They were grouped into highland and lowland Abzakhs and favored close relations with theUbykhs, whom they practically regarded as their own kin.[2]
In 1834, together with theShapsugs and theNathukajs, they swore an oath to fight against the Russians.[2] The Abzakhs were reluctant to join non-Circassian commanders, which is whyMuhammad Amin failed to win over the Abzakh, most of whom backedSeferbiy Zaneqo.
After the Caucasian war, most Abzakhs (and other tribes) were deported to the Ottoman Empire, the remaining Abzakhs were relocated to the present-day steppeShovgenovsky District in Adygea.
The Abzakh tribe was traditionally divided into nine companies, managed by elected elders. In discussing and resolving important issues elders agreed in a general meeting. Among Circassians, Abzakhs were considered the most warlike.[2]
The Abzakh tribe engaged in arable farming and horticulture, and kept many animals, especially prized horses. In the mountains, the Abzakh mined copper, iron, lead, and silver.
Since the early 19th century, their dominant religion isSunni Islam.
The Abzakh people speak a sub-dialect (Adyghe:Абдзахэбзэ) of theWest Adyghe dialect of the Circassian language.[3]
About 1,123 Abzakh people live in theRehaniya, inGalilee (Northern District,Israel), where there is an Adyghe museum.
In 1958, Abzakhs (and other Adyghe tribes) of Israel were allowed to enter military service, which gave them a number of privileges. In Israel, the Abzakh are the second largest Adyghe tribe, after theShapsug.
The 12 Circassian tribes: Abadzeh Besleney Bzhedug Yegeruqay Zhaney Kabarday Mamheg Natuhay Temirgoy Ubyh Shapsug Hatukay. The twelve stars on the Adyghe flag also refer to the twelve tribes.
