Chorni Klobuky (Ukrainian:Чорні клобуки,romanized: Chorni klobuky) orChornye Klobuki (Russian:Чёрные клобуки,romanized: Chërnyye klobuki), meaning "black hats", was a generic name[1] for a group of semi-nomadicTurkic tribes ofBerendei,Torki, Kovui of Chernihiv,Pechenegs, and others[2] that at the end of 11th century settled on the southern frontier ofKiev andPereyaslav principalities along theRos River valley.[2][3]
The Black Klobuks are first mentioned as such in theKievan Chronicle under the year 1146.[4]
In the 12th century, many of these tribes became sedentary[2] and town-based (within modernCherkasy and southernKyiv oblasts). Their main city wasTorchesk (next to the modern city ofKaharlyk).[4] They also were used by Rus' princes for the defense of their southern borders againstCumans (Polovtsi),[2] and took part in the political life ofKievan Rus'.[2]
After theMongol invasion, they were partially assimilated by neighboring peoples,[2] and partially deported byGolden Horde rulers such asUzbeg Khan (between 1340–1390) to theCentral Asia.[2][5] Their name means "Black Hats" or "Black Hoods", and inTurkic languages it is "Karakalpak"; presumably this refers to their national costume. It is unclear whether the Chornyi Klobuki are related to theKarakalpaks of today.[6]
In the Moscow Chronicle collection of the end of the 15th century under the year 1152, it is alleged that all Chorni Klobuky were calledCircassians as they arrived from theNorth Caucasus.[1]
Klym Polishchuk's short story "God of the Chorni Klobuky" is based on a Ukrainianlegend. The story comprisesTreasure of the Ages: Ukrainian Legends [Skarby vikiv: Ukrainski Lehendy].[7]