Circassian Authenticity: Between Spatial and Ethnic Affiliation
Adel Bashqawi
May 10, 2025
Circassian Resistance Leader Tuguzhuqo Kizbech, notorious “Lion of Circassia.” Created in 1850 by: James Stanislaus Bell.
The Circassians have consistently demonstrated, throughout the ages, the depth of their authentic and deeply rooted heritage, along with their unwavering attachment and sense of belonging to their homeland and national identity. The enduring genuineness of the Circassian nation cannot be ignored or overlooked; rather, it deserves to be acknowledged with respect and appreciation. The history of the Circassian nation and its homeland in the Northwest Caucasus is uniquely rich and continues to yield remarkable discoveries. Indeed, they have presented evidence that even the most tendentious and biased minds cannot deny or refute.
Authenticity of Ethnicity Across Space and Time
• Spatial, structural, and ethnic affiliations are closely intertwined with the legacy and heritage that express the ancient character of the Circassian nation. The cultural, civilizational, and historical legacies have been faithfully passed down from noble and distinguished ancestors to their righteous descendants. Furthermore, humanitarian activities—whether performed individually or collectively—permeate all aspects of life. Such actions inevitably yield tangible or intangible outcomes that influence the broader societal landscape, reinforcing affiliation with the homeland and strengthening national identity.
• In this context, it is worth noting that a recent excavation in the Circassian homeland uncovered a remarkable archaeological find: horses of the Kasogs (ancestors of the Adyghe) lying beside soldiers in combat gear. This discovery inspired reflection, including the statement:
“Let’s talk about some of the roots of the Adyghe language. First, let’s introduce you to an older branch of Adyghe horses—Joara from the epic tradition. Indeed, our grandfathers still use the word huara, meaning an adult, calm horse.” [1]
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Exhibition of archeological items: bronze and stone items found in Kabardino-Balkaria.
Significant Circassian (Adyghe) Archaeological Findings
The authenticity of the Circassians—known as the Adyghe people—has been firmly established despite the calamities they endured during the defensive wars they fought. The vital humanistic values of their remarkable and praised civilization have been documented and are considered foundational to their distinct cultural identity.
Their reference to, and continued presence in, the cradle of their civilization reflects the undeniable truth of their ethnic origins in their historical homeland. This compels scholars and researchers focused on the Northwest Caucasus—and Circassia in particular—to broaden their scope of study on this significant topic.
The Maykop Kurgan (c. 3700 BCE)
This archaeological site belongs to the broader Maykop Culture, a Bronze Age civilization that thrived in the North Caucasus. The Maikop burial mound, near modern-day Maykop (capital of the Republic of Adygea), yielded lavish grave goods, including gold and silver artifacts, suggesting the existence of early complex societies in what is now Circassian territory. Some interpretations associate these early peoples with proto-Circassian ancestry.
“Slender gold and silver tubes crafted during the Bronze Age… the world’s oldest drinking straws, a new study finds. Archaeologists found the 3-foot-long (1 meter) metal tubes in 1897 while excavating a burial mound known as a kurgan from the ancient Maikop (also spelled Maykop) culture in the northwestern Caucasus.” [2]
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Bronze Age Mountain Kings | The Maykop Culture 3700 – 3000 BC
Maykop (5,720–5,020 years ago) Caucasus region Bronze Age culture-related to Copper Age farmers from the south, influenced by the Ubaid period and Leyla-Tepe culture, as well as influencing the Kura-Araxes culture.
Maykop Culture (3700–3000 BCE)
“The Maykop (or Maikop) Culture was a Bronze Age people of the Caucasus Mountains who traded with the ancient civilization of Uruk Mesopotamia and the Yamnaya steppe herders… Inside were astonishing treasures of gold, silver, arsenical bronze, and precious stones from distant lands. This ancient king of the northern mountains was wealthy beyond belief. His tunic had 68 golden lions and 19 golden bulls applied to its surface. He wore necklaces with 60 beads of turquoise, 1,272 beads of carnelian, and 122 golden beads. Under his skull was a diadem with five golden rosettes of five petals each on a band of gold pierced at the ends.” [3]
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The culture extended from the Taman Peninsula at the Kerch Strait to the borders of modern Dagestan and southwards to the Kura River. According to genetic studies on ancient DNA (published in 2018), the Maikop population originated from the south, likely from western Georgia and Abkhazia, and descended from Eneolithic farmers who first colonized the northern Caucasus. [4]
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North-western Caucasus dolmen culture. Dolmen Koliho / Kolikho, 3-2 mill. BC. Kolikho Valley, Aguj-Shapsug, Tuapse region, Krasnodar area. Sandstone. Transferred to Moscow State Historical Museum.
A dolmen near the Zhane River (Jane Valley), near the Circassian port city of Gelendzhik. North West Caucasus about 3000 BC.
Dolmens of the Western Caucasus (3000–2000 BCE)
The hundreds of megalithic dolmens scattered across the Western Caucasus—including modern Adygea and Krasnodar Krai—are mysterious stone structures believed to have been used for burials or ritual purposes. While their builders remain a subject of scholarly debate, many Circassians regard these dolmens as ancestral monuments that reflect deep historical ties to the land.
“By 3000 B.C., the Dolmen culture, whose name comes from the distinctive megaliths used as grave markers, had arisen here and reached its peak; it lasted until the last quarter of the second millennium B.C.” [5]
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“Approximately 3,000 dolmens have been identified in the Western Caucasus and were mainly used for human burials (though some researchers suggest a primary function in tribal worship). Evidence suggests continuous use, with collective burials ranging from 1–2 individuals up to around 80 placed through the aperture in the dolmen’s stone front.” [6]
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6 – The Fardyk – Keshene complex is located south of Eltyubyu village KBR. Date between the 10th to 16th century.
The Koban Culture (1300–400 BCE)
Although broader than just Circassian, many Circassian scholars see links between their ancestors and the Koban archaeological culture in the North Caucasus, which is known for its metalworking, jewelry, and burial practices. Artifacts such as bronze weapons, horse harnesses, and ornate ornaments reflect an advanced material culture that flourished in the region long before recorded history.
“Circassians share with the Georgians the distinction of being the oldest continually identifiable ethnic group in the Caucasus. As far back as it is possible to project their history, they seem to have populated the northeastern shore of the Black Sea and the hinterlands extending to the high mountains behind. Their original territory certainly extended to the Straits of Kerch and possibly into Crimea. Men who spoke languages ancestral to the complex Circassian dialects of modern times probably met the Greek colonists who in the last millennium BC established trading posts along the Black Sea shore, but the Greeks did not penetrate far into the interior.” [7]
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Kasog Horse –- An image showing the burial scene of a warrior with his horse.
Kasogian Graves and Armaments (9th–12th Centuries CE)
As with the previously mentioned “horses of Kasog,” other warrior burials linked to the medieval Kasogs—considered ancestors of modern Circassians—have been discovered. These burials often include weapons, armor, and horses, underscoring a strong warrior ethos and equestrian culture. Excavations in the Taman Peninsula and the Krasnodar region have revealed such graves.
“Byzantine art, architecture, paintings, and other visual arts produced in the Middle Ages in the Byzantine Empire (centered at Constantinople) and in various areas that came under its influence. The pictorial and architectural styles that characterized Byzantine art, first codified in the 6th century, persisted with remarkable homogeneity within the empire until its final dissolution with the capture of Constantinople by the Turks in 1453.” [8]
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Relics from the past are often displayed in specialized museums. However, in some cases, they are destroyed by those attempting to erase history or are excavated illegally and sold on the black market at exorbitant prices. These artifacts include, but are not limited to, statuettes, ancient glassware, coins, gold and silver objects, gemstones, jewelry, tools, utensils, pottery, mosaics, and other significant cultural items.
“The Art Institute’s Department of Arts of Greece, Rome, and Byzantium showcases the early development of Western art from the dawn of the third millennium BCE to the Byzantine Empire. It includes sculpture in stone, clay, and bronze, as well as coins, glass, jewelry, vases, and mosaics of outstanding quality and interest. There are some 2,300 works of ancient Mediterranean art in the department’s holdings.” [9]
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The Maykop Culture
Sindica
Zichia (Medieval Circassian: Адзыгъуэй, Adyghe: Адыгэй) was the predecessor of Circassia and a medieval kingdom on the northeastern shore of the Black Sea, inhabited by Circassians.
Roman and Byzantine Artifacts in Circassian Territory
Circassian authenticity and historical continuity are supported not only by ethnocultural tradition but also by material evidence spanning multiple historical periods. Archaeological sites along the Black Sea coast—in the ancient regions of Sindica and Zichia—have uncovered Roman coins, amphorae, and trade goods. These findings point to the interaction of Circassian ancestors with classical civilizations through trade and diplomacy.
During the Middle Ages, Constantinople was the heart of the Byzantine Empire—a center of science, architecture, visual arts, and cultural diversity, deeply rooted in religious life. The empire, committed to defending and promoting traditional Christianity, left a strong cultural and religious imprint on the regions it controlled and influenced.
“Byzantine art, architecture, paintings, and other visual arts produced in the Middle Ages in the Byzantine Empire (centered at Constantinople) and in various areas that came under its influence. The pictorial and architectural styles that characterized Byzantine art, first codified in the 6th century, persisted with remarkable homogeneity within the empire until its final dissolution with the capture of Constantinople by the Turks in 1453.” [10]
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Bolshoy Tkhach Park, Maykop district, Adygea
Circassian dance, created: 1865. Image extracted from page 183 of A journey from London to Persepolis.
Conclusion
Successive historical eras have contributed to a civilizational depth that cannot be denied or erased. On the contrary, this legacy can—and should—serve as a foundation for the present and future of the Circassian nation. However, this potential can only be realized when the Circassians are able to reclaim their legitimate rights to freedom and self-determination.
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References:
[5] https://justicefornorthcaucasus.info/?p=1181718000
[6] https://www.heritagedaily.com/2021/09/the-mysterious-dolmens-of-the-north-west-caucasus/141341
[7] https://aheku.net/articles/english/history/1065
[8] https://www.britannica.com/art/Byzantine-art
[9] https://www.artic.edu/departments/PC-4/arts-of-greece-rome-and-byzantium
[10] https://www.britannica.com/art/Byzantine-art
