Abazins

Who are the Abazins?

The Abazins are an indigenous people of the Northwest Caucasus, historically linked to the Abkhaz and Circassians. Their identity is shaped by shared language, customs, and a clan-based social structure. The Abazins have maintained a sense of unity through their oral traditions, religious practices, and collective memory of migration and hardship. Today, they are found in several countries, but their roots remain in the North Caucasus.

Where do the Abazins live?

The traditional homeland of the Abazins lies in the North Caucasus, mainly in Karachay-Cherkessia and Stavropol Krai of southern Russia. This region is characterized by mountains, forests, and river valleys. Over time, many Abazins left this area due to conflict and resettled in Turkey, Egypt, and parts of the Middle East. Despite this, the North Caucasus remains central to their history and identity.

What language do the Abazins speak?

Abazins speak the Abaza language, which belongs to the Northwest Caucasian language family. It is closely related to Abkhaz and more distantly to Circassian and Ubykh. There are two main dialects: Ashkharua and Tapanta, both spoken in Karachay-Cherkessia. Abaza is still used in daily life in Russia, though diaspora communities often also speak Turkish, Arabic, or Russian.

How do the Abazins live?

Traditionally, the Abazins made their living through animal herding and some farming. Herding livestock such as sheep and cattle was central to their economy and way of life. They also practiced agriculture, growing crops suited to the mountainous terrain. In diaspora communities, livelihoods have diversified, but some traditional practices continue, especially in rural areas.

How is Abazins society organised?

Abazin society is organized around clans, with the Ashkharua and Tapanta being the main groups. Clan ties influence marriage, social obligations, and leadership. Decisions are often made collectively within the clan. Family and kinship are highly valued, and elders play an important role in guiding community affairs. Social customs are similar to those of neighboring Circassian peoples.

What do the Abazins believe?

The Abazins are predominantly Sunni Muslims. Islam became central to their identity between the 16th and 19th centuries, influenced by contact with Muslim neighbors and missionaries. Religious practices and festivals are important in community life. Traditional music, oral storytelling, and distinctive dress are also part of their cultural heritage.

The history of the Abazins

The Abazins have a long history in the Northwest Caucasus. In the 19th century, many were forced to migrate due to Russian conquest and the Circassian genocide. This led to large Abazin communities in Turkey, Egypt, and the Middle East. The Ashkharua clan resisted Russian forces and emigrated after defeat, while the Tapanta allied with Russia. Despite displacement, the Abazins have preserved their language and customs.

Abazins life today

Today, Abazins live mainly in Russia, Turkey, and the Middle East. In Russia, they are concentrated in Karachay-Cherkessia. Diaspora communities are found in Turkish provinces and in Egypt, Jordan, and Syria. The Abazins face challenges in preserving their language and traditions, but efforts continue in both homeland and diaspora to maintain their identity.

Questions people ask about the Abazins

Sources and further reading

• Abazins on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

This page was written with AI assistance from the sources above and checked automatically before publishing. It may contain mistakes, and it is no substitute for hearing from the Abazins themselves. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.