Features of Social Structure of Adyghes (Shapsugs, Natukhais and Abadzekhs) in First Half of 19th Century
https://doi.org/10.24224/2227-1295-2022-11-1-471-487
Abstract
The question of the peculiarities of the social institutions of the Shapsugs, Natukhais and Abadzekhs — three groups of Circassians is considered. The relevance of the study is due to the fact that this problem is of interest for Caucasian studies and for solving theoretical problems of history and ethnography. The novelty of the work is seen in the use of archival documents, introduced into scientific circulation for the first time and in a new interpretation of already known sources. It is proved that some features of the social structure of these groups developed in those times when they lived in the mountains and had the opportunity not to submit to the power of the princes. It is shown that other features were the result of social conflicts at the end of the 18th — the first half of the 19th centuries. The question is raised about the reasons for the victory of the peasantry in these conflicts. It is noted that these include kinship and community solidarity, as well as the widespread distribution of firearms. Particular attention is paid to such social institutions of the Shapsugs, Natukhais and Abadzekhs as “brotherhoods” based on consanguinity and on the oath of mutual assistance. Their role in the consolidation of the peasantry and the strengthening of its influence is revealed. It is argued that thanks to the “brotherhoods” the number and territory of these three groups greatly expanded. The author also reveals the role of rural communities and their unions at different levels in the political system.
About the Author
I. Kh. Tkhamokova
The Institute for the Humanities Research — Affiliated Federal State Budgetary Scientific Establishment “Federal Scientific Center “Kabardian-Balkarian Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences”
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Irina Kh. Tkhamokova - PhD in History, Senior Researcher, sector of ethnology and ethnography.
Nalchik.
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Review
For citations:
Tkhamokova I.Kh. Features of Social Structure of Adyghes (Shapsugs, Natukhais and Abadzekhs) in First Half of 19th Century. Nauchnyi dialog. 2022;11(1):471-487. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.24224/2227-1295-2022-11-1-471-487
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