Chechens

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Chechens are a Northeast Caucasian ethnic group native to the North Caucasus in Russia. They call themselves Nokhchiy and are the largest Nakh group in the region. Most live in Chechnya, a republic in Russia, but there are also big Chechen communities in other parts of Russia and in several countries around the world, especially Turkey, Kazakhstan, Jordan and Iraq. Their language is Chechen, a Nakh language closely related to Ingush, and most Chechens are Muslims, mainly following the Shafi'i or Hanafi schools, with some Sufi traditions.

The Chechens have a long history in the mountains of the Caucasus. They lived in clan-based societies called teips, organized into larger groupings called tukkhums. Their social code, nokhchallah, emphasizes courage, honor and helping the family and clan. In the medieval period the region faced many invasions, including the Mongols. Russia began expanding into the area centuries later, and by the 19th century Chechnya was largely brought under Russian control. In 1944, Stalin ordered the deportation of Chechens to Central Asia; their republic was abolished. They were allowed to return starting in the late 1950s.

In the 1990s Chechnya fought two wars with Russia as many people wanted independence. Since then, Chechnya has been part of Russia again, governed by a Moscow-backed administration under Ramzan Kadyrov. This period has seen significant political and religious tensions, along with efforts to promote a version of traditional Islam.

Chechnya is proud of its culture and nature. A common greeting in Chechen is marsha oylla, meaning “enter in freedom,” reflecting a strong value placed on personal and communal freedom. Traditional life centers on family, land and clan ties, with famous epic tales, poetry and music playing an important role in preserving history.