Natukhajs

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Natukhaj (Adyghe: НатIхъуадж) are one of the twelve major Circassian tribes. They once lived along the Black Sea coast, from Anapa in the north to Tsemes Bay (now Novorossiysk) in the south, and from the mountains to the lower Kuban River. Today, most Natukhaj families are in the diaspora and many have joined other Adyghe groups, especially the Shapsug. A few Natukhaj still live in Russia’s Adygea, mainly in the Takhtamukaysky District (Natukhay village) and the Teuchezhsky District.

The Natukhai had about 10 noble families and 44 free clans. They were a democratic tribe, with villages run by elected leaders. Because their coast opened to the steppe, they traded a lot with the Ottoman Empire and the Crimean Khanate, gaining wealth.

Culturally and linguistically they are closest to the Lesser Shapsug and sometimes call themselves Aguchips. Their territory also included the Guaye, a very old Circassian group, and remnants of the Zhaney. Noble families included Chakh, Dedy, Eryku, Kaz, Megu, Shupago, and Zan; Guaye nobles included Birdzh, Cherch, Kerzedzh, Khatirame, and Kuytsuk.

The Natukhai limited the power of nobles, and villages were governed by elected locals. They favored peaceful work and built trade with Turkey, which improved their living standards. They were among the last Circassians to adopt Islam, often remaining Christian longer, which caused clashes with neighbors like the Shapsug. In the early 19th century, many were converted to Islam by Turkish rulers.

They resisted Russian expansion into the Caucasus. After years of fighting, only about 175 Natukhai remained in their homeland. In 1860, Circassian leaders formed a parliament uniting the Shapsug, Ubykh, and Natukhai, with Sochi as an important center. In 1864, many Natukhai were killed and the rest were expelled to the Ottoman Empire as Russia occupied Circassia.

The Natukhai speak a Natukhai dialect of Adyghe, closely related to the Shapsug dialect. This dialect shares many features with other Shapsug varieties.