Shapsugs

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The Shapsug, also known as Shapsugh, are one of the twelve main Circassian tribes. They originally lived along the Black Sea coast and in the northern Caucasus mountains, on lands named Shapsugia.

Where they live today
- In Russia, small communities remain in Krasnodar Krai (around Tuapse and nearby areas) and in the Republic of Adygea.
- The largest Shapsug communities are now in Turkey, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, Western Europe, and the United States.
- In Israel, the Shapsug are the most numerous Circassian tribe. In Turkey and Jordan, they are also significant groups.

Language and religion
- They speak a sub-dialect of the Circassian language, part of the West Adyghe group (the Shapsug dialect, with Hakuchi as another sub-dialect in Jordan).
- In daily life, many Shapsug in the homeland are part of the broader Adyghe language family, while diaspora communities may use Turkish, Hebrew, Arabic, and other languages.
- The Shapsug are mainly Sunni Muslims (Hanafi tradition).

History in brief
- Before the Russo-Caucasian War, the Shapsug were a large and powerful tribe, with territories along the Black Sea coast and the Kuban region.
- They fought hard against Imperial Russia and were among the last to resist in 1864. After the war, many Shapsug were forced to leave their lands and settle in the Ottoman Empire and other regions.
- Some thousands remained on the coast, while others formed communities in what is now Krasnodar Krai and Adygea.
- In the 20th century, the Shapsug established a national district briefly (1924–1945) within the Soviet system; it was later renamed and reorganized.
- Since the 1990s, there have been efforts to revive Shapsug cultural and community life.

Culture and economy
- Traditionally, the Shapsug practiced farming, cattle and horse breeding, horticulture, viticulture (grapes), and beekeeping.
- They had their own traditional beliefs before the spread of Islam, and they honored heroes and “immortals” who defended Circassia.
- In recent times, many Shapsug communities preserve their language, songs, dances, and crafts, while integrating into their new countries.

Important notes
- The Shapsug once controlled important ports and regions along the Black Sea coast.
- They are closely related to other Circassian tribes and share common customs and history, even as communities spread across the world.

Today the Shapsug are an enduring Circassian people with a global presence, preserving their language, faith, and traditions while adapting to life in many different countries.