Circassian Culture and Folklore

With 175 black & white illustrations, maps and sheet music, this is the first book in English to describe in detail the rich culture and traditions of the Circassians - comprising the Karbardians, Cherkess, Adigeans and Shapsugh. The diaspora of this North Caucasian people stems from their defeat in the catastrophic century-long Circassian-Russian War, which ended in 1864. As a result, Circassia's population lost their time-honoured independence and huge numbers went into exile.Circassian Culture and Folklore provides an ethno-anthropological perspective on the ancient hospitality, cuisine and attitude to life that Circassians across the world still keep alive. A taste is also given of the many holidays and festivals celebrated across the calendar, revealing their vibrant syncretism of ancient beliefs.Sections cover the ancient Nart epics and Circassian music and musicology, complete with traditional songs and melodies divided into genres (a CD anthology is available separately). A collection of Circassian sayings and expressions with English translations plus a comprehensive bibliography are included as appendices.