Russia is |
Peoples of Russia
Abaza (Abazinians)
Their self-designation is Abaza. These are one of the peoples of Northern Caucasus. They mostly live in the Karachay-Circassia Republic and in the eastern part of Adygeya. In 2000, by a decree of the Government of the Russian Federation they were given the status of native small-numbered people.
Language
The Abazinian language belongs to the Abkhaz-Adyghe branch of the Northern Caucasian family and has two dialects: the Tapanta (on which the standard language is based) and the Ashkhar. The Kabardian-Circassian and Russian languages are also widespread. Its writing system is based on the Cyrillic alphabet.
Ethnic groups
The modern Abazinians are divided into two groups: Tapanta (the plains ones) and Ashkharaua (the mountain ones). These two groups differ not only by their locations but also by certain elements of their culture.
Dispersion
The majority of Abazinians (32.4 thousand people) live in Karachay-Circassia (the city of Cherkessk — 9.5 thousand, Near-Kuban — 6.1 thousand, Ust-Djegutin — 4.7 thousand, Khabez — 4.5 thousand, Adyghe-Khabl — 3.8 thousand, Malokarachayevsk region— 4 thousand people). A significant group (3.3 thousand people) are in the Stavropol territory, including in Kislovodsk (1.3 thousand).
Society
The traditional social organization of the Abazinians consisted of village communities (auls), large and nuclear families, patronimies. The auls were divided into patronimic blocks.
Traditional occupations
Before mid-19th century, the main industries in the economy of the Abazinians were distant-pasture cattle breeding (large and small cattle), horse breeding (was considered a prestigious occupation); from the second half of the 19th century, farming started to prevail (millet, barley, corn; gardening, vegetable growing). Home crafts and production were well-developed: wool processing (making woolen cloth, felt, burka cloaks, etc.), tanning and currying skins and leathers.
Dwellings
The traditional homestead includes one or several residential houses, including a facility for guests – the kunak place, and a complex of outbuildings at some distance from these. From the middle of the 19th century, brick and wooden log houses with an iron or tile roof started springing up.
Food
The traditional cuisine is based on plant, dairy and meat products. A favorite dish is chicken meat with white sauce flavored with garlic and spices. The traditional low-alcohol beverage is made from millet (buza).
