Russia is |
Peoples of Russia
Adyghe
Their self-designation is Adyghe. They are the population of the Republic of Adygea. The name “Adyghe” is common for three ethnic groups: Abadzekhs, Bzhedugs and Temirgoys. The Adyghe ethnonim also refers to the closely related Kabardians, Circassians and Shapsugs.
Language
They speak the Adygean language of the Abkhaz-Adyghe group of the North Caucasian language family. The dialects are: Temirgoy (the basis for the standard language), Abadzekh, Bzhedug, Shapsug. The use of the Russian language is common. Its writing system is based on the Cyrillic alphabet.
Ethnic groups
Before the 20th century, the following ethnic groups existed: Abadzekh, Bzhedug, Zhaney, Yegeruqwai, Mamkhegh, Makhosh, Natukhai, Temirgoy, Hatuqwai, Shapsug, Khakuch, Adamey. After the Caucasian war and the following mass resettlement to Turkey and the countries of the Near East (muhajir), their numbers decreased greatly. Some smaller groups were fully assimilated by the larger ones.
Settlements and dwellings
The traditional settlements consisted of separate homesteads, were divided into patronymic parts, on the plains they had a street and block planning scheme. The traditional dwelling is turluk (wickerwork covered with clay) and single-chamber, with additional isolated rooms with separate entrances added to it for married sons.
Food
Their diet uses grain, meat, dairy products; vegetables and seasoning (garlic, thyme, peppers) are widely used.
Occupations
Plough agriculture, gardening, wine growing, cattle breeding (including horse breeding). The home-based crafts are wickerwork, weaving, making burka cloaks, leatherwork, stone and wood carving, gold and silver embroidery.
