Draft:Dagestani campaign against Kabardia

Dagestani campaign against Kabardia
Part of Circassian-Dagestans conflicts
Date 18th century Location Terek River, near modern Yekaterinograd Result Kabardians and Abazins victory Territorial changes Stabilization of Kabardia's borders
Belligerents
Kabardia Abazinia	Avar Khanate Kumyks Other peoples of Dagestan and Chechen volunteers
Commanders and leaders
Prince Elzheruko Konokov Prince Loov Kemirgoko Idar Temiruko Idar	Khan-utsmi of Avaria Prince Koshkao
Strength
Several thousand cavalry and hundreds of infantry	Large force of Kumyks and Dagestanis
Casualties and losses
Unknown	Heavy, but unspecified
The battle lasted for several days, culminating in a decisive victory for the Kabardian-Abazin alliance.

The Dagestani campaign against Kabardia was a critical conflict in the North Caucasus during the 18th century. It stemmed from internal Kabardian disputes and the intervention of Dagestani forces, significantly shaping the region's history.

History

Background

Facing growing internal discord and external threats, the Kabardians sought alliances with neighboring tribes, including the Abazins and other Caucasian peoples. United under shared religious and cultural ties, they aimed to defend their lands and stabilize the region.

The Conflict

The Kabardian people, having formed an alliance with the Abazins and other mountain tribes, began to gather forces. Over the course of several months, they assembled their army near the Chegem River. They built defensive fortifications, including barricades and even stone walls in vulnerable areas, stretching their defenses from Mount Beshtau to the Terek River.

The Prince Koshkhao, fearing that the restoration of order in Kabarda would eliminate the possibility of a violent coup and seeking to avoid just retribution from his own people, sought the aid of the Avar Khan. With the help of this ally, the Dagestani rulers gathered a large army, including Kumyk and other Dagestani forces, and marched toward Kabarda.

Upon learning of the advancing Dagestani army, the Kabardians evacuated the sick, the elderly, women, and children to the mountains, securing their assets. Meanwhile, Koshkhao's supporters spread exaggerated rumors, attempting to rally more forces to their cause. Despite this, the Kabardians stood firm, relying on their bravery and strategic position.

The Battle

The Kabardian and Abazin forces, under the command of Prince Elzheruko, gathered a force of several thousand cavalry and a few hundred Abazin infantry. They were joined by Kabardian warriors, led by the sons of Prince Idar — Kemirgoko and Temiruko. They moved out of Greater Kabarda and advanced toward Lower Zhulat (modern-day Minaret), where they engaged the Dagestani forces, who had already crossed the Terek River and camped near the Karaterek area, near present-day Yekaterinograd.

Prince Elzheruko, aiming to avoid unnecessary bloodshed, attempted to open negotiations with the Dagestani Khan. He urged the Khan to cease hostilities, emphasizing the strength of the Kabardian coalition, which included not only the Abazins but also other Adyghe tribes. However, the negotiations failed, as the Khan, relying on the size of his army and influenced by Koshkhao's promises, was eager for battle and hoped to gain substantial loot.

The battle was fierce and lasted for several days. After intense fighting, the Dagestani forces were eventually forced to retreat on the third day, marking a significant victory for the Kabardians and their allies.

Aftermath

This battle solidified the alliances between the Kabardians, Abazins, and other Caucasian tribes. It also marked a pivotal moment in the fight against external interference in the region, particularly from Dagestan. The defeat of the Dagestani forces ensured that Kabarda maintained its autonomy for a time, with the internal cohesion necessary to prevent further external incursions.