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| Great Crimean War | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of Crimean-Circassian Wars | |||||||||
| |||||||||
| Belligerents | |||||||||
 Kabardian Principalities Bzhedug PrincipalityVarious Circassian principalities |
 Crimean KhanateSupported:  Ottoman Empire | ||||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||||
|
Talostan Djankhot |
Muhammad I Giray | ||||||||
| Strength | |||||||||
| Unknown | Unknown | ||||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||||
| Unknown | Significant losses | ||||||||
The Great Circassian War were a series of military conflicts between the Crimean Khanate and various Circassian principalities, including the powerful Kabardian Principality.
Background
editIn the early 16th century, the political landscape of the North Caucasus was shaped by increasing Ottoman expansion in the Eastern Black Sea region. The Crimean Khanate, a vassal of the Ottoman Empire, initiated campaigns to expand its control over the Circassian lands. Unlike the relatively peaceful reign of Mengli Giray, his son Muhammad I Giray pursued aggressive actions against Circassia, marking the start of prolonged conflict.[1]
Prelude to the War
editInitial conflicts between the Crimean Tatars and the Circassians occurred near the Zhaneyev and Hegak principalities, adjacent to the Khanate. Noted Circassian leaders displayed significant resistance to the Crimean attacks. For example, the Zhaneyev principality was known for its fierce warriors, who often carried out raids against neighboring territories. The Hegak principality operated in coordination with Zhaneyev in these early confrontations.[2]
The War
editIn 1520, the Crimean Khanate, following orders from the Ottoman Sultan, launched an expedition against the Circassian territories. The Crimean army, led by Muhammad I Giray, sought to conquer the Kabardian territories but faced fierce resistance. Kabardian forces under the leadership of Talostan Djankhot managed to repel the Crimeans, leading to a temporary Circassian victory.[3]
Major Battles
editIn 1521, the Crimean Khanate, led by Muhammad I Giray, again attempted a major invasion, aiming to subjugate the Kabardian territories. However, Kabardian forces, prepared and fortified, inflicted significant damage on the Crimean army, forcing their retreat.[4]
By 1523, the situation escalated as Circassian forces led by Talostan Djankhot crossed into Crimean territory, even laying siege to Bakhchisaray, the Crimean capital. Although the siege did not lead to a long-term occupation, it resulted in a negotiated tribute from the Crimean side to avoid further Circassian raids.[5]
Ottoman Influence and Crimean Fortifications
editAfter several setbacks in the North Caucasus, the Ottoman Empire and the Crimean Khanate fortified their positions in the Black Sea region to defend against Circassian raids. They established fortified posts, including the prominent Temryuk fortress, and deployed significant forces to protect their territories. The Ottoman sultan Selim I ordered the construction of these fortresses, fearing continued Circassian incursions.[6]
Outcome
editThe Circassian-Crimean Wars of the 1520s and 1530s resulted in a temporary Circassian victory. The Circassian principalities retained their independence and repelled Crimean incursions. By the mid-16th century, a period of relative stability allowed the Circassians to consolidate their territories, which included influence over areas such as the Astrakhan Khanate to the north and Abkhazia to the south.[3]
Legacy
editThese wars solidified the reputation of the Circassian principalities as formidable opponents in the Caucasus. The conflict also shaped the political boundaries and alliances in the region, influencing relationships between the North Caucasus tribes and the expanding Ottoman and Russian empires.[3]
References
edit- ^ Kagazezhev, Zh.V. (2011). Военные конфликты черкесских княжеств с Крымским ханством в 20-30 гг. XVI века. Владикавказский Научный Центр РАН. p. 12.
- ^ Interiano, Giorgio (1518). "Travels of a Venetian in the Caucasus". Journal of Circassian Studies. 3: 48.
- ^ a b c Kagazezhev, Zh.V. (2011). "Кабардинцы в боях с Крымом". Bulletin of the Kabardino-Balkarian Institute of Humanities. 11 (2): 13.
- ^ Malbakhov, B.K. (2002). Кабарда на этапах политической истории. Москва: Издательство Поматур. ISBN 5862081062.
- ^ Song, Traditional Circassian (1986). Bakhchisaray Campaign. Vol. 3. Nalchik Publishers. pp. 51–54.
- ^ Chelebi, Evliya (1979). Book of Travels. Institute of Russian Oriental Studies. p. 46.