Circassian Soviet Socialist Republic

The **Circassian Soviet Socialist Republic** (also known as the Circassian SSR or simply Circassia) is a member state of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. The Circassian SSR was established in 1952, being formerly known as the Circassian Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic, being elevated to its own republic outside of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic, which it was formerly a member of.

The Circassian SSR primarily consists of numerous closely-related Circassian groups who speak a similar language. Circassians belong to the Caucasian language and ethnic group, closely related to Georgians, Armenians, Chechens, Ossetians, and Ingushes. Circassians are primarily Muslim, practicing Sunni Islam. Shache is the nation's capital, while Krasnodar is by far its largest city. The Circassian SSR remains a largely rural country, with more than half of its population living in those areas. Other major cities include Tuapse, Sudjak, Makhosh, and Belorechan.

## Background

### Early History

Circassians have inhabited the region for thousands of years, with estimates of many settling in the region up to 3000 years ago. Feudalism began to emerge in Circassia in the fourth century CE, with Christianity spreading to the region around the same time. Circassians established many states, but were not able to achieve ethnic or political unity. Circassians remained at war over their territories for more than a thousand years, being conquered by the Bulgars, Mongols, and Golden Horde. The Circassians were eventually able to fight off the Golden Horde in the late 14th century, despite being plundered and having territories destroyed.

In the 1400s, Prince Inal (Inal the Great), who owned land in the Taman Peninsula, sought to unify Circassians under a single state. After declaring princedom, he conquered Circassian states one by one, establishing control over Circassia and creating the first unified Circassian state. Following his death in 1458, the conquered territories were divided between his sons and grandchildren, and Circassian tribal principalities were established, many of which remained similar under the current Circassian SSR.

By the 17th century, Circassians began to convert from Christianity to Islam after the spread of the religion into the area, primarily by Tauricans to the West. Throughout then and the early 18th century, Taurica and Circassia found themselves at war, paying tribute to the Ottoman Sultan in order to prevent Taurican raids. However, the sultan did not fulfill the obligation, and in 1708, the Tauricans raided and ravaged across Circassia, robbing everything they could. For this reason, Kabardian Circassians announced that they would never pay tribute to the Taurican Khan and the Ottoman Sultan again. The Ottomans sent an army to support the Taurican invasion, sending at least 20,000 men to East Circassia. However, despite the Ottomans expecting an easy victory, the Circassians won and were able to defeat invading forces, largely due to the strategy set up by Kazaniko Jabagh during the battle of Kanzhal. The Taurican army was destroyed in one night on September 17, 1708, signifying historical importance for the Circassian people in maintaining their identity.

### Russian Occupation

In the early 18th century, the Russians began to construct plans to conquer Circassia. Under Catherine II, these plans were put into action, and the Russo-Circassian Wars began.

Building forts surrounding Circassia, Imperial Russia began attacks on Circassia, engaging in kidnappings, murders, massacres, theft, and more strategies to drive away Circassians. It is estimated that tens of hundreds died, with many more being displaced. Russia conquered Circassia by 1764, and acts of hostility towards the Circassians continued, from Russification combined with colonization, destruction of crops and livestock, and murders of those who resisted. It is estimated that the Circassian population shrunk by hundreds of thousands due to these policies, with many immigrating to the Ottoman Empire.

Circassian treatment under Russian occupation remained dire and brutal. Many Russians settled in the region under occupation, occupying large portions of the population of the Circassian SSR at its establishment. Circassia was able to hold its identity, and despite Russification, better unified their language, switched its alphabet to Cyrillic, and remained predominantly Muslim. Throughout the 19th century, Circassians were heavily against the Tsars, being one of the largest supporters of the 1917 revolution.

## Under the Soviet Union

In 1917, the Russian Civil War began, with the Reds maintaining hold of Circassia throughout the war due to their popularity within the region. In 1922, Circassia was established as an autonomous republic within the Russian SFSR, gaining more autonomy and control over its culture and land.

Circassia's population began to grow as a newly autonomous state. However, many in the region desired to become a separate SSR from Russia, which would be granted after WWII.

During World War II, Circassia was briefly occupied by the Nazis, with many massacres taking place and many communists and religious minorities persecuted, killed, or deported into concentration camps. However, after the initial occupation, the Allied Powers began a turnaround in the war with the Battle of Stalingrad, and Axis forces were soon pushed out of Circassia. WWII ended after a stalemate and nuclear weapons were used, and despite the occupation of Circassia being short, many lives were lost, and property was heavily damaged.

## Geography

Circassia is located in the Northern Caucus region, east of the Black Sea and just south of the Azov Sea. It borders three other nations within the USSR, including Taurica to the north, Russia to the east, and Georgia to the south.

The Circassian SSR is comprised of 19 districts, closely representing the sub-ethnic inhabitants of those regions. Krasnodar is its largest city, with over one million inhabitants, built by the Russians as a settlement under occupation. Shache is its second-largest city and capital, serving as a more centric location representing the Circassian peoples.