Mongol invasion of the lands of the Abaza and Circassians
| Mongol invasion of the lands of Abaza and Circassians | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of the Mongol invasions | |||||||||
 Extent of the Mongol Empire | |||||||||
| |||||||||
| Belligerents | |||||||||
 Mongol Empire |
 Circassia Abazinia | ||||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||||
|
Batu Khan | Various local leaders | ||||||||
| Strength | |||||||||
| 200,000 | Unknown | ||||||||
The Mongol invasion of the lands of the Abaza and Circassians refers to the campaigns led by Batu Khan against the highland tribes of the North Caucasus, particularly targeting the Circassians, Alans, and Abaza people. Despite facing overwhelming odds, the mountainous peoples of the region utilized their knowledge of the terrain to mount a persistent resistance, waging a guerrilla war that the Mongols struggled to fully subdue.[1][2]
Prelude
[edit]In the early 13th century, as the Mongol Empire expanded westward, the North Caucasus became a strategic target. Prior Mongol campaigns had established control over the neighboring steppes, and Batu Khan, supported by Turkic vassals, sought to bring the Caucasian highlands under Mongol control. Mongol scouts first entered the region around 1222, establishing a foothold for later invasions.[3] By the 1230s, the Mongols were ready to consolidate their rule, pressing into the highland regions dominated by fiercely independent tribes.[4]
Mongol invasion and highlander resistance
[edit]In 1237, the Mongols launched their invasion of the North Caucasus. The Circassians, Alans, and Abaza tribes resisted fiercely, with notable leaders like Tuqar of Circassia falling in battle.[5][6] Mongol forces initially succeeded in burning villages and decimating lowland settlements, but found the highland resistance harder to quell.[7]
Driven by a determination to preserve their land and culture, the highlanders adopted guerrilla tactics, attacking Mongol supply lines and isolating smaller Mongol units in the mountains. By retreating into forests and mountainous terrain, Circassian and Abaza fighters took advantage of their home terrain to launch successful counterattacks, forcing the Mongols into a protracted struggle.[8]
William of Rubruck's observations
[edit]In 1253, William of Rubruck, an emissary from France, visited the Caucasus and noted that despite continued Mongol presence, the Circassians "had never bowed to Mongol rule." Rubruck’s writings indicate that the Mongols had to dedicate a significant part of their military forces to maintain even partial control, underscoring the ongoing resistance among the highland peoples.[9][10]
Long-term effects
[edit]Though the Mongols were able to establish control over parts of the North Caucasus, the highland areas largely maintained their autonomy. This resilience influenced the region’s cultural development and helped preserve local traditions. The Abaza, Circassians, and Alans retained their distinct identities, continuing to influence Caucasian politics and resisting future invasions.[11]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Абрамов, Я. (1999). История Кавказа. Поматур. p. 134.
- ^ Bashqawi, Adel (2017). Circassia: Born to Be Free. Xlibris. ISBN 978-1543447644.
- ^ Anchalabze, George. The Vainakhs. Page 24
- ^ Кулбаев, С. (2000). "Влияние монгольских вторжений на Кавказ". Кавказский сборник (4): 67–70.
- ^ Рашид ад-Дин. Сборник летописей. М.-Л., 1952. Т. 2. С. 39
- ^ L.I. Lavrov. “Kuzey Kafkasya’da Moğol İstilası”
- ^ Иванов, А. (2002-03-20). "Монгольское вторжение на Кавказ". Исторический вестник. p. 12.
- ^ Берже, А. (1964). Очерки Кавказской истории. Наука. p. 252.
- ^ G Rubruquis, cited in Jaimoukha's The Chechens, page 35
- ^ "Черкесия оставалась независимой от Монгольской империи". www.geopolitical.tv. Retrieved 2022-04-01.
- ^ Сулейманов, К. (1988). История Северного Кавказа. Прометей. p. 140.