The Bzhedugh (, ; ; ) are one of the twelve major Circassian tribes.
Many of them immigrated to Turkey in the 1860s, but there is still a community of Bzhedug on the left bank of the Kuban River (in the vicinity of Krasnodar).Rywkin & Wixman, p. 34 The Bzhedug people live in Adygea and Krasnodar Krai, and are well represented in the Adyghe (Circassian) diaspora in all countries of residence. Even in ancient times the Bzhedug people were divided into four tribes.
History The Bzhedugs originally lived in the area of Shahe River, between Tuapse and Sochi. Later they divided in two groups: those who lived close to the Black Sea (Abhiaskis) and Adygeans (territory of Kuban River). This migration was caused by overpopulation and warlike neighbors to their Black Sea's territories. Bzhedug were subdivided into Cherchenay (Psekups River and Pshish River) and Himish area (Afips River and Psekups River). They were involved in cattle breeding and agriculture, growing mostly crops and corn.
Language
The Bzhedugs people speak a dialect (, Bz̄edyğwbze) of the Adyghe language.
Villages There are 48 Circassian villages in Republic of Adygea, 26 of which are Bzhedug villages (54% of the villages in Adygea).
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See also Circassians#Tribes Shapsugs Abzakhs Zhaney Mamkhegh Natukhai Temirgoy Hatuqwai Besleney Circassian genocide
References Sources
Citations
External links Adyghe story in Bzhedug language 1 Adyghe story in Bzhedug language 2