Everything about Karachays totally explained
Locations with dominant Karachay populations: Uchkulan, Huzruk, Kart Dzhurt, Arhyz, Dombai, Teberda, Karachaevsk, Ust-Dzheguta, Uchkeken, Novaya Dzheguta, Staraya Dzheguta, Kuzul Kala, Eltarkach.
Origins
The Karachays are a
Turkic people descending from the
Kypchaks.
Language and religion
The Karachay dialect of
Karachay-Balkar language is of the Northwestern branch of
Turkic languages.
Most Karachay people follow Islam.
Diaspora
Czarist Russian annexation of the Karachay nation led to mass migration to
Turkey in the early 20th century. Karachays were also displaced en masse to the then
Soviet controlled
Central Asian states of
Uzbekistan,
Kazakhstan, and
Kyrgyzstan after
Stalin's relocation campaign in 1944. Since the
Khrushchev era in the
Soviet Union, many Karachays have been repatriated to their homeland from
Central Asia. Karachays residing in
Turkey have also migrated to numerous Western countries in search of economic opportunity. Today, there are sizable Karachay communities in
Turkey (centered around
Eskisehir), Uzbekistan, United States of America, and
Germany.
Character of the nation
The isolated lifestyle among the
Caucasus Mountains was one of the reasons of the establishment of the Karachay's unique character. Karachay people live in communities that are divided into clans and families:
Uidegi – Ataul - Tukum – Tiire.
Prominent tukums include: Aci, Batcha (Batca), Baychora, Bayrimuk (Bayramuk), Bostan, Catto, Hubey (Hubi), Karabash, Laypan, Lepshok, Ozden, Silpagar, Teke, Toturkul, and many others. There are roughly 32 Karachay tukums. A
tukum is basically a family's
clan-based lineage.
Karachay people are very independent in their behavior and adherence to their freedom. They have strong historically developed traditions and customs which regulate their lives: the wedding, the funeral, the pronouncement of family decisions, etc. They will never offend a guest and harbor a distinct attitude towards women. An offense made towards a Karachay man's parents is fatal for the offender. Cowardice is the most serious shame for the male. The blood feud takes place to this very day.
Quotations
“
The Karachay is a neutral nation, which lives at the root of Elbrus, and excelling by its loyalty, goodliness and bravery”.
'—
Leo Tolstoy, Russian novelist and philosopher,
Omnibus Edition (anniversary edition),
Moscow, Volume 46, page 184.
Further Information
Get more info on 'Karachays'.
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