Crimean–Circassian wars

The Crimean–Circassian wars were a series of intermittent conflicts between the Crimean Khanate and various Circassian tribes from the late 15th century to the 18th century. These wars were primarily driven by slave raids, territorial disputes, and political alliances. The Crimean Tatars frequently launched raids into Circassian lands, capturing thousands of slaves and exerting influence over the North Caucasus. These conflicts contributed to the long-term instability and demographic changes in the region.

List of Crimean raids 16th century Year Description 1539, 1545, 1546, 1547 Devastating campaigns of the Crimean Khan Sahib Giray against the Circassians that lasted until 1551, his assassination.Malbakhov B. K. "Kabarda at the Stages of Political History (Mid-16th to Early 19th Century)", Moscow, Pomatur Publishing, 2002. ISBN 5-86208-106-2, p. 216 1551 The Crimean Khan Sahib Giray launched a new campaign, this time against the Hatuqay tribe, however he eventually retreated from the Circassian lands with no success. 1553 A large Crimean-Tatar horde led by Khan Devlet Giray (1551–1577) invaded Kabardian lands, causing massive destruction. However, the Crimeans failed to consolidate their position in Kabarda, as the Kabardians expelled them.Malbakhov B. K. "Kabarda at the Stages of Political History (Mid-16th to Early 19th Century)", Moscow, Pomatur Publishing, 2002. ISBN 5-86208-106-2, p. 246 1554 Devlet Giray led another campaign against Kabarda. "That summer, he marched against his enemy, the Circassians of the Five Mountains, with his army." The Crimean Tatars returned "with great spoils". 1555 The Crimean horde "with all its forces" attacked the land of the "Circassians of the Five Mountains." In repelling the enemy, the Kabardians, fighting alongside Russian warriors for the first time, managed to inflict heavy losses on Khan Devlet Giray, forcing him to retreat. 1556 The Crimean Khan Devlet Giray, leading a Tatar horde, advanced on Kabarda. The Kabardians, forewarned, met the enemy at their borders. Khan Devlet Giray was forced to retreat. 1567 Crimean princes Mehmed Giray, Adil Giray, and Alp Giray (sons of Khan Devlet Giray) arrived in Kabarda "with a large army." "They waged war across the entire Circassian land, burning it, capturing wives and children, and driving away livestock and sheep." They took more than 20,000 captives. According to other sources, "the princes did not conquer the Circassians," meaning the Crimeans were expelled. 1569 A campaign by a 130,000-strong Turkish-Crimean army under the command of the Kaffa Pasha Kasim-bey and Khan Devlet Giray against Astrakhan. The enemy was completely defeated by Russian forces near Astrakhan. During the retreat along the "Kabardian road," the Kabardians crushed the remnants of the Turkish-Crimean army.Malbakhov B. K. "Kabarda at the Stages of Political History (Mid-16th to Early 19th Century)", Moscow, Pomatur Publishing, 2002. ISBN 5-86208-106-2, p. 247 1570 A Crimean army under the command of Khan Devlet Giray's son Adil Giray invaded Adygea and Kabarda. The Kabardian prince Temruqo arrived with his retinue to aid the western Circassians. The Crimean Tatars ravaged and captured many Circassians (among the captives were two sons of Kabarda's senior prince Temruqo—Mamstruk and Bulgayruk). Temruqo Idar himself was severely wounded in battle. Despite this, the Circassians drove out the Crimean forces. 1578 The Crimean prince Adil Giray "with a large force" was returning from Dagestan through Kabarda. In battle, Kabardian princes and Russian detachments led by voivode L. Z. Novosiltsev defeated the enemy. 1583 A significant Turkish-Tatar army led by Osman Pasha entered Kabarda. In battles near the Sunzha River crossing (Lesser Kabarda) and the Beshtau region (Greater Kabarda), the Kabardians and Terek Cossacks inflicted heavy losses on the enemy. 1593 A campaign by the Crimean army under Prince Mubarak Giray against the Terki Fortress. Battles occurred near the Terek outpost and in Kabarda. The Crimeans were forced to retreat, burning and destroying everything in their path. However, Mubarak Giray failed to achieve his objective, being repelled by the Terek Cossacks and Kabardians.

17th century Year Description 1606 A large Crimean horde attacked Circassia and Kabarda. Fierce battles occurred, resulting in significant destruction and the capture of livestock (amounting to tens of thousands). Many prisoners were taken.Malbakhov B. K. "Kabarda at the Stages of Political History (Mid-16th to Early 19th Century)", Moscow, Pomatur Publishing, 2002. ISBN 5-86208-106-2, p. 248 1607–1608 Crimean Tatars reappeared in Kabarda, remaining for several months. They collected heavy tribute, accompanied by the devastation of Kabardian settlements. 1614 Crimean prince Yaman-Girey ravaged seven villages in Temirgoy. A Russian source states: "The Crimean tsar Yaman-Girey-sultan came with his warriors against the Kumirga Circassians, attacked 7 auls, and destroyed those auls by cunning." 1616 A 12,000-strong Crimean army led by Khan Canibek Giray invaded Kabarda. The campaign brought destruction, ruined crops, and caused many deaths. Hundreds of prisoners were taken, and thousands of livestock were stolen. 1619, 1629, 1631, 1635 Crimean Tatars and their Nogai allies conducted raids on Circassian and Kabardian lands. The campaigns involved looting, violence, and the theft of vast amounts of livestock. Many prisoners were captured. 1640 A 14,000-strong Crimean army invaded Circassia and Kabarda. The Crimeans were defeated by the Circassians and retreated to Azov. 1653 A Crimean Tatar detachment arrived in Kabarda, taking away 130 boys and girls. They seized large numbers of horses, armor, sabers, and thousands of livestock. 1671 Crimean Tatars invaded Greater Kabarda, engaging in looting and stealing thousands of livestock. Fifty hostages were taken. 1674 A Crimean Tatar detachment arrived in Kabarda but was defeated by the Kabardians. 1688 A campaign by Crimean serasker Kazy-Girey against Kabarda resulted in destruction, prisoner-taking, and livestock theft. The Crimeans were eventually expelled by the Kabardians. 1699 Crimean kalga Shahbez Giray arrived in Kabarda with a military detachment. The Crimeans again engaged in devastation, taking prisoners and stealing livestock. In the home of Beslaney prince Temir-Bulat Kanokov, the Crimean kalga Shahbez Giray was killed. According to some accounts, he was poisoned, while others claim he was slain by rebelling Circassians.Malbakhov B. K. "Kabarda at the Stages of Political History (Mid-16th to Early 19th Century)", Moscow, Pomatur Publishing, 2002. ISBN 5-86208-106-2, p. 249

18th century