Arms and Armour

Adyghe Khabze

The Adyghe Khabze is the traditional worldview and moral code of the Circassian people. It regulates most aspects of individual as well as social life, and has historically served as the unwritten constitution of Circassia, regulating legal proceedings, conflict resolution, military affairs, and governance. Khabze regulates, among other things, etiquette, age relations and gender relations, while emphasising respect, truthfulness, honour, and bravery. The historical and geographic conditions of the Circassians, specifically a constant state of war, led to the disciplinization and militarization of their daily life; many Khabze rules aimed to ensure respect for superiors and military readiness. It has historically been flexible, maintaining core principles while allowing specific rules to adapt over time. In the 21st century, the demands of urban life, economic pressures, assimilation and globalization have necessitated the simplification of many Khabze practices, preserving the spirit of the law. Circassian terminology reflects this by distinguishing between Old Khabze (Adyghe: Хабзэжъ) and New Khabze (Adyghe: Хабзэкӏэ). Today, adherence to Khabze is primarily observed through specific practices, including general etiquette, Khabze gatherings, special respect for elders and opposite gender, wedding ceremonies, seating arrangements during gatherings, and funeral conduct. Adyghe Khabze is intrinsically linked to the concept of Adyghaghe (Adyghe: Адыгагъэ), which roughly translates to "Circassianity". Adyghaghe was the goal of an individual, while Khabze was the method to reach it.

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See also

• ▸Gulf War
• ▸Heavy Vehicles Factory
• ▸Castles of Bellinzona

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