Adyghe Khabze

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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...

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