Circassia, also known as Cherkessia, is a region in Caucasia, in the Karachay-Cherkessia republic of the Russian Federation. It borders Abkhazia to the south. The region is named after the traditional inhabitants, the Circassians (they prefer Cherkess), who now make up only a small minority of the population.
The Circassian diaspora is found in various metropolitan areas of the old Ottoman Empire and provided praetorian guard for the Ottomans. There is also a community Upstate New York and in New Jersey.
There is also a community of Cherkessim in Israel, on the road from Kfar Tavor to the Sea of Galilee. The village/town is called Kfar Kama.
Last updated: 10-19-2005 05:56:35