Abkhazian Studies 

Academy of Sciences of Abkhazia

D. I. Gulia Abkhaz Institute of Language, Literature and History

Issue 3, 2009, Folklore, pp.166-177

Translated by AbkhazWorld

Typological Commonalities in the Formation and Development of the Satirical Tale in the Folklore and Literatures of Dagestan and the North Caucasus

Folklore and the literatures of the peoples of Dagestan and the North Caucasus reflect an unbroken continuity of centuries and a single line of artistic development within the oral and written spiritual culture of the region. In the present study, this continuity reveals the general and specific features of modes of thought found in the satirical and humorous traditions of many Caucasian peoples. We shall attempt to illuminate select aspects of the formation of the satirical tale within the multi-ethnic literary system of the North Caucasus, tracing its shared and distinctive characteristics.

This article, translated for a global audience, was first published in Russian by Sovetskaya Adygeya. It tells the story of a pioneering but short-lived institution: the Circassian School in early 20th-century Istanbul. Founded in the wake of the Ottoman Empire's collapse, this remarkable school was the project of the Circassian Women's Mutual Aid Society. It offers a poignant glimpse into the community's struggle to preserve its identity in diaspora, blending a modern education with the conscious teaching of Circassian language and history. Through stories of its young, dynamic director and dedicated teachers, we see how the school became a vibrant centre of culture and innovation, championing co-education and a new alphabet. By making this history available in English, we hope to share this inspiring chapter of Circassian resilience and intellectual life with a wider world.

This translation continues our series on the work of Naima Neflyasheva, following previous publications of her essays, 'Being a Man in the Circassian Way', 'The Adyghe (Circassian) Way of Raising Children' and Marriage Traditions Among the Circassians: Cultural Norms and Practices. This latest piece aims to broaden the readership for Neflyasheva's valuable insights into Adyghe cultural heritage.

This article by Naima Neflyasheva, PhD, a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, explores traditional marriage customs among the Adyghe (Circassian) people. Originally published in Russian on the Sovetskaya Adygeya website, it examines the cultural norms, restrictions, and social values that have shaped Adyghe approaches to marriage for centuries. This is the third article by Dr. Neflyasheva that we have made available in English. Previously, we published The Adyghe (Circassian) Way of Raising Children and Being a Man in the Circassian Way. This translation continues our effort to bring Neflyasheva's rich ethnographic and cultural insights to a wider audience, illuminating the unique heritage of the Adyghe (Circassian) people.

This article by Naima Neflyasheva, PhD, a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, addresses traditional child-rearing practices in Adyghe (Circassian) families. Originally published in Russian on the Sovetskaya Adygeya website on 25 June 2024, it explores the values, customs, and pedagogical principles that shape Adyghe attitudes toward children and family bonds. Previously, we published another translation of Neflyasheva’s work, titled Being a Man in the Circassian Way. This English version aims to broaden the readership for Neflyasheva's insights into the cultural heritage of the Adyghe people.

There's a saying that to truly know a place, you must taste its food. Tucked away between the majestic Caucasus Mountains and the shimmering Black Sea, Abkhazia is a treasure trove of culinary delights waiting to be discovered. From cosy seaside cafes serving steaming hot achashv to historic restaurants dishing up time-honoured recipes, the local food scene is as diverse as it is delightful.

Whether you're planning your first visit or returning to this enchanting corner of the world, this guide will take you on a mouth-watering journey through some of Abkhazia's best dining spots. From traditional family-run establishments to trendy new restaurants, from hearty local dishes to international cuisine, there's something here for every palate and pocket.

So, let's embark on this culinary adventure together, shall we?