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Kabardian Girl Weaving a Traditional Ardzhen (Арджен)

Circassian Xabze

Among certain Muslim and Christian populations in Eastern Europe and other parts of Eurasia, society has traditionally functioned around a set of cultural conducts, tribal laws, or moral principles that often predate and contradict the precepts of the Abrahamic religions adopted by these populations, and even hold more significance than them.

In Circassian cultures this set of honour codes are known as Xabze, in Albania - Kanun, while among Pahstuns - Pashtunwali. From a modern western perspective some of these codes can be viewed as progressive compared to their Abrahamic counterparts, for example in Xabze permits the mingling of women and men in social settings including dancing together. On the other hand, they may also condone behaviours such revenge - which can often lead to blood feuds; something that is condemned by both Islam and Christianity.

Circassian Xabze has its basis around the historical Nart Sagas. It's characterized by expectance of a Circassian to act in an honourable, dignified, and brave manner; with a focus on respect to elders, women, and hospitality towards guests.

Originally, it was linked to the pre-Abrahamic religious and mythological beliefs of Circassians. Circassians were one of the last populations in Europe to maintain their traditional religions, with only some parts of their society being successfully Christianized. By the time of heavy Islamization in the 17th century, which in itself was a reaction to the imperialist actions of the Russian Empire, many Circassians were still "pagan."

These factors are part of the reason the prominence of Xabze endured, and was often heavily associated with Circassian nationalism. Similarly to other parts of Eastern Europe, such as Albania or Ukraine, these conditions have often led people to be more skeptical or not take religion as seriously, often prioritizing folk religion. Certain sociologists have viewed the link between Circassian nationalism and Xabze, as a repellant to Salafism, which has occasionally spread to parts of the former Eastern Bloc after the fall of socialism, and the instability it brought. Another determinant being that Salafism often contradicts more local Islamic influences such as Sufism, which has had a more significant impact on different Eastern European and Central Asian Muslim populations.