The Republic of Adygea in 3 Russian words
Beautiful wilderness is the region's calling card. It’s home to one of Europe's largest mountain forest reserves and unique ancient plants. Here are three of its main symbols.
1. АДЫГЕЙСКИЙ СЫР (Adyghe Cheese)
This soft cheese is similar to Indian ‘paneer’ and Italian ‘cacchoricotta’. It became known in Russia after the annexation of the North Caucasus in the 19th century and it only began to be produced on an industrial scale in the final decades of the USSR. That said, the ‘Adyghe cheese festival and competition’ is held annually in Adygea.
2. ЧЕРКЕСКА (Cherkeska)
This Adyghe (Circassian) national men's costume was once common among many peoples of the Caucasus. It consists of an overcoat decorated with rifle cartridges called ‘gazyrs’. It’s accompanied by a hooded ‘bashlyk’ and a leather belt with a Circassian dagger.
3. Кавказский заповедник (Caucasus Nature Reserve)
The Caucasus State Nature Biosphere Reserve is located in several North Caucasus republics, a significant portion of which is in Adygea. With an area of 280,000 hectares, it’s one of the largest mountain forest reserves in Europe. Many relict plants can be found here, with some over 2,000 years old!
