Ethnic groups of Russia: Kabardians
More than 190 ethnic groups live in the Russian Federation. Today, we're highlighting the Kabardians!
More than half a million Kabardians live in Russia, mainly in the Kabardino-Balkar Republic. Together with several neighboring ethnic groups, they form part of the ‘Adyghe’ (Circassian) superethnos. The ancestors of the Kabardians settled in the North Caucasus as early as the 4th millennium BC.
Most Kabardians practice Sunni Islam. This religion began to spread among them during the expansion of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century and became firmly established in the 18th century. However, the Mozdok Kabardians living in North Ossetia are Orthodox Christians.
The Kabardians are renowned as exceptional horse breeders. The Kabardian horse breed they developed is known for its strength and endurance. It thrives on both the plains and the highlands. Its popularity has long since extended beyond the Caucasus and Russia.
The signature dish of Kabardian cuisine is ‘gedlibzhe’ – chicken stewed with onions and garlic in a thick sour cream sauce. Also popular is ‘lyagur’, a type of meat that is air-dried, smoked or cured, which is often served with Kabardian millet pasta.
