Adyghe Xabze

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The Adyghe Khabze^[a] or Circassian Khabze,^[I] also known as Khabzism,^[1] is the worldview and moral code of the Circassian people.^[2][3] Traditionally associated with the Circassian religion, which by itself is no longer dominant in Circassian society, it dictates that a Circassian must always live according to rules defined by the Khabze with little exceptions. Tenets of the Khabze include being especially respectful towards elders and (for men) women; a policy of only marrying another Circassian in order to protect the nation's endangered culture; and exemplifying the values of truthfulness, honour, and bravery. Though it draws on thousands of years of Circassian history, Khabze is evolving and ever-changing, and is reformed to fit the needs of the Circassian community. This is usually led by a thʹamaté (Adyghe: тхьэмадэ, lit. 'regional elder').

Khabze, as a set of laws, includes the norms and moral principles that determine an individual's behaviour. It represents social rules in all areas of life. However, the set of rules and regulations of Khabze are not static and were not officially defined in the past. Khabze almost ceased to exist in Circassia following the Circassian genocide, which was perpetrated by the Russian Empire in the 19th century.

In every Circassian community around the world, a local advisory council known as the Khase can be found.^[4] The goal of such councils are to provide Circassians with a comfortable place where they can speak Circassian, engage in Circassian cultural activities, learn about the laws of Xabze, or ask for traditional advice. These advisory councils are coordinated on a local and regional basis, and communicate internationally through the International Circassian Association, which is a member of the Belgium-based Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization.^[5] Xabze is sometimes associated with Circassian nationalism.

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