Circassian Family Tree — Adyghe Ancestry, Genealogy and Tribal Heritage

The Circassian family tree is more than a genealogical chart — it is a living record of Adyghe ancestry stretching back centuries across the Caucasus and the global diaspora. Circassian genealogy connects families scattered by the 1864 exile across Turkey, Jordan, Syria, Israel, Russia, Germany, and the United States, preserving the identity of the Circassian tribes for future generations.

Whether you are tracing your roots to the Kabardians, Shapsugs, Bzhedugs, or any of the 12 Adyghe tribes, CircassianWeb provides the tools, data, and community to rebuild your family's story.

What Is a Circassian Family Tree?

A Circassian family tree documents the lineage, tribal affiliation, and migration history of an Adyghe family. Traditionally, elders preserved this knowledge orally — reciting names, villages, and clan connections going back generations. Today, digital tools allow families to build searchable, shareable trees that connect branches separated by 160 years of diaspora.

Each tree records not just names and dates, but tribal identity, surname origins, and tamga symbols — creating a complete picture of Adyghe heritage.

The 12 Circassian Tribes and Family Lineage

The Circassian nation comprises 12 distinct tribes (Адыгэ лъэпкъ), each with its own territory, dialect, and family names. Understanding which tribe your family belongs to is the foundation of Circassian genealogy.

How to Start Building Your Circassian Family Tree

1. Interview your elders — record every name, village, and story they remember.
2. Search your surname — identify tribal origin and family variants.
3. Create your tree — build a digital record that future generations can preserve and expand.
4. Connect with relatives — compare branches across the diaspora.