Transformation of the Social Status of Peasants in the Adyghe Traditional Society (the End of 18th – First Half of the 19th Century)

Adygeyan social structure of the peasantry in the period of traditional society was infl uenced by external and internal factors, resulting in changes in the number of separate groups of dependent classes. Sources of growth in fixed domestic and foreign trade, which, on the one hand, led to the accumulation of money, and, on the other hand, led to modifications in the home, and the craving for luxury among the elite of society. To maintain a high standard of living, princes and noblemen began to let their dependent on the will of a high ransom.
The construction of fortresses, outposts, and villages of the Caucasian line has created a new situation for the peoples of the region. Kizlyar, Mozdok, Vladikavkaz, Nalchik began to attract the poorest and exploited of the peasants, since, under the condition of Christianity, received freedom, land, and fi nancial assistance for the development of the economy.
Battle of the River Bziyuk in 1796 has had a distorting effect on the social structure of society Adygeyan. Shapsugs, natukhai, Abadzekhs eliminated the power of the princes, and to establish more democratic than ever before, the social structure. This led to the equation “blood price” of peasants and nobles. The increase in the number of freedmen Kabarda – Azat and the number Og fell sharply.