Kabardians
| Regions with significant populations | |
|---|---|
| Russia ( primarily in Kabardino-Balkaria), Turkey, Georgia | |
| Languages | |
| Kabardian, Russian, | |
| Religion | |
| Sunni Islam | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Adyghe, other "Circassian" peoples |
Kabarda or Kabard are terms referring to a people of the northern Caucasus more commonly known by the plural term Kabardin (or Kebertei as they term themselves). Originally they (with Besleney tribe) comprised the semi-nomadic eastern branch of what was once the Adyghe tribal fellowship. Kabardin still consider themselves as a tribe of Adyghe.
They number around 520,000 in Russia [1](as of 2002), living mainly in Kabardino-Balkaria. Significant populations of Kabardin are found in Turkey and Georgia [2]. There are also communities in the USA. Kabard villages in Turkey are concentrated on Uzunyayla plateau of Kayseri Province.
Most Kabardin are Sunni Muslims. However, Kabardin speakers living in Mozdok District in North Ossetia are Orthodox Christians. They speak Kabardian, a North West Caucasian language that represents the easternmost outpost of the Circassian language group.