Population of the Northwest Caucasus and Eurasian nomads: military-political cooperation «Algorithm»

Autochthonous ethnic array of Northwest Caucasus was formed under constant pressure by the nomadic peoples. This article is an attempt to trace the repeated historical scenario (a kind of algorithm) of the interaction of the agricultural area with a series of nomadic cultures. The 1st stage of this algorithm - the chaotic inroads of nomads or the planned military campaign. The 2nd stage - mainly peaceful coexistence with a nomadic ethnic group, which could be accompanied by recognition of both the military and political supremacy of nomadic empire (the Khazar Khanate, the Golden Horde), and an equal relationship with the mutual periodic forays (Cumans, Nogais, Kalmyks). Stage 3 is the inevitable emergence of a new wave of newcomers, who sought to destroy the old nomads of Don-Kuban region. Old nomads sought to enter into a defensive alliance with the Circassians. This model, when the old Turkic population enlists the help of the Circassians, applies not only to the nomadic ethnic groups, whose political system is characterized by considerable decentralization (Cumans, Nogai), but also to the nomadic states: Tokhtamysh with the Circassians against Tamerlane, the Crimean Khanate with the Circassians against Kalmyks. During the third phase the Turkic khanates necessarily experiencing cultural, military and political influence of the Circassians. Natives of Circassia are becoming part of the administrative elite of the Golden Horde, and of the Crimean Khanate. Stage 4 - the integration of nomadic tribal groups in Circassian space and some dependence on Circassians. A striking example of the pressure of the Circassians on the nomadic state - the Astrakhan Khanate, the capital of which Circassians seized several times, promoting the enthronement of the Khans, who were their relatives. This stage is characterized by a high level of cross-cultural communication. Assimilation of nomads helped to strengthen the defense capabilities of the Northwest Caucasus. During the XVI - first half of XIX century Kuban Nogais have gone from confrontation with the Circassians through alliances with them to some depending on the Circassians, and the noble examples of the Circassian patriotism.