Kabardians' participation in sheikh Mansur's movement

The article highlights the causes and various aspects of Kabardians' participation in Sheikh Mansur's movement (1785-1791). The Kabardians were economically, socially and militarily ahead during that period in the Central Caucasus region. For this reason sheikh Mansur aimed to gain their support. After the accession of Kabarda under the treaty of Kucuk Kaynarca in 1774 and the Crimean Khanate division in 1783, the Russian Empire became the dominant force in the North Caucasus. On the one hand, Russia's reinforcement in the region eliminated for Kabarda the Crimean Turkish threat; on the other hand Russia became an obstacle for Kabardians' domination in the region. This situation led to the aggravation between Russia and Kabarda. Islamization strengthening in the region as well as the developed invasive expansion provided all the facilities for development of Gazavat ideas. Initially it enabled Sheikh Mansur to win some of the Kabardians to his side, but regular defeat made by the Russian army; heavy losses and lack of plunder were the reasons of their leaving.