Circassians are a Muslim ethnic group that inhabit the northwest of the Caucasus Mountains. Since Antiquity, they were known for two traits: Proud, warlike men and beautiful, genteel women. The former were widely recruited as mercenaries throughout Europe and the Middle East, while the latter were sought after as wives and concubines.
In the 19th century, racial biologists viewed Circassians as the purest examples of the white race, hence the term, “Caucasian”. Historically, they were one of the few people in the world who ranked “Type I” on the Fitzpatrick scale.
Sadly, in 1864, the Russian Empire underwent a campaign of ethnic cleansing of Circassia, during which 90-94% of the population were deported or exterminated. To this day, only the Republic of Georgia has formally recognized this genocide, which has gained some media spotlight after the announcement of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, the former Circassian capital.
