Since times immemorial, Circassians have belonged to tribes & clans, with each tribe having a chieftian who would come from a well-established family and be known for his wisdom, far-sightedness along with his generosity He would be known as Besh.
The Circassian system of government for many generations certainly before governments existed - was similar to the rule of notables. Each tribe is divided into smaller groups. At the head of each group stood a chief lower in rank than the Besh, known as Lava Lash. Those in the lower ranks rank were called Warq.
These were similar to administrative officers, responsible for solving tribal problems. There was also a supreme council authorised to look into general affairs such as the declaration of war and trying any chieftain who deviated from or violated customs & traditions. This was known as Adigha Khabza. This council consisted of members representing tribes; one member per tribe. Circassians have had their own unwritten constitution since the very old days.
This Adigha Khabza is a constitution and it cannot be altered or amended in any way. The founder of this constitution is not known. It is respected by all parties. The famous Circassian wiseman, Kazan Yaqua Gibagha, who lived during the era of Peter the Great, amended the constitution and laid down all the rules of society and the methods of domestic education befitting the teachings of Islam, after the Circassians had already adopted it nad only the Muslim Circassians adher to his ammended version.. The provisions of this constitution are even today in modern times, still inherited from generation to generation. Adherence to this document by all Circassians is almost maniacal. Those customs and traditions are considered sacred, and any violation by a chieftain of them is sufficient to remove him from his post as well as cause for him to face punishment as well.. Circassians are a democratic people. The chieftain cannot make a decision on or about any public issue without consulting the public. This denotes and shows a respect for the value of the individual. Whenever a public meeting is held the eldest of the group presides over the meeting, even if he is socially inferior.
