Kunachestvo Between Chechens And Cossacks Of The Terek Region In Xix Century

Abstract

The relationship between Russians and Chechens is a problem that has been attracting the attention of specialists in Caucasian studies for a long time. Historically, such relationships in the North Caucuses formed on the basis of kunachestvo (close friendship). This topic is studied in a lot of sources, documents, and literature. Kunachestvo helped to develop trade and exchanges, establish cultural and good-neighborly relations. The institute of kunachestvo, which is widespread among Caucasian nations, played an important role in relationships among mountaineers in all the spheres of life. Over the centuries, Chechens have maintained customs and traditions of hospitality and kunachestvo that transformed with changes in social, economic, and day-to-day conditions. Kunachestvo and hospitality have been regarded as main virtues that raised friendship to a sufficient level. Chechen traditions of kunachestvo facilitated economic, cultural, and political relationships between Chechens and other nations. According to these traditions, people who had a common endeavor or lived nearby, or people who didn’t know each other but met on the way had to help and be loyal to each other as brothers. The traditions of hospitality and kunachestvo are still preserved nowadays and bring advantages today.