Qizbech Tughuzhuqo

Summary

Qizbech Tughuzhuqo was a Circassian soldier, military commander and a leader of the Shapsug who took part in the Russo-Circassian War. A cavalry commander, he was known for his success in utilising guerilla tactics and raiding behind enemy lines. Qizbech's close family, including all of his sons, were killed in the war, and he refused offers from the Russian Empire to switch sides and join its Imperial ranks. During his life, he emerged as a populist folk hero in Circassia, ransoming Circassian prisoners of war with his own money and raiding Russian supply lines, distributing the loot to Circassian commoners. In oral tradition, songs and ballads were composed in his name. These were unusual because they were written and sung while he was still alive and were witnessed by Qizbech himself. In these songs, he is referred to as the "Lion of the Nation". The Englishman James Bell, who knew him personally, recorded this nickname as "The Lion of Circassia". He is also called the "Lion of the Northwest Caucasus" in other sources. Other variants include "Hajji Lion" and "Lion of the Circassian War". Qizbech Tughuzhuqo died of wounds received in action on February 28, 1840, during the Siege of Veliaminovsky.