ABSTRACT
Relations hetween the Circassians and the Crimean Ichans (ref. Chap. 2, p. 117, n. I) On the intimate relations between the Cherkesses and the Crimean khans, see the article by Halil Inalcik in El, 2nd ed., under 'C;erkes'. After the occupation by the Ottomans of points on the Circassian coast 'the tribes in the hinterland continued to be dependent on the Crimean Khans, who as under the Golden Horde, sent their sons to be brought up among the Circassians (under the atalilc or fosterage system). Along with the marriages of the Crimean princes with the Circassian noblewomen this secured the attachment of the C;erkes; they gave the Khans a yearly tribute consisting of slaves as well as auxiliary forces'. Aytek Namitok observes that the children of the Crimean khans were usually sent to the Beslenei Cherkesses (of Besh-tau) for their education and only returned when they were grown up and had become thoroughly 'Cherkessianised'. 'In addition the khans and their sons used mostly to marry Beslen women' (Caucasian Review, No. 2, p. 20).
