ABSTRACT

In his counterattacks Shamil concentrated on Southern and Central Daghestan – the ‘soft underbelly’ of the Russian defences. During the winter of 1847 Shamil’s nā’ibs were particularly active in Ghāzō-Ghumuq and Aqūsha. 1 These activities, especially coupled with the widespread rumours about Shamil’s intentions, made life very difficult for the Russians.