Where there is no State there is no law amd order, no discipline. 

            At the public meetings held in Adiğey¹  there were certain rules,  an ethical  framework drawn by the traditions, which had to be honored.  The elders alone voiced their opinion; the final word was theirs. 

            Nevertheless secrecy was not generally maintained.  Everything was debated openly.  The most wealthy and the most poor, the noblest and the slave, every one of them wanted to speak out his mind. 

            The same happened in the meeting held at the Adegum Meadow.  While two or three representatives in position of leadership were invited from each region, there turned up hundreds,  or may be thousands of persons at the meeting place.  The Holy Oak Forest turned to the Assembly for Final Judgement *on the Day of Resurrection.

            The principal leaders gathered under the oldest oak tree²  at  the meadow.  Geriyiko Şemız gazed at the crowd gathered in the meadow proper and under the trees surrounding it.  “Oh God!”,  he exclaimed.  Then he turned to Zaniko Sefer and Bastiko Pşımef, who happened to be close to him. 

            -  Let us give up the idea of holding a meeting.  As all the Adiğes have gathered here, let us attack the nearest Russian garrison!

            Both Sefer and Pşımef looked at Şemız in dismay.  He could have cut a joke; but he could be serious.  He was an unpredictable person. They were not sure. 

            The scene did not surprise anyone; for it has been the Adiğe manner for many centuries.  The nobles and the commoners used to decide together what was to be collectively done.  No one had preference over the other in speaking and in voting.  No one had the power to execute what was not sanctioned by the people. 

            There was an underlying element of anarchism or chaos in this practice.  There prevailed a disorder, where everyone considered himself a leader.  To be truthful, the existing social order was open to be censured.  A democratic order of such unlimited frontiers was indeed a luxury for a small country condemned to put up with  two giant powers. 

           Throughout the winter Zaniko Sefer Bey had held consultations with the leaders in the neighborhood; and had made preparations for the meeting.  He had worked long sessions with Kadı Hacı Mehmet and Kadı Hacı Ismail to work out the details of the system he proposed to set up.

            They had approved the national flag once designed by Kalabatuko Şupagua.  The drawings were traced, and on the basis of the same about twenty prototype flags were stitched by the young female workers at the Zanikos farm.  Each region was to receive one of those flags.

            The provinces were reviewed one by one, the renouned leaders were noted down by their names.  Thus those eligible for membership of the proposed National  Assembly were determined.  The minutes of such discussions, the decisions taken, and other relevant information collected were noted down in writing by Haci Mehmet and Hacı Ismail. 

            All the leaders were conscious that their salvation from Russian pressure was impossible without securing assistance from the Ottoman Government and other big powers.  Dispatching of an embassy mission to Istanbul to contact with the Ottoman authorities and the foreign missions there, therefore,  was noted as an important items on agenda.

            Zaniko Sefer had been in regular contact with the Ottoman Paşas who had been in Anapa.  He was informed on the Ottoman statecraft, and had examined certain aspects of it in practice.

            While planning future Caucasia they had considered the Ottoman State system as a model. They were not, however, going to have a  monarch.  Instead they were going to have an elected National Assembly and an elected State President. 

            The National Assembly was to have a Secretariat and an Archive.  For the time being Kadı Hacı Memhmet Efendi, assisted by Kadı Hacı Ismail Efendi, was to perform the funtions of both the institutions. 

            Sefer Bay considered having a standing army.  He had consulted on the matter with both of them, and had discussed at some length the issue of maintenance of the projected standing army. 

            Whereas all those matters could not practically be debated one by one at such a widely participated and crowded meeting; they were considered in detail and draft resolutions were prepared in advance to be presented to the plenary session for general concent. 

            All the provincial representatives were present and had taken their seats. 

            The representatives of  Natuhay, Hatukoy and Western Şapsığ formed a block.  It was a spontaneous formation rather than being a premeditated accomplished fact.  It formed a strong bloc indeed; as it included all the leaders in the coastal region.  Prominent among them were Zaniko Sefer, Indaryiko Mehmet, Bastiko Pşımef, Geriyiko Şemız, Havuduko Mansur, Şuruyiko Duğuj, Hacı Huzbek, Kadı Hacı Mehmet and Kadı Hacı Ismail.

            The Russian occupied territories of Kabardey were represented by the Princes in exile, including Beslenyiko Aslan, Janstiyiko and Hamurza Canpolat. Prince Gazi represented Karaçay.  Rustem Pe was included in the Abhazian group of delegates. 

            The Abzeh delegation included Hacı-Tlam, who had earned fame for his bravery in the battles at the upstream basin of the River Shagoşe in 1824-1825.  He was accompanied by other regional leaders. 

            The Ubih region was represented by a crowded delegation led by Hacı Berzek, Hacıyiko Mehmet and Ordeziyiko Zepş.  It was the first time for the Abzeh and Ubih leaders to attend to a meeting of the magnitude of the present one. 

            The Kemguy, Mehoş and Besleney regions, areas vulnerable to direct Russian pressure, were represented by smaller delegations to avoid being too conspicuous. 

            Aşağıyiko Pşıkuy, the Prince of Bjeduğ, had to get along well with the Russians; for his territories were under constant surveillance from the Fort Yekatrinodar.  To avoid being spotted, he had left his home at midnight with only two companions. 

            Zaniko Sefer, having considered all possibilities, had timely taken necessary measures.  He had already chosen the youth, who would undertake such services as security, reception,  secretariate and other services to be rendered during the meeting. Each of them had been detailed about his duties. 

            In front of the Big Oak Tree a pole had been erected, ready with the reel and the rope, to fly the first Caucasian Flag. 

            It was an early morning late in May.  It was a pleasant day;  sunny and green everywhere.

            Being assured that everything was ready and everybody was present,  Sefer Bey gazed at Kadı Hacı Mehmet and Indaryiko Mehmet, who stood to his right.  “Should we give a start, how do you think!” he said.  The two gentlemen lightly nodded, meaning “Okay!”.

            To the left of Zaniko Sefer there stood Kadı Hacı Ismail and Basti Pşımef.  A step behind them in two long lines stood leaders representing the provinces. 

            Sefer Bey took a step forward, looked backward to the youth assigned to hoist the flag.  Two young men approached the pole in swift steps; tied two corners of the flag to the rope, and pulled it up. 

            A lukewarm breeze was blowing.  The green flag with three arrows and twelve stars on it began flapping on top of the pole. 

            The sight of hoisting of the flag and its  fluttering in the air caused a great sensation.  There raised an intense roar from the gathering. Everybody rushed towards the pole, hence in the direction where the leaders stood, to have a closer look at the flag, one stepping over the other.  The youth on duty to maintain order with great difficulty managed top stop the confused crow. 

            Sefer Bey raised both his hand high up, and the noise subsided, the crowd came to rest. 

            Zaniko gazed over the crowd.  The expansive meadow surrounded by mighty trees was full of human being.  How loud he may speak, he could not be heard by those at the fringes.  It was just impossible.  Having considered the problem in advance, he had appointed a number young men to stay at appropriate distances and to repeat his words for the benefit of those out of range. 

            Zaniko Sefer was to speak  brief but substantive.  He intended to inform the gathering in terms of general outlines first; and discuss the details with the leaders later.  There was no other practical way out of the problem.  “Welcome!”, he said to begin with, and went on:

            -  We are a people, who have existed free and independent from time immemorial.  Unfortunately, however, we did not have the chance to be a nation state.  We existed without a flag and a ruler of our own.  Our traditions and our way of life were not conducive to statehood. 

            He paused a moment.  He waited to allow the youth to relay his words to those further away from him.

            -  From now on we too are going to have a  state and a flag of our own.  To survive, we ought to have these. The conditions of our time make it imperative.  We are going to elect not a monarch but a National Assembly to represent our people. 

            The gathering applauded Sefer Bey with  effusive cheers and screaming.  They had not, however, fully grasped  the dexterity in his last sentence.  The Provincial representatives in general were much satisfied and appeased.  For the Kabardey, Abzeh and Ubıh leaders, given to tribal vanity,  had presumed that Sefer Bey had been preparing to be enthroned as the monarch.  Geriyiko Şemız too had a similar foreboding. 

            Zanıko Sefer Bey explained item by item what he believed ought to be done.  The assemblage understood him much better than he had anticipated.  His speech was frequently interrupted by applause. 

            Sefer Bey was concerned over the negative stance that Abzeh and Ubih representatives would possibly manifest. He was also worried about such communities as the Bjeduğ, Jane and Besleney; lest they should yield to Russian persuasion and accept subservience.  Towards the end of his speech he addressed the representatives of those tribes. 

            -  Do not think that I have gathered you here to save my farm.  I address my Abzeh and Ubih brothers, who have not yet heard the sound of Russian guns.  If we take no preventive measures in time, you also are going to hear it.  I address the Princes qho had to yield to the Russians, the Princes of  Bjeduğ, Jane and Kemguy.  I do not mean at all to accuse you of anything.  I just want to remind you certain things.  Do not believe in the promises made!  All of us remember what happened to the Crimean Tatars. 

            Before concluding his speech Sefer Bey said a few words to excited the assemblage.

            -   Do you know what the last peace treaty concluded between the Ottoman Empire and Russia stipulates about we people?  May be most of you are not aware of it.  According to the treaty we are subjects of the Czar; no different than the Mujiks and the Cossacks. 

            The assemblage roared, “No!” It resounded throughout the meadow.  The ones in the front row rattled their swords. 

            Sefer Bey raised both his hands up to silence the assemblage. 

            -  We definitely do not approve such an understanding; we reject it!  It is impossible for others to decide as to our fate.  We are going to let the whole world know our decision.  That is why you are here today!

            At the front row there stood a group of Hatukoys, who have experienced the sufferings of the war and the treacheries of the Russian occupation.  They were holding their swords removed from the sheath.  The leader of the group came out two steps forward.  “We do not want to see the Russians on our territories!”, he shouted. His comrades repeated the same in chorus; and then the whole of the assemblage chanted it. 

            It was natural for the Hatukoys, Janes and Bjeduğs to manifest a stronger reaction than others; for they were the first to receive the brunt of Russian invasion. The three tribal communities were evicted from their homeland.  The Jane and the Hatukoys in particular had been scattered;  partly emigrated to Anatolia along with the Tatars, and partly diffused within the Natuhays and the Western Şapsığs. 

            The Islands in the Strait of Kerç, once inhabited by the Adiğes, had been abandoned.  The most civilized and prosperous peoples in Caucasia had been doomed to misery. 

            Zaniko resumed his speech as the noise subsided.  He was about to conclude. 

            -  I have explained the great menace that has enveloped us, and the measures that we ought to take against it.  I have also indicated the nature of composition of the National Assembly.  Our strength, our capability to defend our homeland, depends on the extendt to which we honor the decisions of the National Assembly.  We must obey the Assembly so that we can stand united against the threat posed against our existence in freedom.  Would you pledge obedience to the National Assembly?

            The assemblage roared back in chorus, ”Yes!” 

            Sefer Bey went on,

            -  All right; then do you have confidence in us in doing what are needed to be done? If so, do you grant us the mandate?

            The assemblage again replied in affirmative. 

            Zaniko Sefer raised both hands and greeted the gathering.

            -  God Bless you all! He concluded his speech.

            Sefer Bey asked Hacı Mehmet Efendi and the other leaders whether he had left any thing essential unsaid.  All agreed that the cause had been adequately stated. 

            The gathering did not immediately dispersed.  The participants clustered in numerous groups under the trees. Contacts and discussions went on for some time between various delegations.  The youth staged varieties of shows. 

            Even after the sun set behind the woods, there were still people in the meadow hotly engaged in discussion. 
 
 
 

O0O
 
 
 
 
 

            Sefer Bey invited the heads of delegations to his farm-house.  Considering the long distance to be covered, the party set out as early as they could.  Yet they managed to reach the Vestagoy Valley close to midnight. 

            They drove their horse at canter through the forest.  By the time they reached the Zanikos farm-house the leaders, mostly past their fifties, were all deadly tired.  None of them had a heart to sit and talk. 

            Nevertheless the host did not let his guest retire to bed immediately.  He served them a light supper consisted of milk, cheese and honey.  In the meantime they mad an assessment of the day. 

            Zaniko Sefer had three guest-houses.  The leaders had a restful night. 

            They got together early in the morning of the following day; had breakfast together, and immediately began discussing various issues. 

            Zaniko wanted to resolve certain outstanding problems without any loss of time; and obviously sought manifest support by the leaders on those matters. He continually steered the debates so that they did not stray from the main topic.  Over and above other considerations the leaders had to be briefed about the wide horizon called the “world”.

            He opened the discussion in his capacity of being the host.  He stressed that publicity of the national cause abroad was as important as realization of unity and solidarity at home.

            -  We say “We are a free and independent nation!”.  It is not enough if we say it by ourselves.  We need to be recognized as such by our arch enemy, Russia; as well as by the big powers, which shepherded the world.

            Geriyiko Şemız and Şurukyiko Duğuj began laughing at this point.  Hacı Huzbek went a step further and exclaimed “God damn! How do they dare not to recognize us!” 

            Zanıko Sefer attempted a sad smile, and remarked,

            -  Yes they do recognize!  They recognize us as rebels that have taken up arms against the Holy Czar. They do not take Adiğes as a separate state or an independent people. 

            Hacı Huzbek and Geriyiko Şemız were  enraged, murmured something unintelligible. 

            Sefer Bey was confident of the Sultan and the Government in Istanbul.  He believed that the Ottoman delegation had signed the unjust Armistice Agreement of Edirne because they had no other option. 

            Besides, the Ottoman Government was the only power that could help Caucasia securing support from the European states. He admitted that  no vessel carrying aid could pass through the Straits without approval by the Sultan. 

              Without any further delay an Embassy Mission had to be sent to Istanbul.  The mission had to carry a credential, a documenting that it represented the whole of Caucasia. 

            Zanıko patiently explained all these points one by one.  Most of the delegates who constituted the National Assembly were unaware of what had been going on in the world.  They did not know the rules of international diplomacy; neither they were familiar with the political objectives calculated on the base of selfish interests. 

            Kadı Hacı Mehmet, who had medrese education  in Istanbul, and some of the intellectual leaders of the coast, were the prominent persons  in the group.  Bastiko Pşımef, Indaryiko Mehmet, Indaryiko Islam, Havuuuduko Mansur and Geriyiko Ali  were not in difficulty to understand what Zanıko Sefer had been trying to communicate.  They endorsed his ideas vocally too.

On the other hand, however, the aged Değuyiko, Hacı Huzbek;  the Prince of Kabardey, Beslenyiko Aslan; the Prince of Karaçay, Gazi; and the delegates from Abzeh and Kemguy followed the discussions with some concern and  doubt; although they were all courageous men who challenged death, and had been seasoned at the battle fields. 

            It was hard to assess Geriyiko Şemız.  In his early youth he had been to Istanbul, to the Balkans and to the Middle East.  The inconsistency in his behavior had its source in his spiritual  structure.  He took nothing seriously. It was characteristic of him; his way of life. 

            Notwithstanding the difference in temperament and outlook among the leaders, the decisions were taken unanimously. No one objected.   Meanwhile Kadı Hacı Mehmet drafted  the minutes, which were subsequently edited in the form of a document  with the help of Hacı Ismail. 

            A manifesto addressed to all the people of Caucasia was prepared. Hacı Mehmet and Hacı Ismail were to reproduce the manifesto in multiple copies to be delivered to the delegates. 

            It comprised of the following five articles:

            Article One-  The territories to the south of the rivers Kuban and Terek, and the people living there are free and independent. 

            Article Two-  Russia and the Russians are the aggressors.  Any act of aggression on their part shall be collectively countered. No relations shall be established with the Russians, be it commercial or social. 

            Article Three-  A National Assembly of Provincial Representatives has been inaugurated.  The Assembly shall be the only supreme authority in the management of the affairs of the country. Pending formulation of  a state secretariat and an archive, Kadı Hacı Mehmet shall temporarily perform as such. 

            Article Four-  The decisions of the National Assembly shall be binding on everyone, irrespective of his/her social status. To ensure the authority of the Assembly as such, the representatives to the National Assembly and all the regional leaders shall take oath of allegience in a solemn  ceremony to be held throughout the country. 

            Article Five-  Economic, political and military assistance shall be sought from foreign states, mainly the Ottoman State; but excluding Russia.  An Embassy Mission shall be organized to conduct  the affair.

            It was agreed that Sefer Bey should be the head of the Embassy mission to Istanbul.  He authorized to include anyone he wished in his delegation. 

            The minutes of the final Resolution and Credential Document to be handed over to Zanıko were signed / sealed by the Provincial Representatives. 

            At the end of the meeting the Provincial Representatives departed the Zanıkos Farm with mixed feelings.  The Prince of Kabardey Beslenyiko Aslan, the Karaçay Prince Gazi, and Rüstem Pe (a member of the Abhazian delegation) set out for their temporary abodes; overwhelmed with concern about the gigantic problems awaiting them.  It goes without saying that the Bjeduğ, Kenguy and Besleney leaders were no less anxious. 

            Sefer Bey asked a number of his guest to stay for a little longer. “ I have got some more topics to discuss with you”, he told them.  They were Indaryiko Mehmet, Bastiko Pşımef, the Geriyikos, Batmazyiko Ali and a few others. 

            Zaniko was to go to Istanbul during the Summer to meet with the Ottoman statesmen.  It was not certain as to how, with whom and by what means he would travel. 

            There were a lot of question marks in Sefer Bey’s mind.  These required to be sorted out and discussed timely. 

            According to the Edirne Armistice Agreement Black Sea was open to international commercial navigation.  The vessels of all states not at war with the Ottoman State or Russia could enter the Black Sea ports without any hindrance, subject to one  condition: The commercial vessels were obliged to fly the flag of the particular state on the territorial waters of which it was sailing at a given time.

            Contrary to the terms of the agreement, Russia blockaded the Caucasian sea coasts to commercial shipping; thereby they had practically imposed a ban on the foreign trade of the Adiğe people.  This they could not practice formally.  Russia had not issued any notification to the same effect to the Ottoman State or to the any of the European nations for that matter. She had been trying to cover up her illegitimate practices in the area. 

            There were too many families in the coast engaged in trading.  Some of them owned  light freighters that shuttled between the Turkish and Caucasian ports.  Ottoman traders used to frequently visit the Caucasian coasts.
            Russian warships regularly patrolled along the coast, stopped commercial vessels and searched them, and arrested the vessels on minor pretexts. 

            The purpose sought by the Russians was obvious:  They wanted to cut off the only potential route for delivery of sea-borne support, to undermine the economy of the Adiğes, and to monopolize commercial navigation in the  Black Sea coast. 

            There were very few salt-mines in western Caucasia.  The Russian military command declared salt as a contraband item to be imported in to Caucasia, in addition to fire-arms, just to cause difficulty to the Adiğes.

            Zanıko Sefer’s anxiety had its source in the practices pointed out above, which have been applied for the last two years.  To travel or to engage in trade in the Black Sea had become a risky job that required extraordinary boldness. 

            Batmazyiko Ali personally undertook to carry Sefer Bey to Istanbul.  Other members of his mission were to be carried separately on one of the boats that belonged to Batmazyiko. 

            Notwithstanding the risk involved, Ali’s men as well as the Ubıh and Abhaz seamen maintained passenger and cargo transportation across the Black Sea. 

            Zanıko Sefer Bey planned to set out for Istanbul within a or month or two.  Every one involved was prepared to render the service expected of him in that connection. 
 
 
 

O0O 
 
 
 
 
 

            The Zanikos farm was expansive and populous.  In addition to the members of the household and relatives, there were at least four hundred pşılı or vassal families ³ who took care of cultivation and looked after the livestock and groomed the horses.  Night watch and patrolling around the farm were duties exclusive to the male members of the pşılı families. 

            The heights to the east of the farm were covered with forest.   A watch tower had been built amidst giant trees at the summit of the heights.  There was a watchman on duty there twenty-four hours a day.  All conceivable precautions were taken to maintain the security of the farm.

            A Nogay called Ismail, a vassal of Sefer Bey, attended to his personal services.  Ismail had earlier been in Anapa for many years.

            Ismail had been in the service of the Turkish officers and soldiers stationed at Fort Anapa.  He could speak Anatolian Turkish as well as in the Adiğe language. 

            Sefer Bey chose the Nogay Ismail to accompany him during his journey to Istanbul as his personal servant.  He hoped Ismail would be of help to him in many ways.

            While selecting other members of the delegation he considered ones of unquestionable loyalty and obedience to himself, ruling out those who could challenge his auhority as head of the mission.

            During the past twenty years the common men, the masses, had received the brunt of the conflict.  They had made great sacrifices, paying the cost of the war with  life and  property.  They were, therefore, no longer as docile as they were before.  They were increasingly assertive, outspoken and advocated their own outlook. 

            Sefer Bey did take into account this point as well in selecting the members of his mission.  His did not ignore appointing a Tokov⁴  as one of his aids to satisfy they community. 

            He finally picked up Hatkoy of the Natuhay Çipakos, Besni of the Şapsığ Abbats, and Korosyiko Amirz of the Tokovs to accompany him to Istanbul. 

            Batmazyiko lent him a small but fast going sail-boat.  He had a certain amount of cargo on board to be traded in Istanbul. 

            Zanıko Sefer and his entourage were to depart Tsemez at the end of July.  All the members of the mssion were present, ready to sail out. 

            A large crowd had gathered at the harbor to see them off.  Leading personalities such as Indaryiko Mehmet, Hacı Mehmet Efendi and Havoduko Mansur  had traveled down to Tsemez to bid fare-well to Sefer Bay.  Batmazyiko Ali, Geriyiko Şemız and his cousin individually wished him bon-voyage. 

            Batmazyiko had changed his mind for fear of being             misunderstood. He did not board the vessel.  He entrusted his vessel and his goods to one of his confidants.  He instructed the captain of the ship to strictly obey Zaniko Sefer Bey. 

            The last person to bid farewell to the mission was Bastiko Pşımef.  Gazing at the eyes of Zanıko, he sadly smiled and remarked,

            -  Our future rests on you success. God willing, you shall return with good news.
 
 
 

O0O
 
 
 
 

            Goşemıd became ill in September, when the corn was being harvested.  Pşımef and Şayze both were deeply concerned. They did stay at her bed-side all the time. 

            Şayze had never been uncomfortable in the presence of her authoritative mother-in-law; on the contrary she felt secure and serene. Because  Goşemıd, though authoritative, was never rude or offensive.  She was positive and  constructive in her conduct. 

            Pşımef was anxious lest his mother should pass away before her wishes were fulfilled.  Should she die before Famok’s daughter got married her eyes would not close.  He was sure of it. 

            In case his mother recovered and lived for some time more, he would arrange for the wedding of his own son Ismail just to please his mother.  He pledged by himself for that. 

            Batmazyiko Ali had a beautiful daughter named Fatma.  She was brought up in prosperity.  She had attuned herself to traditions and to being respectful.  Pşımef favored her marriage with his son.  He believed his friends would not turn him down. 

            Pşımef planned a group wedding, rarely experienced in Caucasia.  He intended to see to it that three couples married at once, at a memorable wedding, to which he would invite the entire nobility of the coast. 

            Geriyiko Şemız visited Batmazyiko Ali on behest of Pşımef to ask the former’s daughter Fatma in marriage to the latter’s son Ismail. 

            Ali bey held Pşımef in high regard.  His sister Emine was married to Basti Janbek,  a relation that was conducive to close ties between the Bastis and Batmazyikos.  The smooth going business partnership also rested on secure foundations. 

            Batmazyiko Ali readily welcomed the Basti proposal relevant to Fatma. 

            Pşımef had improved a little in the meantime.  Pşımef cashed the opportunity and invited all the  male members of the Psıfabe colony for a dinner.  They gathered at the main room where Goşemıd was staying. 

            Pşımef narrated his mother’s plans concerning Famok’s daughters, and added that the matter had not been brought up to date to avoid any disgruntlement of the youth.  The aged lady sat quietly, her eyes fixed on to the floor, as her son spoke. 

            When Pşımef stopped talking, Goşemıd gazed at those present one by one.  She said in a weak tone, “I took every one of you as my own son.”  She sighed and went on.

            -  I want the daughters of Famok and Sirse  stay at the colony.  You have heard what Pşımef told you.  If you say “Yes” to that I will be pleased. 

            Bjafe Pezad hurriedly responded,

            -  Nan! Why not, if you wish so! 

            Koce Eşav gazed his aunt’s eyes and smiled.  He promptly said, “There could no better a decision!” 

            The decision of the Family Council was objected neither by any of the youth nor by Sirse and her daughters.  The bereaved widow shed tears out of joy.

            Preparations for the wedding were completed in no time. 

            Pşımef, on the other hand wanted to wait for the Noble Ambassador to return with good news, and necessarily be present at the wedding. So he was not in great hurry. 

            It was a pleasant sunny afternoon in the middle of October.  Batmazyiko’s small sail-boat entered the Tsemez harbor. 

            Incidentally on that day Pşımef happened to be in the town with Janbek.  Having received the news of the arrival of the sail, he mounted his horse and galloped to the harbor. 

            When he reached the shore, he found the Kör Hamza, the captain of the vessel, and three of his crew rowing a boat to the shore.  On the boat he could spot Hatkoy, Besni and Amirz.  They appeared gloomy.  Amirz had turned his back to his fellow travelers. 

            The news of the arrival of the vessel was heard by everyone in no time.  Soon a large crowd, including  Batmazyiko Ali and the Geriyikos and others turned up on the spot. 

            There was a simple wooden wharf at the shore.  Hatkoy was first to stand up to jump out from the boat that had just touched the  quay. To help him out Pşımef extended his hand.  At the same time anxiously gazed at him and shouted, “Where is Zaniko.  Did he not come?”

            Hatkoy in subdued tone replied, “ We will talk about it!”

            Pşımef sensed a mishap.  He did not press any further. 

            However, everybody inquired about Zanıko.  Abbatıyiko Besni lied to quell the anxiety of the crowd. He said, 

            -  Zanıko Sefer stayed in Istanbul; for he had things to do there.  We could not wait for him. 

            The elders collectively went  to the business office of Batmazyiko Ali in Tsemez.  While sipping their tea there they became aware of the fact, as to  what had happened to Sefer Bey.   Everyone there was dumbfounded. 

            The Adiğes had been so vociferous all along the time that non of what they contemplated had escaped the attention of the Russians.  They had been  timely informed by their agents all about that had transpired at the Adegum Assembly and after. They had instructed their Embassy in Istanbul to take the necessary measures. 

            The Russian Embassy protested the Ottoman Central Government in Istanbul  concerning what had been going on.  They demanded that Sefer Bey, “a subject of the Czar” ought  not be received as the ambassador of a sovereign state.  The Russian Embassy also demanded that “Sefer Bey, who was involved in activities likely to undermine the peace between the two states, should be arrested.” 

            Zanıko, therefore, was taken under custody, and was sent to Pazarcık, a township near Edirne, for compulsory residence at a certain farm-house allocated to him.  He was forbidden to leave the place without the permission of the Sultan. 

            Nogay Ismail was allowed to stay with him upon the request of Sefer Bey.  For he needed him to attend to his personal services. 

            The other three members of the mission, scared of being persecuted, avoided to involve in any kind of initiative.  They did stay in Istanbul for quite some time, hoping  that Zanıko would be released. 

                  At upper echelons of the Ottoman State and its  Administration there were a considerable number of persons of Caucasian extraction in positions of authority.  Hatkoy, despite objections by his colleagues, contacted them.  He had  opportunity to meet high level officials.  He told them that resistance was sustained only in Adiğe, but all over northern Caucasia.  He asked for help.  His efforts were of little consequence. 

            The Sultan and the Ottoman statesmen did not want to disturb the peace by antagonizing  Russia.  The Embassy mission, except Zaniko Sefer Bey, were politely packed home with kind words and precious gifts. 

            It was incredible.  Bastiko Pşımef could not believe his ears.  He was shocked;  felt dizzy; his eyesight momentarily failed.  He was at a loss what to say.   He had been dreaming for a very tong time.  And now they were trying to tell him that everything was over.  “It means the Caliph⁵  in Istanbul has betrayed us!”,  he murmured by himself.

            Geriyiko Şemız, indeed, reacted quite otherwise, in keeping with his temperament. 

            -  Bastiko! Don’t stand there grumbling like a woman!  Okay! let the Caliph betray us! So what?  Should we sit and weep for it?  There is one thing for us to do:  We would take care of our own affairs. We could try other possibilities. 

            Şemız turned his face to the window for a moment.  He gazed at the misty horizon over the Black Sea.  He raised his right hand, and shouted: 

            -  God damn! I have wasted my youth in the Army of the Caliph;  risked my life on numerous occasions. For what? This means I had been running all that time after an illusory ideal, a mirage. 

            A deadly silence overwhelmed the large hall.  No one spoke for some time.  Some were sorry and some in outrage.   Frustration, however, was what each of them suffered in common.
 
 

O0O
 
 
 
 

            Initially they considered to cover up the news of Zanıko Sefer’s arrest in Istanbul.  For the leaders did not want to see the people get demoralized on that account.  It, however,  did not work.  In no time the news spread all over the country in whispers.  It caused an intense popular outrage.

            Those used to keep on guard received the incident with deep regret as Pşımef did.  The ones with independent spirit and easily excited nature violently reacted.  The ones like Geriyiko Şemız and Şurukyiko Duğuj  became virtually mad; went round from one village to the next, from one farm to the other, cursing and calling names left and right. 

            The Adiğe psyche at that juncturs could be likened to sudden torrential rains turning  to floods. An excited and outraged Adiğe could not think sanely.  He could be irrational. 

            Pşımef had the wedding of his son Ismail and that of the daughters of Famok on his agenda for late December.  Invitations had already been sent out to all the nobles in the coast. 

            During the week when the weddings were scheduled, Geriyiko Şemız and Şurukyiko Duğuj attacked a Russian camps in Anapa with whatever force they could gather; destroyed the newly built quarters opposit the fort; and swept away whatever they could lay hand upon. 

            A similar assault was launched by the trio of Hacı Huzbek, Nemeruko Şahingeri and Janbulat.  They hit the Cossack villages in the neighborhood of the forts Yekatrinodar and Pavlovskaya. 

             Earlier, the new masters of Anapa, who  wanted to be left alone in peace, had contacted Indaryiko Mehmet and Havuduko Mansur.  The two leaders, considering the resolutions of the Adgum Assembly,  had avoided to entertain the offer made by the Russian commander of the fort. 

            But now that  Şemız and Duğuj had raided the Russians, and the Russians were preparing for a counter attack, Indaryiko Mehmet and Havuduko Mansur acted to preempt a Russian assault.  They called on the Russian commander and apologized for the last incident, and promised to that they would come to the Anapa Bazaar and to do business with the Russian traders. 

            The initiatives of the two leaders yielded positive results.  Peace was restored on condition that the Russian prisoners were returned.  A sort of non-aggression treaty was concluded. 

            The two noble leaders, Indaryiko Mehmet in particular, were suspected by their own people.  Rumors in circulation accused them of “attempting to be friendly with the Russians to salvage their selfish interests.” 

            Notwithstanding the fact that Pşımef had made meticulous preparation, the triple wedding was overshadowed by the raid at Anapa. 

            The Prince of Tsemez began to grow hopeless and frustrated as time went by.  The confinement of Zanıko Sefer, coupled with the latest dangerous incidents, had badly depressed him.  These were followed by the deaths of his mother and Pşılı Marde one after the other in the spring.  So he was morally in ruins. 

            Goşemıd’s death bewildered not only Pşımef, but also the whole of the Psıfabe colony in Kutak.  She had been the only source of inspiration and solidarity to everybody in the colony.

            Pşımef was satisfied, however, because his mother’s wishes had been fulfilled in her life time.   That was the only source of consolation to him.