Bastiko Pğımef was discouraged in the face the Russian attacks renewed early in the spring, and the situations that subsequently developed. Indeed, the enemy had had been repulsed at one front and it had had gained foot hold at the others.

            Most importantly, while their own resources were depleting , the Russian troops were continuously receiving logistic support and reinforcement.

            For him, David Urquhart's visit was a hopeful beacon, though he hadn't said anything concrete in terms of aid. He, only had promised that he do his best.

            Pğımef was one of the leaders who had interpreted Urquhart's words realistically. He inferred that British  aid might be delayed or in might not reach them at all. Be what it may, at least  they had been relieved of the predicament of being a forsaken.

            So was assessed the Englishman’s visit to Caucasia. To the Caucasian it meant that Caucasia and the people there were being debated abroad.  This very fact by itself inspired a little hope and encouragement, which the Caucasians badly needed. 

            For the last three years since the end of the  Russo-Ottoman War, Caucasia had no visitors from abroad; and no one, including the Ottoman statesmen, had shown any interest in the plight of the Caucasian people. During the period the Caucasians had the adventurous and lustful generals of the Czar as their only foreign interlocutors, whose unacceptable demands they had to brace.

            Davut Bey¹ had  arrived at the coast at such a moment of despair. He had comforted the leaders, and had parted them leaving a luminous streak of hope behind.  That was how Pğımef assessed the episode.

            Nevertheless nothing had changed.  Eventually Psımef, as well as his colleagues excessively given to false hope,  had to brace the Caucasian reality of the time once again. They resumed their routine life.

            Winter set in.  Everywhere was covered by a thick layer of  snow. In the highlands the trails and narrow passes were blocked. Let alone going from one village to the next, it was impossible to move from one district to the other in the same town.  The downstream of  the Kuban river, where it flowed slowly, was frozen.

            In such cold and  snowy days of winter the marches of Kuban offered shelter to the wild ducts and gooses in thousands.

            Obviously this provided the starving Cossacks with a good opportunity to feed themselves.. They would come down the marshes in groups and scanned the frozen swamps for wild boars and birds. Sometimes, they would unwittingly cross the border line, and  they would sometimes encounter Surukyiko Duguj and his men.

            The flame in Haci Huzbek's heart had been still burning . He had not gotten over the death of his son. He was looking for a chance for vengeance. He didn't allow for a moment's rest to the Cossacks at the confluence of the Abin stream and Kuban.

            Pğımef have had taken part in such raids for a long time. He had come to believe in the usefulness of burning and pillaging the Cossack villages. Of late, however, there has been a gradual change in his outlook. For those who planned and organized usurpation of their freedom and property were safe behind ramparts of the fortresses. The ought to have hit them in the first instance.  But to deal with the regular Russian army, a unified command of the Adişe forces was essential. 

            According to the information, Zaniko Sefer had no chance to return. He had lost his will, let alone his hope of obtaining aid. Hence, there was no point in waiting for him. They had to come up with new strategies and targets.

            According to available information Zanıko Sefer Bay had little chance to return home.  He had lost his own freedom of action, let alone preserving the hope for providing foreign aid to the resistance movement in Caucasia.  The was no sense, therefore, in waiting for his return. New measures and objectives ought to be devised in accordance with the new situations that had come up since Zanıko’s departure for Istanbul. 

            Pğımef  passed the early few month of winter submerged in such thoughts. Finally, he couldn't keep himself any longer in idleness.  He decided to get on the road. He intended to visit all the leaders, starting from those in the north. 

            The famous Basti regretted over the time passed doing nothing.  He wanted to see certain measures be taken without further delay.

            Ğemıs did not take Pğımef much seriously.  But yet he was not prepared to forsake Ğemız.  He was aware of the power and influence of the old wolf, for a movement without Ğemız’s blessing had no chance of success. Pğımef , therefore  disclosed him his plans, asked him to act together.

            Ğemız's answer was not any different than what he had expected.  He said,

            - You would speak more freely if I were not with you!.

            Pğımef was used to be teased by Ğemız. He smiled sadly, and didn't insist.

            His brother in law Ali did not hesitate in accepting Pğımef’s offer. They saddled the horses and got on the road together.

            Both were accompanied by their sons as grooms. Being cousins, the young men got on very well. Shanağ was few years older than Pğımef’s son Ahmet.

            They visited Surukyiko Duguj first.

            Duguj, like Haci Huzbek and Geriyiko Ğemız, liked to act independently. Yet, he respected the people who generated new ideas. He listened Pğımef solemnly. After the visitors were accorded proper hospitality, he joined them on their journey onwards.

            Their next destination was the Sebesi Valley where  they were going to visit Havuduko Mansur. They changed their direction when told that he was with Kadi Haci Mehmet.

            The old Kadi received the group warmly. Pointing at Havuduko Mansur, said: "We were just talking about you!"

            Haci Mehmet was a sincere person. He liked and appreciated Pğımef. He knew the essence of his ideas and approved them.

            He dropped his praying beads while Pğımef explained the reasons behind their visit. He placed his hands on his knees and took a posture as if he was listening to some one senior to himself.

            Basti explained his views to the effect that it was impossible to defend a divided Caucasia and listed his arguments. He described the bitter results of  the lack of unity among them citing the example of the events of the last summer.

            The old Kadi was moved listening his visitor; his eyes were filled with tear. His voice was cracking when he answered. His words were not only directed at Pğımef. He seemed to be addressing everyone, present or not.

            - Why are we so unfortunate? Why are we divided into thousand fractions while we are facing the most powerful tyrant? What was sin did we commit in disobedience of God to be punished with fraternal feud?

            The old man, wiping his eyes, shook his head as he regretted his words. He said "God! Forgive us! Bless us with unity and ability to act in harmony!

            He sat in gloom for a long while, then lifted up his head and looked at Pğımef.

            - You are talking about unification. Who is there to appreciate it? Do you know the latest intrigue  of the Çipakos and Abbats?

            Bastiko Pğımef had heard about the dispute between these two large families. But he didn't know the extent of the disagreement. Also he was not sure how things would develop.  He was afraid of saying something wrong in the presence of aged Kadi, who belonged to the Çipoko-Indar family. He looked for words to comfort him instead of offering his comment on the situation.

            - Both sides respect you. For Gods sake, intervene! Please prevent a quarrel which would be too difficult to resolve once raptured! No one else but yourself can do that.

            Kadi smiled bitterly. He exclaimed, "Respect!" he looked at Pğımef reproachfully.

            - When our own interest and pride are involved we can afford to ignore all about respect. We become monsters!

            Kadi Mehmet Efendi was justified.

            In the days  that followed, the dispute deepened. Neither Çipakos nor the Abbats listened to him. They became slaves of their own empty pride and acted irresponsibly.

            The essence of the conflict was simple. Nevertheless it led to terrible events that effected the whole coast.

                                                            O0O
 

            The dispute originally had emerged between the Abbats and Tokovs² . When Çipakos sided with Tokovs, it turned into a dispute of the Çipakos and the Abbats.

            The dispute had started in Istanbul.

            Çipako Hatukoy, Abbatiyiko Besni and Tokov Amirz, who had gone Istanbul with Zaniko Sefer Bey, were received with much courtesy at the Palace. Especially the early days were quite satisfying.

            When Zaniko was taken under custody upon the intervention of the Russian Ambassador, Besni took over his position as the leader of the group.

            The Ottoman statesmen, to appease the Russians, arrested Sefer Bey. But, they hadn't abandoned the Caucasians and Caucasia entirely. They gave gifts and faltered the other members of the delegation with kind words before their departure.
 

The most valuable gifts were given to the two noble men, but mostly to Abbat Besni. They slighted the modestly dressed Tokov Amirz. This treatment hurt his pride.

            Amirz, upon his return to Caucasia, made a big issue of the incident over the gifts.

            In earlier times a Tokov  would have not been able to create such havoc. The social equality that came in with the Islam, granted them the privilege and  encouraged them. In addition the their contribution and achievements in the defense efforts rendered them more respected. Superiority didn't come with nobility any more. The one with sharp sword, the one who spoke and behaved well were now better respected by  the community.

            Tokov Korosyiko Amirz cruelly assailed  Besni, alleging that  "they carried on with their arrogance and capricious attitude of nobility in Istanbul as well."

            - He didn't share the gifts that were given for all of us. Especially he didn't pay ignored to me.

            Abbat Besni didn't pay attention to Amirz. He didn't attempt to stop him spreading the rumors.

            The calm and unconcerned stance of Besni provoked Tokov further. He took upon himself to plague him. He searched for opportunities to belittle him in the eyes of the people.

            And finally Besni had his chance one day.

            The Russians were busy in building camps and forts  on  the coast. These were no different than prisons camps. For the Russian attempt  at encirclement of the Adiges were reciprocated by the latter. It was not possible for any Russian officer or a soldier to go out of the trenches. The communication lines between the stations had been severed. The planned to build a coastal road extending from Kuban to the Bay of Gelincik 

            A German merchant named Taush had been operating  a forwarding agency in office Taman for quite a long time.  This shrewd man had been acting as an informer for the Russians, while he had gained the trust of noble families and established trade relations with them.

            He had impressed Indaryiko Mehmet  more than any one else. Under Indariko’s auspices Taush was able to travel to Pğat on several occasions. Eventually his connection with the Russians was discovered and he was expelled from the region.

            This greedy person next managed to get close to the Abbats. He set up connections  with Besni, who was an extremely selfish man and started trade transactions with him in confidence.

            The Russian military authorities attempted to use the German merchant once again. They employed his as their guide in charting out the passage of the projected coastal road. After the preparation were completed, In the spring of the 1835 the working party went into actio. Russian engineers, accompanied by the German merchant, turned up at the large district of the Abbats. They were hosted by Besni.

            Abbat Besni knew the risk involved in collaborating them. Nonetheless he undertook to help them. He considered it was quite a profitable proposition. He assigned his brother to work with the Russians.

            He didn't neglect though to take certain  precautions. He asked for secrecy. Including the German Taush, the entire group changed their clothing to Adige Çerkeskas and trousers, the Yamçı cloaks and the Papak head gear.

            Korosyiko Amirz’s  men had been constantly watching Besni’s movements. They soon discovered the latter’s close collaboration with the Russians. They watched the activities of the working party on the spot, and reported to Tokov in full details.

            Amirz was waiting for such an opportunity. He alarmed everybody in the neighborhood.   He informed not only Tokovs but also to all the nobles of the area about the treacherous activities on the part of Abbat Besni. He asked help specifically from the Çipakos to curb those activities. 

            The Adegum National Assembly Meeting had prohibited  all forms of collaboration and trade exchange with the Russians. Besni had been not only flagrantly violating the Adişe National Assembly Resolution, but he e had committed an act of treason by collaborating with the enemy surveying the trails and passes leading to the hinterland.

            A large assemblage led by Çipako Hatukoy decided to put Besni and his brother on trial.

            In the meantime Besni helped the German merchant and the Russian engineers escape. He attempted to erase any evidence of his treason; but there were number of eye witnesses to prove his guilt.

            Besni continued to make mistakes. He didn't inform on his guilty brother. The young man took refuge at the Russian Garrison one night. Then, feeling not secure enough there, he escaped further away from the Kuban basin.

            Korosyiko Amirz wanted to take advantage of the circumstances and to destroy his opponent. He argued that the Bey of Abbat, by helping the Russian engineers and his own brother to escape, had betrayed his country and people. Amirz insisted Abbat Besni be prosecuted.

            The crowd surrounding the Abbat quarters agreed with him. They locked up Besni and his wife at their own residence until a court session could be held. Amirz and his men were assigned to guard the prisoners.

            Kadi Haci Efendi also was informed of the situation. Kadi was to name a  Tribunal of Thametes³  to judge Besni in terms of both the traditions and the religion.

            But the trial couldn't be held for a long time. During the intervening period some people with common sense began to question the wisdom of leaving the accused  in custody of the complainant. They went to Besni’s residence see how he was being held. 

            They found Besni and his wife in awful condition.  Amirz had subjected the noble couple to unimaginable humiliation. 

            Besni was relieved from Amirrz’ custody.  The damage had been done, however, in the meantime. 

            Besni, his household and his dependents moved to the Kuban Basin, where he approached the Russian authorities to declare that he was prepared to all sorts of collaboration with them. 

            Besni's proposition suited the Russians well. They showed proper interest in Besni. They let him to settle down in a fairly large island in the middle of the Kuban river.

            After some time the rest of the  Abbats followed their leader to the Kuban Basin.

            The Abbat-Çipako, and Abbat-Tokov dispute posed a serious threat to the Adişe defense efforts. All indication pointed to the same probability. The situation profoundly perturbed  such individuals as Bastiko Pğımef, Kadi Haci Mehmet and Havuduko Mansur, who  endeavored achieve unity. 

                                                           O0O

            The Abbats had pledged to avenge.  They settled down  and reorganized within a couple of months; fortified the island;  and depending on the circumstances available, started to sally upon their adversary.

            Abbat Besni  was annoyed at the Çipakos as much as he despised the Tokovs; for Amirz had been encouraged by the latter, he alleged.  The Abbats, however could not afford to target Hatukoy and his dependents.
 

The Indars was an off shoot of the Çipakos. The Indar-Çipako family was an army by itself. Besni was aware  the Abbats  couldn't confront them directly. He planned to square accounts with this powerful  family by methods other than a direct confrontation.

            For the time being, he decided to tackle Amirz and the Tokovs, who acted unison. The Abbats turned to a nightmare for them; stole their horses, and their livestock.

            Amirz had made an issue of the gifts handed over at the Ottoman Palace, though in fact he had no material need. Just to save his pride he had entangle himself with Besni.

            Tokov was the most wealthy person in the western Ğapsış region. He had a farm, rich livestock, and many vassals. Now he lost everything he owned due to the incessant assaults of the Abbats. He was wounded and disabled for life.

            The most unpardonable wrong done by Abbat Besni, according to the Adişes, was the one relevant to Zanıko Sefer and his family.

            Besni passed on to the Russians information about the activities of the Adişe delegation to Istanbul under the leadership of Sefer Bey. He informed Russians that Zanıko, though under custody in Edirne, had been directing the resistance in Caucasia through his associates; and that Zanıko’s family as lived in Vestagoy Valley, in the vicinity of Anapa.

            The Russian garrison at Anapa received orders from General Ass to raid the Zanikos farm. A Cossack cavalry group supported by light artillery was sent out one midnight.

            At dawn, the Cossacks entered the farm at dawn from two different directions.

            The guard at the watch-tower noticed the cavalry men approaching like black ghosts. He was not certain who they were, nonetheless, fired his rifle to wake up the inhabitants of the farm house.

            While the women and the children escaped into the woods for shelter, the men armed themselves and rushed to meet the Cossacks. Some didn't even have the chance to saddle their horses. A fierce fight between the vassals of Sefer Bey and the enemy ensued.

            The artillery positioned at the bottom of the valley had spotted the women and children running. They started firing on them.

            Some of the women and children were wounded, some died under the artillery fire. But the immense noise of the gunfire heard in the other rest of the valley and in the neighboring villages.

            The famous warriors Kambur  Djufs and Kass Demir, who lived not fat from the Zanıko Farm,  with their men rushed to the rescue of the beleaguered  of the farm house.  . 

            By the time they arrived, it was too late. Most of the vassals defending the farm were killed, the survivors had retreated towards the forest.

            While a part of the Cossacks were busy in setting the farm  on fire, others had set out  on a bloody pursuit. Capturing of the women and children was a matter of moments.

            Kambur Djefs and Kass Demir surprised the enemy, when they  confronted the Cossacks dispersed in the forest. They first fired their rifles, then pulled out their swords.

            The Cossacks were not prepared to brace a surprise counter attack as the present one. All of them were overwhelmed of euphoria of a victory. Their bawling resounded in the forest, they were knocking dead the poor vassals one by one.

            The first strike by Kambur Djefs and Kass Demir deadly surprised them. In a matter of moments the Cossack advance guards were eliminated.  It caused panic among the enemy. A total rout immediately ensued.

            Kass Demir and his men pursued the enemy for a while. They sworded down the rearguards and seized the artillery at the base of the valley.

            The Cossack attack was successfully repelled. But, more than hundred Adişe fighters lost their lives, and the  farm was heavily  damaged. There was not a single building left fit to shelter the survivors.

            Kass Demir was not only a good warrior, he was also a highly resourceful person. He stayed with the wounded and distressed dwellers of the farm for some time. Setting up a relief camp, he gave them moral support,  and helped them to build new housing.

            Sefer Bey's son Karabatir⁴   had  just passed his adolescence. He was deeply effected by the incident. He contemplated moving to the safer place in  the hinterland. Kass Demir suspected that he was too disheartened to engage in something permanent. 
 

The wise man felt the urge  to offer him a piece advice. “You are a Zanıko!" He said, in a  flattering tone first; and went on,

            - Don't debase yourself by forsaking the land of your ancestors! If you do that, you would disgrace own your family.

            Kass Demir explained to him at length the uselessness of running away from the enemy.

            - As we pull away, they will peruse us.  They will take possession of our land for nothing. Where it would end up?  Cowardice and disgrace! Running away can never be an  solution, a response to the challenge! 

            Karabatir remorsefully glanced at the old warrior, who had read his mind. He was wrecked, he couldn't find words to express himself. He could only say "No, I don't mean that!"

            Kambur Djefs, who had  sheltered Sefer Bey’s wife and two daughters his own house, also counseled Karabatir  to the effect that it would be a good idea if his mother and sisters were kept  away from their scorched home; and that he ought to stick at the farm, the home of their ancestors, and to rebuild it.  He explained him in details the wisdom underlying his suggestion. 

                                                            O0O

            When Bastiko Pğımef came to know about the attack on Zanıko Sefer's farm, he immediately linked it to Abbat Besni affair.  He murmured by himself: “Doubtless, Besni must have guided the Russians to the Zanıko farm!”

            He thought that such shameless acts had to be stopped before irreparable damages were done. With the hope of preventing new incidents, he went into action right away.

            Geriyiko Ğemız being annoyed with Korosyiko Amirz cold-shouldered Pğımef’s suggestion for cooperation to find a solution to the Abbat problem. He said, 

            - Yesterday's shepherd is acting like a prince. Let him alone to deflate a little!

            The affair had far exceeded the limits of a personal quarrel between Besni and Amirz.  The Abbats had already finished him off. Now, they were in the service of the Russian. They had already caused a lot of harm to the Caucasian cause in the last couple of years.

            Pğımef, always approached to his brother in law whenever in trouble. Geriyiko Ali never turned him down. It was no different this time either. He accepted to accompany him. They saddled their  horses and got on the road.

            Daziyiko Ğupağ’s house was situated on their way. The dropped in, and took him along. 

            Ğupağ was a Tokov. He was an elderly, respected man. He had lost his son and his kins in the past wars. He was at the height of maturity, which was evident in his words and behavior.

            All together they went directly to the home of Kambur Djef.  There  they met with Sefer Bey’s wife and daughters, who had been staying at Dfef’s place.  They conveyed their concerns. From there, they went to see Havuduko Mansur's.

            Since Zanıko Sefer had left for Istanbul, Mansur had assumed his place as  the most esteemed person of the Anapa area.  He had been popular person any way.

            Like everyone else, he was highly distressed at the attack on Zanıko's farm. He had strongly thought about condemned it,  and had thought of  mounting a retaliation.

            He had tried to comfort Sefer Bey's wife and his daughters; and had promised  to support his son. 

            Havuduko Mansur was pleased to see that Bastiko Pğımef and Geriyiko Ali had come to him to discuss the problem. They agreed to hold an urgent meeting to discuss the possibilities of taking some kind counter-measures. On that very same day, he sent out messengers. He invited to his home, persons like Kadi Haci Mehmet, Kalabatuko Hatuk, Surukyiko Duguj, Kass Demir and Kambur Djefs, who lived in the vicinity.

            All the invitees gathered in a short time. They discussed all aspects the problem. To avoid committing  any mistakes, they examined the situation very carefully. None of them seemed to think that it was wise to take a severe action.

            Surukyiko Duguj suggested a raid on the island where the Abbats lived. No doubt it was within their capability.

            Yet, there were two arguments against it.

            Firstly;  the Abbats were not limited to the Kuban Basin. By marriage they had acquired numerous relations, who lived in the coastal area between Anapa and Tsemez.   In the event of  the involvement of the entire Abbats in a showdown, the situation could go out of  control.

            Secondly; and more importantly, the Russian military command have been supporting the Abbats not on sentimental grounds. They intended to exploit him in causing  discord among the Caucasians. The Caucasian leaders ought to be careful not to allow the Russians to enjoy such a satisfaction.
 

            All of the factors for and against a retaliation  were discussed thoroughly, and at the end a peaceful approach was adopted. It was consider best to send someone to Besni.

            Kass Demir was chosen as the go-between. The famous blacksmith had stayed away from such conflicts all his life. He was liked by all. In addition, he knew well the island and the neighborhood where the Abbats lived.

            The message he would take to Besni was formulated. No threats was to be involved. On the contrary they were going to try to iron out the differences through extenuating rather accusation.

            Kass Demir, in order not to attract attention, traveled alone. Nevertheless he successfully accomplished his mission. He stayed with the Abbat Besni for a day and a night. He conveyed all he had been told to, and with his skills of persuasion he prevailed him. He told him,

            - Yes, you are right as far as  Amirz is concerned! But, what do you want from the   Adişe people? Would you wish to be remembered as a person who betrayed his own people, his own land?

            Besni and the other Abbats were impressed by Kass Demir. With regretfully they looked down.

            Besni opened up a while later, expressed his feelings.

            - I didn't do all that willfully or deliberately. I was forced to. I lost control for a moment. Now, I am in pain. I am terribly embarrassed to have hurt my own people.

            He was pensive for a while. He continued with his voice reflecting his dilemma.

            - I don't have a clear conscience. I can't sleep at nights.

            Please greet our friends for me. I accept their decision. If they allow me, I would like to return to my homeland.

            Kass Demir returned with such a good news.

            Yet, neither Havuduko Mansur nor the others could say, "Abbats may return right away." There was a great resentment around about what the Abbats had done. To avoid any mishap, they chose to advise the Abbats wait for some time before they returned.

            It was argued that should the Abbats prove their good will in the meantime, their return would be more conveniently acceptable.

            Kass Demir went to Kuban once more to communicate the last decision.

                                                             O0O

            Bastiko Pğımef grew more sensitive as he aged. The former Basti elders were not like him. They were more rigid and consistent persons. Dadu, Takir, and his father Lasmar never gave out being sorrowful or distressed.

            Pğımef, however,  had a wider world outlook distinct from relative to the ones before him. He was not only interested in the problems of his family or a narrow valley. He was concerned with the  entire Adigey, and even the whole of Caucasia. Each adverse development was chipping away a piece from his endurance.

            He had put up a great struggle at the cost of the lives of his son's and loved ones. He had succeeded in warding off the enemy at a certain distance, but he never had a chance to win a victory. On the contrary the enemy took two steps forward at each time he pushed them back one step. The Abbat affair came up when he was  tormented by the increasing realization of the set back in the overall situation, as an insult to injury. 

             The timing of the Abbat affair had occurred at  a highly critical moment. Had the Russians succeeded  in exploiting the incident fully, they could have pushed the country in a civil war, and could tear it into pieces.

            Pğımef was sorry to see the apathy on the part of a distinguished leaders like Geriyiko Ğemız. If the Çipako-Abbat friction hadn't reduced to an Abbat-Korosyiko Amirz dispute, the outcome could  have been disastrous.

            The Russian attack on Tsemez destroyed the properties of many families. The Geriyikos and  Batmazyikos lost all their investments. The smaller families were affected irreparably.

            Bastiko Pğımef was the one who suffered most.   among the larger families. He had not only lost his properties, but also lost his cousin, who was highly  skilled in commerce. 

            Of all the leading families in the coast the Batmazyikos alone were able to restore their business. 

            A branch of the Batmaz family lived in Trabzon. Batmazyiko Ali Bey's kins men there  had sent a beautiful sail vessel. He had experienced men at his disposal. Notwithstanding the Russian blockade, he continued with his shipping business between Caucasian and the Anatolian coasts.

            Pğımef couldn't fare well as Ali Bey did. He transferred his trade business to him.

            His cousin Janbek was married to Ali Bey's sister Emine. The relationship had led to close ties between the Bastis and the Batmazyikos.

            Ali Bey had employed his nephew Selim and Psimef’s younger son Ahmet. He was to train them, and when time came he was going set up an independent with for them.

            Pğımef had virtually isolated himself from his family’s affairs. He surrendered the management of the recently restored Basti settlement to Koce Eğav and Natho Melah. Himself was involved marginally. In fact, he was his interest in the business was nominal.

            Nevertheless his presence was provided moral support. When he was at the settlement, everyone there felt more secure.

            The Nogay vassals, Ali Mirza and Topal Riza used to visit him. They could not speak in Adişe language as efficiently as their children did.  Yet they derived immense pleasure in talking with the Bey of the settlement.

            The two old men each had lost one son in the Tsemez Battle. Pğımef comforted them once the situation was calm, expressed his sorrow for the death of their sons.

            Ali Mirza, his eyes full with tears, told him in a hoarse voice with a maturity that surprised Basti Pğımef,

            - Tamada!⁵   What is our loss! Besides your own children, you have lost hundreds of adopted children. We can understand the burden of the accumulated sorrow on your heart.

            Topal Riza outdid his neighbor by saying,

            - You are our elder and our honor! You've shared your land, your bread with us. We can sacrifice our other sons also for your sake!

            These two Nogay elders had bitterly suffered in the hands of  the Russian. They had lived their youth in the steps in the north of Kuban. They had been displaced many a times by the advancing army of the Czar. No one could better appreciate Pğımef’s sorrow better than the two elderly Nogays.

            At the home, and the courtyard of the Prince of Tsemez there existed  no discrimination of the nobles and the slaves or the vassals. The system there was based on mutual respect. This was instituted by his mother Goğemıd. No one ever challenged her. Ğayze followed the example of her mother-in-law. She even went further in her efforts to create a world of warmth.

            Pğımef, once his pain subsided, married his younger son Ahmet and the youngest one Osman within two consecutive years.

            He had seen the daughters of Sefer Bey when he had visited their mother at Kambur Djef’s home. He remembered the elder one, then at her teenage.

            He asked for the hand of the elder daughter of Zanıko for his son Ahmet through the mediation of Kadi Haci Mehmet and Havuduko Mansur.

            Sefer Bey's widow never gotten over the catastrophe they had lived through. Aside from the absence of her husband, the established order of her household had been greatly shaken. Despite the distress  she still had to endure, she agreed to the marriage at a modest ceremony.

            After another year, Pğı.mef was able to comply with  the will of his mother. He arranged for the marriage of his youger son Osman with the daughter of Yeftale Famok.

            Skurin was left orphan at a young age. For that reason everyone in the settlement, and especially Goğemıd, paid a lot of attention to her. As such she grew up as the most spoiled child in the settlement. She was extremely pleasant and talkative. But, after her marriage she calmed down and became a reserved woman.