Hawduqo Mansur

Not much is recorded about Hawduqo, as Circassians did not write down their history, and all knowledge comes from Russian sources. His exact birth date is not known. Of Circassian nobility, he was raised with a martial education.

It is not known if Hawduqo is his surname or nickname. One theory is that it means "The King", as he was elected as the leader of all Circassians.[4]

In 1840, he gave a speech addressing Circassian nation:[3]

Even if we lose many of our brave warriors, we have men and young boys to replace them! Worst case, we will not be able to use our rifles because we don't have gunpowder and ammo. We will still fight with swords and daggers in our hands! We will never ever bow to the enemies! Even if the whole world leaves us alone and we are cornered to the last point of our country, it will be seen what the Circassians can do. If necessary, we will have to mercifully take the lives of our women and children with our own hands, so that they do not fall into the hands of the enemy and suffer more. And then, to avenge them, we too must perish.

— Hawduqo Mansur

Several repots state that Hawduqo was a respected person all around Circassia. In in 1839, the Circassians declared Bighuqal (Anapa) as their new capital and Hawduqo Mansur was declared the leader of the Circassian Confederation. He kept this title until his death. This union was nominal, as the confederation was loose. The Siege of Lazarevsky took place on the night of February 7, 1840. After a 3-hour battle, the fortification was taken by the Circassians. The fort was then destroyed by Circassians, who did not want hostile elements in their land. Hawduqo mansur and Ismail Berzeg went on to capture two more forts, including Abyn, with an army of 11,000 men.

He died in 1846.[5]