Shuwpagwe Qalawebateqo

Shuwpagwe Qalawebateqo (Adyghe: Къалэбатыкъо Шупагуэ) was a Circassian politician and military commander who served as the 1st leader of the Circassian Confederation from 1807 to 1827. He took part in the Russo-Circassian War.^[1][2] Not much is recorded about Qalawebateqo.

Shuwpagwe Qalawebateqo
Къалэбатыкъо Шупагуэ
Coat of Arms of the Qalawebateqo clan
Confederate Leader of Circassia (de jure)
In office 1807–1827
Preceded by	Office established
Succeeded by	Ismail Berzeg (de facto)
Nickname	Son of Qalubat
Military service
Allegiance	Circassian Confederation
Battles/wars	Russo-Circassian War

Biography

Early life

Not much is recorded about Qalawebateqo, as Circassians did not write down their history, and all knowledge comes from Russian and British sources. He had a brother named Kushmud.^[3] His exact birth date is not known. Of Circassian Natukhaj nobility, he was raised with a martial education.

Name

His name translates to "Shuwpagwe, son of Qalubat". In 1807, Shuwpagwe Qalawebateqo self-proclaimed himself as the leader of the Circassian confederation, and divided Circassia into 12 major regions.^[4][5][6][7]

Participation in the Russo-Circassian War

Qalawebateqo was a respected person all around Circassia and fought in the Russo-Circassian War.^[8]

Leadership

In 1807, Shuwpagwe Qalawebateqo self-proclaimed himself as the leader of the Circassian confederation, and divided Circassia into 12 major regions.^[8][9][10] These regions were Shapsugo-Natukhaj, Abdzakh, Chemguy, Barakay, Bzhedug, Kabardo-Besleney, Hatuqway, Makhosh, Bashilbey, Taberda, Abkhazia and Ubykh.^[8][9][10]

In 1827, Ismail Berzeg officially declared the military confederation of the Circassian tribes. By the end of 1839, he managed to unite a significant part of the population under his control.^[11][12] His nominal reign therefore came to an end.

Death

His death circumstances are not recorded in Russian, British or Circassian sources, and remain unknown.