Tuguzhuko Kyzbech

Tuguzhuko Kyzbech (ШэрэлIыкъо Тыгъужъыкъо Къызбэч, Russian: Тугужуко Кызбэч) (1777–1840) - a Shapsug nobleman and one of the most influential Circassian leaders during the Circassian War of Independence.

Biography
Tuguzhuko Sheretluko Kyzbech was born in 1777 in the village of Beannash in a noble family Sheretluko. In 1834, he twice defeated the imperial armies. In 1837, accompanied by 250 soldiers, he attacked the right bank of the Kuban Russian fort. As a warrior, Kyzbech enjoyed great respect among opponents. Tsarist generals entered into negotiations with him and repeatedly offered him to join the service of Russia.

Kyzbech not only organized military campaigns, but showed courage and heroism. On January 30, 1830, Kyzbech with 4 thousand Highlanders attacked Elizabethan village, but was defeated by a squad chieftain. In October 1838, he received seven serious wounds, and his sons were injured and eventfully died from the injures.

Kyzbech Tuguzhuko died of wounds received in action on February 28, 1840.

Legacy
In 2014, a year of 150th anniversary of the end of Circassian War of Independence a group of enthusiasts organized constructing a monument of Tuguzhuko Kyzbech in the village of Afipsip (Republic of Adygea, Russian Federation).

As of June 2015 the fundraising is in progress.