Battle of Zhyryshty

Battle of Zhyryshty
Part of Crimean–Circassian Wars
Date October 1731 Location Zhyryshty Crossing Result Circassian victory [1] The battle ended large-scale Crimean incursions into Kabarda
Belligerents
Kabardia (East Circassia)	Crimean Khanate
Commanders and leaders
Misost Islam-Bek	Aslan-Giray
Strength
~12,000	~7,000 [2]
Casualties and losses
Unknown	Heavy losses

The Battle of Zhyryshty Crossing was fought in October 1731 between the forces of Grand Kabarda and the Crimean Khanate. It was part of the larger Crimean-Circassian Wars, where the Crimean Khanate attempted to subjugate the independent Kabardian principalities. The battle resulted in a decisive Kabardian victory, forcing the Crimean forces to retreat across the Terek River.

Background

During the early 18th century, the Crimean Khanate launched multiple campaigns against Grand Kabarda, attempting to weaken its independence. Previous Crimean incursions in 1708 ^[3] , 1711 ^[4] , and 1721 ^[5] had ended in defeats. ^[6] . In 1731, Aslan-Giray, a Crimean commander, led an army of approximately 7,000 warriors from Crimea, the Kuban region, and Nogai tribes to retaliate against Kabarda. Their objective was to devastate Kabardian settlements, seize livestock, and assert military dominance in the region. ^[7]

Battle

After initial skirmishes, the Crimean forces attempted to cross the Terek River at Zhyryshty. Kabardian forces, numbering around 12,000 men, waited for the enemy to begin their river crossing. ^[8] Once the Crimean forces were vulnerable in mid-crossing, the Kabardians launched a sudden attack, overwhelming the enemy. ^[9] The Crimean forces suffered heavy casualties, with many drowning in the river or being cut down by Kabardian cavalry. ^[10]

Aftermath

The battle marked a major strategic defeat for the Crimean Khanate. It significantly reduced Crimean influence in the North Caucasus and prevented future large-scale invasions into Kabardian lands. Although minor raids continued, Kabarda maintained its de facto independence from Crimean control. ^{[11] [12]}

References

1. Aloev 2018, p. 39.
2. Соловьев С.М. Указ. соч. С. 280.
3. "«Записки» Гербера Иоганна Густава". www.vostlit.info. Archived from the original on 2013-03-27. Retrieved 2019-01-12.
4. Мальбахов Б. К. "Кабарда на этапах политической истории (середина XVI — первая четверть XIX века), Москва, из-во «Поматур», 2002 г. ISBN 5-86208-106-2, ст. 249
5. Мальбахов Б. К. "Кабарда на этапах политической истории (середина XVI — первая четверть XIX века), Москва, из-во «Поматур», 2002 г. ISBN 5-86208-106-2, ст. 251
6. КРО. Т. II. С. 102
7. Aloev 2018, p. 27.
8. КРО. Т. II. С. 103.
9. КРО. Т. II. С. 9
10. Aloev 2018, p. 36.
11. Бутков П.Г. Указ. соч. С. 363
12. Malbakhov 1999, p. 112.

Bibliography

• Aloev, T.Kh. (2018). "Battle at the Zhyryshty Crossing: The Kabardian-Crimean Campaign of 1731". Vestnik KBIGI. 4 (39): 27–44. doi:10.31007/2306-5826-2018-4-39-27-44.
• Malbakhov, B.K. (1999). Взаимоотношения Кабарды с Россией: От военно-политического союза к установлению российской администрации, середина XVI — первая четверть XIX в. Владикавказ.