Jabagh Qazanoqo

Hajji Thamade
Jabagh Qazanoqo
Hajji Thamade Jabagh Qazanoqo
Къэзэнокъуэ Жэбагъы (Qəzənoqwe Jəbağı)
Advisor of the Kabardian Supreme Prince
	In office; 1737–1746
Chief Qadi of Kabardia
	In office; 1737–1750
Personal
Born	1685; Zeiqo, Kabardia
Died	1750; Zeiqo, Kabardia
Resting place	Nalchik
Religion	Islam
Nationality	Circassian
Citizenship	Princedom of Kabardia
School	Hanafi
Occupation	Philosopher, Islamic scholar, poet, military strategist, politician and diplomat
Military service
Allegiance	Princedom of Kabardia
Battles/wars	Battle of Kanzhal
Muslim leader
Period in office	17th and 18th century
	Influenced by Muhammad, Abu Hanifa, Adyghe Xabze;
	Influenced Jawdat Said, Pshemakho Kotsev;

Biography

Early days

Born in the village of Zeiqo (modern-day Zayukovo) in Kabardia, he dedicated himself to his education. He was a pious Muslim, and completed the hajj, becoming a hajji.

Career

Political career

Due to his rising fame, he was appointed as the personal advisor of the Kabardian Supreme Prince Aslanbek I. He was trusted by the Supreme Prince for his wisdom. Qazanoqo is credited with reforming the Kabardian justice system based on the Quran and Adyghe Xabze. He was opposed the idea of Circassians living under another country and supported full independence. He believed that the Crimean Tatars wished to annex Circassia, so he suggested Russia as a possible ally. In 1722 he joined diplomatic meetings with Russia. In 1731, he managed to secure a defence agreement with Russia against Tatar raids. However, this alliance came to an end 15 years after his death when Russia attacked Kabardia, starting the Russo-Circassian War.

Military career

He played a big role in the Battle of Kanzhal, where the Kabardian Circassians won with his strategy.

Death

Qazanoqo died in 1750 at his home village due to unknown causes.