The Battle of Djemptlokh, also known as the Ambush at the Sacred Grove, took place in 1841 during the

Russo-Circassian War The Russo-Circassian War, also known as the Russian invasion of Circassia, was the 101-year-long invasion of Circassia by the Russian Empire. The conflict started in 1763 ( O.S.) with Russia assuming authority in Circassia, followed by Circa ...

between the forces of the

Russian Empire The Russian Empire was an empire that spanned most of northern Eurasia from its establishment in November 1721 until the proclamation of the Russian Republic in September 1917. At its height in the late 19th century, it covered about , roughl ...

and the Abadzekh tribe of the

Circassians The Circassians or Circassian people, also called Cherkess or Adyghe (Adyghe language, Adyghe and ), are a Northwest Caucasian languages, Northwest Caucasian ethnic group and nation who originated in Circassia, a region and former country in t ...

Background

In 1841, during the

, General G. X. Zass led a Russian military expedition between the Belaya (Shaguash) and Pshikh rivers in the

Caucasus The Caucasus () or Caucasia (), is a region spanning Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It is situated between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, comprising parts of Southern Russia, Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. The Caucasus Mountains, i ...

region, aiming to subdue the Circassian tribes and assert Russian dominance over the area. This area included the Jemtlokh Forest, a sacred site for the Circassians, who revered it as dedicated to the god Tkhagalegu. The local tribes fiercely protected this holy land and held annual rituals, including sacrifices, at this site. The Circassians believed that violating the sacred grove would bring divine retribution.

Battle

Zass' forces were ambushed by the Circassians, who used their knowledge of the terrain and guerrilla tactics to inflict heavy casualties on the Russian troops. Zass himself was wounded in the engagement. The Circassians believed that their god had punished Zass for violating the sacred grounds of the forest. The attack resulted in heavy Russian losses and forced the troops to retreat.

Aftermath

The Russian defeat in this raid was a temporary setback, but it did not significantly hinder the overall Russian expansion. Nevertheless, the Circassians' successful defense of their sacred forest boosted their morale.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Djemptlokh, Battle of History of Russia Circassia 1841 in the Russian Empire Caucasian War Battles involving the Russian Empire Battles involving the Circassians