The term "Cherkess" refers to an ethnic group primarily found in the North Caucasus region of Russia. They are part of the larger Circassian people and speak the Cherkess language, which belongs to the Northwest Caucasian language family. Historically, the Cherkess have a rich cultural heritage, including traditional music, dance, and crafts. Cherkess communities are also present in various countries due to migration and diaspora, including Turkey, Syria, and Jordan. The Cherkess have faced significant challenges throughout history, particularly during the Circassian Genocide in the 19th century, which led to a large-scale displacement of their population.