DPeopleTurkic republics in Russia
Karachays
Mountain Turks living at the foot of Mount Elbrus. They share a language with the Balkars; deported in 1943, they returned home in 1957.
The Karachays are a Turkic people of the Kipchak branch living on the western slopes of Mount Elbrus in the North Caucasus. Their language is the same as that of the Balkars and is called Karachay-Balkar. Karachays are known for mountain herding, wool weaving and hospitality.
In November 1943 the entire Karachay people was deported to Central Asia; they could return home only in 1957. The Karachay-Cherkess Republic is shared with the Circassians, so the republic's flag is not shown here.
Updated: September 28, 2026