A Circassian school in the Ottoman empire, at the Black sea coast; ca. 1900
Interesting Fact:
When T.E. Lawrence was caught by a Turkish garrison behind enemy lines in 1916 – while trying to spy on which bridges he could blow up – he passed himself of a Circassian.
Within the Ottoman empire the Circassians were renowned for their fair skin and blond hair (and why the women were in high demand). And since Lawrence could speak Arabic, the Turks believed him. At this time he was a wanted man and his head would have carried a high price.
I hope to be remembered for my atrocities! 