Adyghe Xabze

The Adyghe Khabze or Circassian Khabze, also known as Khabzism, is the worldview and moral code of the Circassian people. Circassian society dictates that a Circassian must always live according to rules defined by the Khabze with little exceptions. Tenets of Khabze include special respect for elders and women, a policy of only marrying those from Circassian culture to protect the endangered culture, and the values of truthfulness, honor and bravery. While rooted in thousands of years of tradition, Khabze is evolving and ever-changing, and is reformed to fit the needs of the Circassian community. This is usually led by a themade (Adyghe: тхьэмадэ; "regional elder").

Khabze, as a set of laws, includes the norms and moral principles that determine an individual's behaviour. It represents social rules in all areas of life. However, the set of rules and regulations of Khabze are not static, and in the past were not officially defined. Khabze almost ceased to exist in Circassia after the Circassian genocide.

In every community of Circassians around the world, a local advisory council known as the Khase can be found. The goal of such councils are to provide Circassians with a comfortable place where they can speak Circassian, engage in Circassian cultural activities, learn about the laws of Xabze or ask for advice. These advisory councils are coordinated on a local and regional basis, and communicate internationally through the International Circassian Association (ICA). Xabze is sometimes associated with Circassian nationalism.