Aslan Tsipinov was murdered on 29 December 2010 outside his home in Shalushka in the Russian Federation Republic of Kabardion-Balkaria. Dr. Aslan Tsipinov was a 51-year-old ethnologist and historian and had published several writings and articles on folk culture. He was also a follower of the traditional Adyghe Habze religion, a religion that was common in the Caucasus before the advent of Islam.

The two men who murdered Dr Tsipinov did so on the orders of Muslim leader and terrorist Emir Zakaria. Tsipinov was considered to turn people away from Islam and instead indulge in paganism and idolatry. Tsipinov had previously received threats from Muslim fanatics. Tsipinov were Karabardians who are counted among the Circassian peoples.

Adyghe Hazbe is the ethnic religion Circassians and closely related peoples believe in. The most important god in this faith is Tha, who is the supreme god. Tha’s symbol the hammer cross is also the symbol of the religion. Other god powers are the trickster Sosruko, reminiscent of our Loki. Satanaya goddess who is harvest goddess but also protects home and crafts. Tlepsh who is the god of blacksmiths, Emish a god who protects the sheep. Schyble the god of thunder and Hytaeguash a maiden goddess who watches over gardens. Several god powers exist. The religion is believed to have received influences from Hellas during antiquity.

About 3% of the people of Kabardino-Balkaria confess this faith. Approximately the same number of followers are in other Republics. Religion has had a renaissance after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Muslim powers are trying to stop the spread and Tsipinov can rightly be said to be a pagan martyr.

Article from Asatru Art Blog http://www.asatruartblog.wordpress.com