Hayriye Melek Hunç, a pioneering Circassian feminist, founded the Circassian Women's Solidarity Association in 1918 to promote education.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, Circassian women were Western Europe’s and the Ottoman Empire's "ultimate ideal of beauty" due to their fair complexions and elegant features.
Modern designers often reinterpret the traditional high-collared, long-sleeved Circassian dress as a symbol of pride.
Circassian dances, like the Lezginka , feature women moving with floating, graceful steps while men perform high-energy, athletic feats.