Social changing in the Circassian family customs and usages: Biga sample

In this research, it is intended to study the customs and usages (Adıge Khabzes) which organising intrafamilial relationships from past to today, under the title of "Social Changing in the Circassian Family Customs and Usages: Biga Sample." There are twelve Circasian villages in Biga which is the biggest district of Çanakkale city. These Circassian villages were established by the Circassian immigrants sent to Ottoman Empire exiled from their motherlands between 1852-1887. By the purpose of this research, it was interviewed with thirty-one people chosen from these Circassian villages. These interviews were made by using interview forms prepared by the researcher. The research date was interpretted by the way of qualitative analysis. At the end of analysing this data; - It was seen that traditionel Circassian family structure evolved to nuclear family structure because of social – economic changes in the historical process. - The most of customs and usages (Adıge Khabzes) organizing the relationships of family members, like grandmothers, grandfathers, mothers, fathers, children, brothers, stepbrothers, grooms, grandsons, were changed in the process. For these reasons it is important preserving the customs and usages organizing intra familial relationships, updating and handing down the next generations them. In this duty, primarily parents then Circassian Associations and Adige society have very important roles. Key Words: Circassians, Biga, Family, Adıge Khabze