Cherkassky

In history, probably, the most dangerous time for Russia was in the beginning of 17th century when the Polish occupied Moscow and appointed their governor over Russia. Most Russian dukes and princes were passive. There was almost no hope for Russia.

At that time, in Nizhny Novgorod, there was a prince Dmitry Mamstryukovich Cherkassky. He was the one who took initiative to release Russia from the Polish. Nizhny Novgorod city parliament had their gatherings in his palace. He inspired other members of the parliament, Minin and Pozharsky to join him in releasing Russia. They three and the people who joined them entered Moscow and released it from the Polish occupants.

In modern Russia, this day (November 4) is a national holiday. At the Red Square in Moscow, there is a monument to Minin and Pozharsky. However, Cherkassky who was the main initiator of the release of Moscow was forgotten. His name is seldom mentioned. These things often happened in Russian history.

There are two hypotheses regarding Cherkassky's nationality. Some historians consider him to be a Chechen, some think that he was a Circassian (Kabardian). His last name is formed from old Russian word "cherkas" or "cherkes" (in English, Circassian). At that time, this word was used to denote any nation in the North Caucasus including Chechens.

Cherkassky rescued Russia, but was unfairly forgotten.