[1] The migration of North Caucasians to Iraq goes back many centuries, peaking in the aftermath of the Russian–Circassian War with the Circassian genocide of the 1860s.

Circassians also settled in large numbers in other neighbouring countries including Turkey, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine.

The name "Circassian" usually denotes speakers of Northwest Caucasian languages only, however in Western Asia the name may denote North Caucasus peoples in general,[1] including Chechens and Dagestanis, who speak Northeast Caucasian languages.The overall number of Circassians or people of North Caucasus origin in Iraq is estimated to be between 30,000 and 50,000,[3] however the total number is unknown.

[1] Surnames such as Al-Daghestani, Al-Shishani ("Chechen"), and Al-Sharkas ("Circassian") are common among Iraqis of North Caucasian descent.

[1] North Caucasians in Iraq have integrated into Iraqi society while preserving their traditional culture and customs, such as the Adyghe Xabze.