English agent and traveler James Bell noted that each Berzeg family member could send 150 men to the battlefield, a combined 3,000 warriors.

In 1823, after Saad-Girey's death, Ismail was elected leader of the Berzeg clan and the commander of all Ubykhs.

His influence was determined not only by belonging to the strongest surname among the Ubykhs, but also by his ebullient energy, courage and intelligence."

Beginning in 1827, Ismail engaged in organizing a military confederation of the tribes living on the Black Sea coast.

Later that year, Berzeg organized a punitive campaign against the Abaza clans on the coast, who did not take part in the anti-Russian struggle.

I'm afraid, sir, we won't be surrendering the Englishmen and Turkish pashas in our lands; we can not abandon them because they are our friends and visitors.