Lazarevsky Fort was built in 1839 on the eastern coast of the Black Sea at the mouth of the Psezuapse River.

[9] In December 1839, Circassian spy Musa Shogen penetrated the Russian fortress of Lazarevsk, claiming to be fleeing from feuds.

He remained in the fortification for three months and informed the Circassians outside, who were waiting to hear from him, about the situation in the enemy camp, the number of soldiers and weapons in the fortress.

On the night of February 7, 1840, Musa Shogen sneaked out of the fort and returned to his own community.

Expecting genocidal revenge from the Russians, the Circassians of the nearby villages from the early morning of May 23 began to pack their things and move to the mountains.