Narzan and the Narts

When one hears the word “Narzan,” associations with freshness, thirst-quenching on a hot day, vigor, and strength involuntarily arise. The word “Narzan” is familiar to many, but only a few know that it originates from the Kabardian-Circassian language: “Nart Sane,” which means “the beverage of the Narts.”

The area rich in springs, where the city of Kislovodsk stands today, was called exactly that until the 19th century. And the older generation of Kabardians to this day calls Kislovodsk by its old name — Nartsane.

Information from:

• J. Kokov. “Adyghe (Circassian) Toponymy.” Nalchik, 1974.
• V.S. Yanovsky. “Kislovodsk and Its Surroundings. A Guide.” Pyatigorsk, 2017.

Author of the “Legends of the Narts” project: Eco-park “Valley of Narzans” @park_dolina_narzanov
Artist: Aslan Karmoko @karmoko_art