Abstract:

The aim of this study is to evaluate the Chechen independence movements from past to present and to examine the important personalities involved in this independence movement. Chechen independence movement has shown resistance against both Russian armies and other imperialist countries under the leadership of many Chechens. The Chechen people, together with the Caucasian peoples, have struggled for independence against the Russian rule and occupation policy since 1750. This struggle for independence reached its peak in 1850 and 1990. The difficult situation of Russia led to the "Hasavyurt Agreement" in 1996 and the Chechen state gained de facto freedom. Personalities such as Sheikh Mansur, Sheikh Gazi Muhammad, Sheikh Hamza and Sheikh Shamil have made significant contributions to the Chechen people's de facto liberation. However, the de facto freedom of the Chechen state could not save it from turmoil and conflict situations in the following processes. Taking advantage of the Chechnya government's loss of power, the "Wahhabis" group emerged and started to spread danger in the society. In order to put an end to this turmoil, the Kadyrov government restored order with the support of Russia in the early 2000s. Therefore, while the Chechen people criticised the Kadyrov government for its close relations with Russia and violation of human rights, it was seen that the people who were tired of chaos and war preferred the Kadyrov government in the context of "the lesser of two evils" because it brought order and peace to the society.

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