The custom of fosterage (atalyk) existed during the Crimean Khanate. Crimean khans used to give over children from among their relatives to the Circassians’ care “… in order to attach them to Islamism and their rule.” Prince Khan — Girey wrote about it in his work “Notes about Circassia”. In preparing this publication, Rustem Karamanov’s materials and the Avdet newspaper were used.