 Henceforth the three west-central "democratic" tribes, Natukhai, Shapsugs and Abedzeks, who probably formed the majority of the Circassians, managed their affairs through assemblies with only informal powers.This made things difficult for the Russians since there were no chiefs who might lead their followers into submission.Sefer-Bei, the three Naibs and the British adventurers (see below) all tried to organize the Circassians - with limited success.