The duel between a famous Russian poet Mikhail Lermontov and Nikolai Martynov took place at the foot of Mashuk Mountain, where now there is an obelisk with the poet's alto-relievo. The grave of a prominent Russian topographer Andrei Pastukhov is located on the southern slope of the mountain. The legend has it that the mountain is named after a Kabard warrior Mashuk, who fought bravely against the Mongols and committed suicide by jumping of a cliff of the mountain when surrounded by the enemy.