Chechens historically also known as Kisti and Durdzuks are a Northeast Caucasian ethnic group of the Nakh peoples originating in the North Caucasus, located between the Black and Caspian Seas. They refer to themselves as Nokhchiy.

Chechen and Ingush peoples are collectively known as the Vainakh (which means our people in Chechen). The majority of Chechens today live in the Chechen Republic, a subdivision of the Russian Federation. Chechens are mostly Muslims.