circassians

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A demonstration in Turkey on 21 May 2021, marking 156 years since the defeat of Circassia in the Caucasian War. Photo: Çerkes-Fed.

Circassian Genocide

Was the Circassian question another victim of the global pandemic?

by Madina Aliyeva

•8 min read

There was little movement on issues of Circassian rights in 2020, with the pandemic taking centre stage. But as Russian authorities continue to chip away at the rights and dignity of the country’s ethnic minorities, some activists remain hopeful for the future. The main event in Circassian life in 2020, as in the lives of all other people on the planet, was the COVID-19 pandemic, asserts Anzdor Kabard, a prominent Circassian activist who lives in the United States. ‘The main event in Circass

(Source images: Thomas Peter/Reuters, Yuga.ru)

Adygea

Opinion | In Russia, calling yourself a Circassian is always a political stance

by Volodymyr Soboliev

•9 min read

As Russia’s 2020 census approaches, a campaign for Circassians to label themselves not as Adygeans, Kabardians, Shapsughs, and Cherkess, but as Circassians, has breathed new life into the nationalist movement. On 9 March, activists in Cherkessk, the capital of Karachay–Cherkessia, announced the creation of a new organisation — the Coordination Council of Circassian Activists. One of its first priorities, they said, was to support a campaign to abolish an anachronism dating back to Soviet

Adygea

Right of return? — The struggles of the Circassian diaspora to settle in Adygea

by Madina Aliyeva

•6 min read

Today marks Adygea’s 20th annual celebration of the Day of the Repatriate, honouring the Circassians who returned to their ancestral land after more than 150 years in exile. Many in Adygea say there is little reason to celebrate, however, as few are able to settle in the republic. Circassian Jordanian Fadi Is’haqat, who came to live in Adygea 19 years ago, is still fighting for the right to obtain Russian citizenship. He believes that it will happen only if diaspora Circassians are re

Abaza

Unemployment and outmigration keep Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay–Cherkessia in stagnation

by Volodymyr Soboliev

•7 min read

While official statistics may say otherwise, many see unemployment in Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay–Cherkessia as among the worst in Russia. Deindustrialisation, social alienation, and local corruption have all played a part in the region’s stagnation. In Kabardino-Balkaria, and to an extent, in neighbouring Karachay–Cherkessia, there is a rapid alienation of young people. Those who cannot find a decent job in the republic often become addicted to alcohol. Others are trying to earn a l

circassians

Russia’s war on Circassian national consciousness

by Volodymyr Soboliev

•5 min read

The Circassian national movement in the North Caucasus has for years been under pressure from the authorities. Facing detention, prosecution, or outright violence, Circassian activists, scholars, and young people all feel the pressure, but there is much disagreement as to why they are being targeted. Over the past few years, leaders of the Circassian national movement in Russia have been subjected to unprecedented pressure and harassment by local and central authorities. The latest inc

circassia

Krasnodar court upholds fine against Circassian activist Gvashev

by OC Media

•2 min read

Krasnodar’s regional appellate court has upheld a fine against Ruslan Gvashev, a former Circassian leader, for performing a traditional Circassian prayer. The court rejected Gvashev’s complaint on 16 October, Caucasian Knot reported, despite his lawyers claiming his right to freedom of religion had been violated. Gvashev, currently staying at a sanatorium in Kabardino-Balkaria, was reportedly unable to attend the hearing. Gvashev performed the prayer on 21 May, which marks the Day of Reme

Abkhazia

Circassian leader ends hunger strike

by OC Media

•2 min read

Ruslan Gvashev, a 67-year-old Circassian activist who was fined for performing a traditional Circassian prayer in public, has ended his hunger strike after 25 days. The appeal against his fine has been postponed. Krasnodar’s regional appellate court was due to make a final decision on whether to overturn the fine against him on 5 October, but the hearing was postponed until 14 October. After dozens of supporters gathered at the court and urged him to stop, he announced he would abandon h