Circassian Destiny: To Remind Those Whose Memory Has Betrayed (4)

Circassian Destiny: To Remind Those Whose Memory Has Betrayed (4)

Adel Bashqawi
October 28, 2024

This is the fourth article in a series, as indicated by the title above.

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Keynotes

In light of the killing, destruction, genocide, and displacement that the Circassian nation was subjected to during its defensive war against the Russian Empire and its mercenaries, the individuals of this fragmented nation ended up divided, scattered, and separated—whether in the occupied homeland or in the depths of oblivion in the diaspora.

It is indisputable that fundamental human rights are still being ignored, and the legitimate rights of their original owners remain unrecognized according to the international obligations that should be adhered to. More than 160 years after unprecedented genocide and displacement, the Russian state continues to evade legal obligations, ignoring the application of international laws and norms.

Consequences and Legacy

It is neither unexpected nor surprising that there is mutual respect and appreciation among the indigenous peoples of the Caucasus and their countrymen in the face of intruders, strangers, and occupiers. Praising Circassians, the Georgian poet and military figure Grigol Orbeliani wrote that they were:

“A freedom-loving people who fought Russia for their freedom for many years. Though Russia suppressed, humiliated, and conquered all of Kabarda, it was unable to kill the love of freedom in them. They are always ready for war and constantly seek a chance to liberate their homeland from Russians.”

According to Orbeliani, the drastic decrease in the Circassian population was largely due to their persistent struggle against Russian invaders. He provides a detailed description of Circassian traditions, emphasizing their hospitality, wedding ceremonies, customs of blood feuds, and inherited fighting efficiency. [1]

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Demographic Changes

After the war devastated the Circassians, the remaining population was displaced either beyond the Kuban River into the interior regions of Russia or to the Ottoman Empire. This forced displacement was a national catastrophe that still requires solutions today. It was a continuation of war crimes and genocide, violating the human right to live with dignity in one’s homeland.

These criminal actions were accompanied by the introduction of colonial settlers from alien races, nationalities, and ethnicities to the Western Caucasus. Settlements were established on Circassian land to replace the villages and towns that had been destroyed. Circassian properties were seized and mishandled, while the victims of war and genocide were forcibly displaced. In short, Russia wanted Circassia without Circassians.

Notably, those deported to the Ottoman Empire faced perilous journeys on dilapidated and unseaworthy ships, encountering harsh living conditions, starvation, disease, and turbulent waters. These disasters compounded the horrors created by the cruel-hearted invaders.

Cultural Impact

Many Circassians, dispersed throughout the world, now have access to better data that was previously unavailable due to war, occupation, deportation, and the difficulty of communication. “The Circassians are the indigenous people of Circassia, which is an integral part of the Northwestern Caucasus. They are undoubtedly descended from the pre-Maykop and Maykop cultures’ civilizations.” [2]

As they gain access to documented information about their past and the repressive Russian measures against them, Circassians are inspired to continue their tireless work toward realizing the present and exploring future prospects.

“The establishment of a Circassian entity is the best way to protect the Circassian language, along with other cultural and heritage elements. However, it appears the Russian state continues to ignore this issue entirely.” Nugzari Antelava discusses the status of the Circassian language and culture, noting that deportations to the Ottoman Empire and other areas led to Circassians becoming minorities in their new locations. Due to political instability and systemic oppression, it was nearly impossible for them to maintain the right to use their language, resulting in the threat of language extinction. [3]

Protecting the Language from Extinction

The danger of extinction looms over the Circassian language, both in the homeland and the diaspora. In diaspora communities, the issue is more complex, as language use is often confined to family settings and social occasions, with limited instruction in schools or institutions.

Moscow’s push for the assimilation of non-Russians, under the guise of promoting Russian as a native language, has accelerated the demise of Circassian and other minority languages. “The notion that non-Russians can abandon their native languages without risking their national identity is simply wrong,” says Madina Khakuasheva. “In the national republics, the only objective sign of national identity is the native language; all other markers are derivative.” [4]

The Circassian culture and language were deeply affected by the genocide, displacement, and deportations after 1864. During the Soviet era, Russian interference caused the division of the Circassian language into two separate languages, Adygha and Kabardian, using different alphabets. Today, Circassians are demanding the reunification of their language.

Efforts to preserve the Circassian language, both in the homeland and diaspora, are ongoing, with international organizations such as UNESCO playing a potential role in these efforts. [5]

The Circassians are Distinguished by:

— Circassians prioritize preserving their identity, culture, language, heritage, and civilization, ultimately leading to the preservation of their native homeland.

— The Circassian flag is an important unifying element.

— Rich and unique civilized culture together with historical tradition and heritage that the whole nation is proud of.

— Customs and heritage.

— Ancient literature, epic poems, myths, legends and sagas.

— Khabzeh, the moral code or a set of laws and principles, which determines the behavior between individuals and the society to which they belong. It is interrelated with the traditions and customs of the Circassian (Adygha) people.

— Ancient customary rules of Xabze went in parallel with adopting paganism in temples located in sacred groves.

— Social and cultural anthropology.

— Circassians, as one of the indigenous peoples of the North Caucasus, are an integral part of the history of the region.

— The distinguished Circassian national costume and attire. “The Circassian costume is more than just clothing. It is the memory and wisdom of generations, an integral part of the national culture, a reflection of the character of the people. Its pride. Its dignity.” [6]

— They have developed over time concepts of fine arts and folklore that included music and national dances.

— Authenticity of the values and merits.

— “Artifacts such as small statues, necklaces, cups, pots, and other tools made of gold, silver, bronze, and ceramic have been discovered by archaeologists. However, concerns persist regarding the Russian occupation authorities’ handling of excavation results in archaeological areas, dolmens, and cemeteries.” [7]

Modern-Day Circassians

Circassian national activism has gained momentum in both the homeland and the diaspora, aided by the internet, which provides enormous opportunities for collaboration and information sharing. The availability of online platforms has encouraged joint Circassian institutional activities, promoting collective action to preserve their heritage and identity.

However, since the collapse of the Soviet Union, no noticeable improvements have been made to the lives of Circassians in their homeland or elsewhere in the Russian Federation. The Russian colonial methods of subjugation remain deeply rooted, dating back to the massacres and bloodbaths of the 18th and 19th centuries.

Circassians continue to carry the burden of restoring their legitimate national rights, preserving their noble cause in both heart and mind.

Conclusion

The Circassian story is one of survival, resilience, and the ongoing fight to preserve their language, culture, and homeland. The dangers they face—whether the Russian state’s continued oppression or the threat of cultural extinction—highlight the importance of unity and collective action in the pursuit of justice for the Circassian nation.

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References

[1] https://justicefornorthcaucasus.info/?p=1251662239

[2] https://justicefornorthcaucasus.info/?p=1251685201

[3] (The Circassian Miracle, by Adel Bashqawi, p. 295)

[4] https://windowoneurasia2.blogspot.com/2019/08/moscows-push-for-russification-and.html

[5] (Circassia: Born to be Free, by Adel Bashqawi, p. 307)

[6] https://circassianpress.blogspot.com/2020/09/day-of-circassian-national-costume-in.html

[7] https://justicefornorthcaucasus.info/?p=1251685201