Lest We Forget: Honoring the Memory of the Faithful
Adel Bashqawi
May 15, 2025
Kavkaz Uzel / eng.kavkaz-uzel.eu
Good efforts never go in vain, despite the countless difficulties and challenges. We must always commemorate the loyal, pure, and honorable patriots whose purposeful compass never deviated, and whose character remained unwavering. They held firm to their noble ideals—goals that express the true meaning of life—regardless of the obstacles faced by those defending the rights of their nation.
Out of gratitude and recognition for the dedication of those loyal to their nation and homeland, it is important to highlight a significant event that occurred in May 2014. This was one of many efforts made by Circassian activists following Georgia’s recognition of the Circassian Genocide in May 2011. It marked an extension of outreach—from the southeast to another Circassian neighbor in the northwest, namely Ukraine—urging recognition of the Circassian Genocide.
Requests to Ukraine
In the wake of the Maidan Revolution, also known as the Revolution of Dignity, and its aftermath in February 2014—shortly after the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics—late Aslan Shazzo and fellow activists made a notable contribution. They demonstrated a profound sense of duty in defiance of the occupying authorities.
As reported:
“On May 20, public leaders of the Northern Caucasus and Israel addressed Alexander Turchinov, the Acting President of Ukraine and Chairman of the Supreme Rada, asking him to recognize the genocide of Circassians.” [1]
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It was also published that:
“Circassian activists Aslan Shazzo, Adnan Khuade, Evgeny Tashu, and Ilyas Soobtsokov, who live in Adygea, were summoned to the Centre for Combating Extremism (known as the ‘E’ Centre) of the republic’s Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA). Aslan Shazzo, the editor-in-chief of the information-analytical agency NatPress, was one of the authors of the appeal, which had initiated a collection of signatures. The main question posed by officials was: ‘Don’t you think that the appeal is detrimental to Russia’s security?’—a clear attempt to pressure the Circassian activists involved.” [2]
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Among those remembered is the late Aslan Shazzo—one of the most distinguished Circassian journalists, writers, poets, researchers, and activists. Tirelessly, he conveyed information about the Circassians and the broader Circassian Question. He previously worked as a researcher at the Humanitarian Research Institute of the Republic of Adygea. Activists across the Circassian homeland and diaspora knew him through his writings and the NatPress website, which followed a principled and just path. Despite injustice, oppression, and persecution, his strong will left a positive and enduring impact.
The late Shazzo, wielding an uncompromising pen, personally engaged in efforts to restore Circassian legitimate rights. He actively participated in protests and events advocating for the right of Circassians—especially those from Syria after the outbreak of civil war in 2011—to return to their ancestral homeland. Circassian activists remain united in the belief that success lies in a common goal: resisting a colonial power intent on erasing their right to freedom, self-determination, and independence.
The Good Ukrainian Neighbor
Though the NatPress website was like a firmly rooted tree, it was targeted numerous times by hackers in attempts to disrupt the flow of information. Nevertheless, Aslan Shazzo firmly believed that while methods may evolve, principles and objectives must remain constant.
Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, authoritarian tactics—tightened control, censorship, and suppression—were intensified. Shortly thereafter, thousands of websites critical of the war in Ukraine were blocked by Russian authorities.
According to Freedom House:
“Internet freedom in Russia continued to plummet… as the government implemented even more restrictive laws to control the information space and eliminate criticism of the full-scale military invasion of Ukraine. Authorities also employed March 2022 measures that outlawed ‘discrediting’ or ‘knowingly spreading false information’ about the military, leading to the imprisonment of individuals who criticized the invasion online.” [3]
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Then, in a monumental and historic move, on January 9, 2025, the Circassian world welcomed the Ukrainian Parliament’s recognition of the Circassian Genocide with profound appreciation and respect:
“The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine recognized the genocide of the Circassian people committed by the Russian Empire from 1763 to 1864. As a result of ethnic cleansing, mass murder, and forced relocation, more than 90% of Circassians were killed or expelled.” [4]
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Conclusion
We must always commemorate the loyal, pure, and honorable patriots who never lost their moral compass or abandoned their goals. “A leopard doesn’t change its spots.” [5]
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Truly noble and purposeful goals express the essence of life and do not waver, no matter the adversity. What good people do and say is like:
“A good tree, whose root is firmly fixed and its branches [high] in the sky.” [6]
Quran 14:24
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References
[1] https://eng.kavkaz-uzel.eu/articles/28279/
[2] https://eng.kavkaz-uzel.eu/articles/28279/
[3] https://freedomhouse.org/country/russia/freedom-net/2023
[5] https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/a-leopard-cannot-change-its-spots.html
[6] https://tafsirq.com/en/14-ibrahim/verse-24
