14th Anniversary of the Georgian Parliament’s Recognition of the Circassian Genocide
Adel Bashqawi
May 20, 2025
Immortalized deeds in human history are those carried out by individuals distinguished by their valor and unwavering conscience. Their actions stand the test of time. It is not words but deeds that confirm the sincerity of one’s stance: watch what they do more than what they say.
On May 20, 2011, on the eve of Circassian Memorial Day (May 21, 1864), the Georgian Parliament passed a resolution recognizing the Circassian Genocide. This recognition [1] was grounded in the following international references:
- The killings and forced expulsion of the Circassians (Adyghe) during the Russo-Caucasian War were recognized as genocide under:
- The Hague Convention IV of October 18, 1907 [2]
- The Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, adopted on December 9, 1948 [3]
- In light of the Russo-Caucasian War and the subsequent exile of the Circassians, the displaced population qualified for refugee status under the United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, dated July 28, 1951 [4].
On May 21, 2012, the Circassian Genocide Memorial was inaugurated in Anaklia, Georgia, on the Black Sea coast—one of the ports from which Circassians were forcibly deported to the Ottoman Empire.
The Importance of Archiving and Commemoration
Preserving historical events is both a pledge and a commitment to remembrance and the advocacy of legitimate rights. As the saying goes: “What is not written down is forgotten, and what is undocumented is lost.” This highlights the crucial role of documentation in ensuring that significant events are recorded and acknowledged.
Where human memory falters and recollection fades, written records safeguard ideas, events, and truths. This principle holds special relevance for Circassian historical archives, where documentation serves not only to preserve historical facts but also to educate future generations and reinforce cultural continuity.
Documenting the past also sheds light on crimes committed by colonial powers—forces of oppression whose legacies include subjugation, massacres, and the systematic denial of basic freedoms and rights. These acts of annihilation must be exposed for what they are.
The book “The Circassian Miracle” [5] delves into the history of the Circassian people, their resistance to the Russian conquest of Circassia and the broader Caucasus, and the resulting mass deportations. It explores the themes of colonialism, identity, and long-distance nationalism.
There is no doubt that the recognition by the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian Parliament) of the Circassian Genocide and the forced deportation from their homeland, on January 9, 2025, marks a positive and historic milestone.
“As a result of ethnic cleansing, mass murder, and forced relocation, more than 90% of Circassians were killed or expelled.” [6]
This recognition reflects the culmination of tireless and sincere efforts by Circassian activists across various fields, continuing the path laid by Georgia’s precedent in 2011. Moreover, heartfelt gratitude and deep appreciation are due to our dear allies and friends who have selflessly dedicated their time and efforts in support of the Circassian nation’s rightful pursuit of justice and recognition.
Conclusion
The Circassian Genocide and the forced deportation of the 19th century were defining events that shaped the trajectory of Circassian history. Indigenous to the northwestern Caucasus, the Circassians endured tremendous loss, including the displacement from their ancestral homeland and the ongoing struggle for cultural preservation. Their story continues to resonate in historical, political, and cultural discussions, especially in the context of Russian imperialism.
*****************
References:
[1] https://www.cherkessia.net/news_detail.php?id=4603
[2] The Hague Convention (IV), 18 October 1907
https://ihl-databases.icrc.org/en/ihl-treaties/hague-conv-iv-1907
[3] Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, 9 December 1948
https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/convention-prevention-and-punishment-crime-genocide
[4] United Nations Convention on the Status of Refugees, 28 July 1951
http://refugeestudies.org/UNHCR/Intl%20Instr.%201951%20-%20Convention%20Relating%20to%20the%20Status%20of%20Refugees%201951%20and%20its%201967%20Protocol.pdf
[5] The Circassian Miracle, by Adel Bashqawi
[6] https://unn.ua/en/news/rada-recognizes-the-genocide-of-the-circassian-people-committed-during-the-russian-caucasian-war
