Circassian Language – A Matter of State

Фӏэхъус Апщий!
I am Martin Kochesoko, the head of the Circassian socio-political organization “Khabze”.
Circassians living in the homeland, and many Circassians residing in various countries around the world — elders and youth, women and men — have spent these days holding various events in their native language on the occasion of the Day of the Circassian Language.
Various broadcasts, speeches, and video messages were made, and materials honoring the Day of the Circassian Language were published. Watching this brings great pleasure. It shows that there are many people among us who understand: for the existence and development of the Circassian people, our Circassian language is of key importance.
It is precisely such people who make the nation stronger. The fact that the number of such people is growing gives hope that our people will not disappear.
If we look at the rich cultural heritage that the Circassians have created over a thousand-year history, remaining an independent entity with an original worldview, a system of values, and self-organization of the people — Adygaghe and Adyghe Khabze, at what our people possessed and how they lived, the question arises: can we say today that what we have and do for the preservation and development of our people is enough?
Indeed, many great deeds are accomplished by individuals. But is it possible today to solve the pressing problems of our people through the efforts of individuals, under conditions where the Circassian people, having suffered a severe genocide and expulsion from their homeland in the past, have found themselves devastated and scattered all over the world?
Today, when we speak about the preservation and development of language, culture, and national identity, one can often hear: “This can only be preserved in the family, everyone should do this themselves.”
But when we speak about the language, mentality, and culture of a people, it is impossible not to touch upon the economy, sports, schools, science, the street, laws, the state — the entire public life.
If all this depended solely on families, and not on public and state efforts, then why do so many states exist in the world?
Every state assumes responsibility for the preservation and development of its language and culture.
Russia adopts laws for the preservation and development of the Russian language, allocates significant funds, and conducts an active, scientifically based state policy in schools, institutions, and regions.
The same happens in Turkey, in Arab countries, in France, in Germany, and in any other state.
So why is so much effort and money spent on this in these countries, if a language can be preserved and developed only within the family environment?
Why are Circassians not provided with sufficient support in preserving their language and culture in their countries of residence? And if it is provided, is it enough?
There are three republics that Circassians consider their state entities. The main reason for the existence of these republics is that the Circassian people exist. These republics also exist to preserve and develop the Circassian people.
If this does not happen, it means the leaders and officials of these republics are not fulfilling their highest duty.
What are the authorities of these republics doing to preserve and develop the Circassian language?
Is the Circassian language widely enough used today in schools, workplaces, and institutions?
Let us take the simplest example: are the names of villages and streets written in the Circassian language in these republics?
Is there a 24-hour television broadcasting in the Circassian language? Why is ever less attention paid to studying the Circassian language in schools and children’s institutions?
How widely is the Circassian language used in universities, institutes, scientific and state institutions?
Why are these republics not fully dealing with their tasks?
Meanwhile, many Circassians live in the diaspora — especially in Turkey, Jordan, and Syria.
Since the establishment of these states, Circassians have made a great contribution to their formation, development, and defense.
But is sufficient attention paid in these countries to ensure that the Circassian people, the Circassian language, and Circassian culture do not disappear?

Is there due attention to the Circassian question in the political systems of these countries?
Is enough being done so that the Circassian language and culture may live and develop?
Do Circassians not deserve such support?
What should the Circassians themselves and numerous Circassian organizations do so that these countries pay more attention to our common cause?
There are very many such questions. There are so many of them that it is impossible to cover them all in a single broadcast or for a single person.
Therefore, it is necessary to make sure that every Circassian thinks about these questions. It is necessary to discuss them, search for solutions, form one’s opinion, and find ways to move forward.
There is no point in sitting idly by and hoping for something.
The time has long come for every Circassian to do everything in our power to preserve, develop, and advance the interests of the Circassian people!
Тхьэм фигъэпсэу!