Circassian organizations in Turkey stand against attempts to distort the history of Circassia
Eskafder: On the Conscious and Systematic Distortion of Historical Facts;
Recently, a disinformation video containing black propaganda, which contradicts historical data and is clearly organized by certain circles, has been circulating on various digital platforms.
We regretfully observe the circulation of a narrative that distorts the historical facts of the Circassian people, far from the scientific reality regarding the tragedy experienced in the 19th century and their current status.
As the undersigned organizations, we consider it our duty to bring to the public’s attention the necessary points regarding this wave of disinformation that concerns our history, collective memory, and future.
- The Distortion of Historical Reality is Unacceptable;
The process of genocide and exile inflicted upon the Circassian people by Tsarist Russia in the 19th century is an established historical reality supported by Russian archival documents of that period and international research. Characterizing this process as a “voluntary migration” or a “geopolitical misfortune” is a profound disrespect not only to the science of history but also to the memory of hundreds of thousands of our people who lost their lives in the struggle for freedom.
Attempts to reconstruct history according to today’s political conjuncture and the political interests of the dominant power mean falsifying the facts, and ignoring and denying the shocking reality of ‘Genocide and Exile’, which has taken its place in history as a document of shame for humanity. - The Diffusion of Responsibility and Trivialization of Victimization;
The narrative that reduces the responsibility of this human tragedy entirely to the external powers of the time and/or the foresight of local actors is an effort to obscure the true perpetrator of the genocide and exile process, and even to make a victimized people the subject of responsibility; it is an attempt to legitimize a systematic policy of extermination and exile.
The Circassian people are not a “pawn” on the chessboard of major powers, but a subject fighting for survival in its ancient homelands. Any discourse that ignores the will and suffering of the Circassian people is an attempt to whitewash the processes of Exile and Genocide carried out by the Russian Tsardom. - Institutional Representation and Responsibility:
It is an unacceptable contradiction that some managers of institutions bearing the words ‘Circassian’ and ‘Caucasian’ in their names, both in the Motherland and in the Diaspora, take part as stakeholders in projects that distort our history. Institutions are obliged to protect the historical truths of the people.
Managers who act as a prop for the distortion of historical facts and advocate for such operational activities which seem to serve non-transparent agendas are in a state of negligence bordering on treason.
Freedom and democracy, by universal standards, are measured by a people’s ability to express their own identity, language, and history without being under any pressure. Even today, attempts to cover up the ongoing policies of genocide, exile, and assimilation under the guise of “cultural transitions” or an imaginary role of “civilization bearer” do not eliminate the reality of the great tragedy experienced by the Circassian people. Based on this point, contrary to the phrase ‘How did Circassians appear in Russia?’ used in the introduction of the black propaganda video in question, it is necessary to ask the following question: How did Russians appear in Circassia?
In Conclusion; We, as the undersigned non-governmental organizations, declare that we will not allow our history to be turned into a “propaganda apparatus” and that we will continue to be the followers of scientific and historical truths. The future of our people can be built not with a capitulation that serves denialist policies, but with honest acceptance of the past and a pursuit of justice based on this foundation.
Sincerely,
Kayseri Caucasian Association
Istanbul Caucasian Cultural Association
Eskişehir North Caucasian Cultural and Solidarity Association
