The Circassian People Is Alive And Awakening

Shortly after the end of the Russian-Circassian War, which resulted in the genocide of the Circassians — the extermination and expulsion of about 90% of our people from their homeland — Russian generals wrote that within a few generations, the Circassians as a people would cease to exist.

Indeed, our people found themselves on the brink of extinction. But I am convinced: we have already passed the most dangerous period when the Circassians could have disappeared as a nation.

The greatest danger arises when a people loses its self-awareness and stops thinking in terms of national interests as a unified community.

For many years, Circassians scattered across many countries and regions were isolated from each other, having no ties between themselves. We lived disjointedly, like separate islands. But against all odds, this period is gradually receding into the past.

Today, Circassians around the world are regaining their connections. With each passing year, new horizontal contacts are emerging and strengthening — between individuals, organizations, and communities. More and more Circassians are beginning to realize they are part of a single people, bound by common interests and a shared future.

A process of forming common goals and understanding is underway: strengthening the positions of Circassians in one country or region strengthens the entire people, wherever they may live. Conversely, the misfortune of Circassians in one part of the world becomes a shared pain for all of us.

Although not everyone may be fully aware of these processes yet, the number of such people increases every year. Those who view Circassians in a fragmented way — by the regions of the Caucasus, the cities of Turkey, or the diasporas in Europe, the Middle East, and America — fail to see the true potential of our people.

This potential has not yet been fully unleashed; it is as if dormant, but its awakening has already begun.

Today, Circassians live in more than fifty countries around the world. In each of them, we have our connections, opportunities, and influence. We are united by a common historical memory, a shared tragedy, and past pain, but also by a common culture, a single worldview — Adygaghe and Khabze, our native language, national consciousness, flag, and absolute kinship ties.

We are once again becoming a single organism. With every new contact, with every joint initiative between Circassians in different countries, we empower each other. Any achievement, any victory, any strengthening of positions in one region makes the entire people stronger.

That is why it is so important, no matter where we are, to strive to know each other, to support, cooperate, and act together.

The Circassian people is alive — and awakening.

Адыгэ Лъэпкъыр Псэущ!
Адыгэ Лъэпкъыр къоуш!