Realistic Reading of KAFFED Strategy (Part 1)
Adel Bashqawi
24 June, 2021
During the interview I had with Nart TV on 28 March, 2021,[1] the topic of KAFFED strategy was raised. It is the Federation of Caucasian Associations in Turkey, and what Circassians can benefit from in their places of residence in light of the lack of a comprehensive Circassian strategy that can be referenced and launched from, in order to enhance the institutional work. As well as the commitment of its associations and institutions to address outstanding issues in accordance with the spirit of one team and to address the results and repercussions of the displacement that took place in 1864, and its impact on the diaspora, which in this case describes what is related to Turkey in the aspects that can be dealt with and addressed and dealt with. [2]
After the translation of KAFFED’s strategy into Arabic became available recently, I was able to review it,[2] and found that many of the principles and concepts contained in it, do not apply to the Circassian society in Jordan for an example, and cannot be applied or adhered to. However, there is no objection to carry out research and implementation of the idea of institutional work in which the plan was presented, in order to look for the positive points that can be benefited from in terms of form, but not in terms of the content that is tainted by some confusion in the concepts, ideas and connotations that KAFFED and the associations associated with it would consider, and they may apply to the Turkish diaspora, let alone the Circassian diaspora elsewhere.
I would like to express my opinion on it, and to address other relevant aspects related to the Circassian collective work according to the following points:
— KAFFED, unlike the Circassian associations, constituted a “Union of Caucasian Associations in Turkey”, for the civil society institutions there, for various Caucasian peoples, whereas, with all due respect all, in addition to the Circassians/Adyghas such as Dagestanis, Chechens, Ossetians, Abkhazians and others.
— With the multiplicity of the Caucasian peoples representing them, however, the expression “Circassian” was mentioned according to the translation in several places, to apparently give the description of Circassians to everyone without exception.
— realizing that the description of the Caucasus is much broader than that, because the Caucasus region extends between the continents of Asia and Europe.
* There is the North Caucasus, which is located in Europe and is generally under the control of the Russian state,
* While the Asian South Caucasus as a whole consists of countries that became independent after the dissolution of the notorious Soviet Union, which are Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia.
— It was stated in the text that in cooperation between the heads and administrations of the associations, studies and research were organized and then the results were formulated with the contribution and participation of young people in the framework of a competition in which research institutions participated.
— After its review, the content of the strategic plan was formed with the consensus of all.
— Ways of cooperation within KAFFED, cooperation with the motherland and with the diaspora, and recommendations were mentioned.
— One of the positive points is related to what was described: “The strategic plan operations are also a continuous learning process, which can reveal every stage of each plan, from the preparation method to the implementation process and its results, valuable data for the next plan. We believe that this first plan will form the basis for future plans in this way and that our society and institutions will hold to our language, identity and culture into the future with longer and more comprehensive strategic plans in the future.”
— Under the title “General Method of Work”, the following is mentioned: “KAFFED works on scientific grounds. It supports research, development and promotion of Circassian history, culture and languages.” Perhaps meant in this concept “Caucasian.”
— Under the title “Organization – Unifying Efforts,” it was stated that “membership is open to all members of society in the associations that make up KAFFED, democracy is the basis of work and is necessary in KAFFED’s activities, and its member associations. Therefore, KAFFED is obligated to represent the entire Circassian community.”
In this aspect:
* This may mean the Caucasian society,
* Logic says, according to the law, KAFFED represents only its members, individuals and associations,
* There are other associations, not to mention them now, that also represent their members only.
— There are many points mentioned in the “strengths” and “weaknesses” related to the Turkish Caucasian society, which can be benefited from, but the translation highlighted point 52 in the weaknesses as follows:
(52. There are no structures working on politics in the King Abdullah Foundation for Economic Sciences and its member associations.)
While the translation of point 52 from the Turkish language appeared by Google the following:
(52. The absence of structures working on politics in the Fund and its member associations.) [3]
— The “opportunities” available in Turkey differ from some of the opportunities available in Jordan, knowing that point (29) regarding the “2020 Census in the Russian Federation” came before the census was conducted. In any case, some of the “challenges” related to Turkey do not apply to Jordan.
— There are reservations and points that must be addressed, especially with regard to the topic “Strategic Priority: Defending Rights”,
The importance that these titles should have, will be addressed in future related articles.
Strategy 1: Recognition of genocide and forced displacement.
Some points will be clarified according to the understanding and belief of others in other working methods.
— Strategy 2: Implementing the right of return and dual citizenship.
No one disagrees that the right of return is a sacred right in international laws and customs, including the “Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as:
Article 2 of the United Nations General Assembly resolution # 1514 (XV) of 14 December 1960: “All peoples have the right to self-determination.” [4]
Paragraph (2) of Article 13, everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country.”
Paragraph (1) of Article 14, “Everyone has the right to seek asylum in other countries or to seek refuge therein to escape persecution.”
Paragraph (1) of Article 15, “Everyone has the right to a nationality.”
Paragraph 2 of the same article states, “No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality or the right to change his nationality. [5]
— Strategy 3: “Recognize and implement the rights to our language, culture, and identity.” In this regard, it is necessary to work to strengthen efforts related to creating programs, seminars, conferences and contacts with international bodies such as UNESCO and other organizations related to the aforementioned titles. This topic can be covered in more details in future articles.
— Strategy 4: Demand “the recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and the lifting of the ban on them.” More facts can be mentioned in articles to come later.
Strategy 5: Develop political relations.
By the definition of Politics, it is possible to know the appropriate direction that can be taken by any party: “Some political scientists see conflict as the essence of politics. Conflict is a necessary characteristic of society. Human beings differ from each other, they come from varying cultural backgrounds and have differing and complex set of preferences. People s wants are infinite and the resources possessed by societies are limited and therefore generally insufficient to satisfy everybody s desires fully.”[6]
It is really useful and feasible for institutional work to be the application of prepared and placed strategies for the benefit of the society, both individuals and groups. This work will be possible and appropriate when these strategies are in form and content or in letter and spirit meet the needs and aspirations of the society to abide by rules and regulations that have been established to cover all walks or some aspects of life, but for the benefit of all. It should not be quoted from strategies or references with inappropriate goals. Likewise, all intellectual trends in the society must agree and participate in their development and approval.
** To highlight the issue from all aspects related to the points mentioned in the strategy, it needs to be expanded by referring to topics that address all the points raised. As well as the necessity to link them in particular with the rights, facts and the repercussions of amending some articles of the Russian Constitution and its impact on the language, culture and the Circassian society in the homeland. The contradiction between fact and fiction with some individuals and institutions must also be taken into account in order to reach the conclusion.
To be continued in future articles:
References
[2] (file:///Users/adel/Downloads/%D8%AA%D8%B1%D8%AC%D8%A9%20%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA% D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AA%D8%D8%A%D8%A%D8%B3% D8%A9%20%20%D8%D8%A7%D8%D8%A7%D8%D8%A%D8%AF%2020%20%202021.pdf)
[3] (https://www.kaffed.org/images/haber/federasyon/2020/SPlan_2021/2020-2021_SP.pdf)
[4] (https://www.ohchr.org/EN/ProfessionalInterest/Pages/Independence.aspx)
[5] (https://www.un.org/en/universal-declaration-human-rights/)
[6] (https://www.econstor.eu/bitstream/10419/54647/1/644242132.pdf)
