Clarification on the Self-name of the Circassian People
Interpreted from the Russian language
October 20, 2021
Resolution of the Executive Committee of the International Circassian Association.
Nalchik, February 19, 2011
On the self-name and other name of the Circassian people
After hearing and discussing the speech of Bogus A.Sh., ICA Executive Committee
Explains:
Ethnic identity and the main layer of the traditional culture of the Ubykhs, Shapsugs, Adyghes, Circassians, Kabardians, and other ethnographic groups of Circassians living in the Russian Federation and other countries are common. All these groups in their native (Circassian) language have a single self-name “Adyge”.
Representatives of the large Circassian diaspora living outside the Russian Federation, whatever ethnographic group of Circassians they belong to in English, Arabic, Turkish, French and other languages, are called “Circassians”.
According to the conclusion of 05/25/2010, the Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology named. N.N. Miklukho-Maclay of the Russian Academy of Sciences Ubykhs, Shapsugs, Adyghes, Circassians, Kabardians “can be considered subethnos of one Circassian (Adyghe) people.”
Writing in the Circassian language exists in the Adyghe dialect (used by the Adyghe, Shapsugs); and in the Kabardino-Circassian dialect (used by Besleneis, Kabardians, Circassians, etc.). There is a problem of transition to a single literary language. In accordance with the ICA charter, the official languages of the ICA are Russian, Circassian, English (clause 1.9 of the charter).
In addition, the main goals and objectives of the ICA include:
– joining efforts and coordinating the activities of Circassian public associations – ICA members, contributing to the revival and development of the cultural and spiritual heritage of the Circassian people, the preservation of its national identity, the restoration of the true history of the Circassians (clause 2.1. Of the charter);
– assistance in the study of the native language, the creation of a single Circassian literary language (clause 2.2 of the charter)
The International Circassian Association considers:
– all ethnographic groups of Circassians (Adygs), regardless of the territory (state) of residence, constitute a single Circassian people;
– The correct name for Circassians (Adygs) in Russian, English, Arabic, Turkish, French and other languages is “Circassians”.
Voting result: 22 present
for – 20 votes
against – 1 vote (V.I. Gubachikov)
abstained – 1 vote (Khafitse M.M)
The resolution was adopted.
The president
International Circassian Association
K. Azhakhov
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