The Circassian Icon Kuba Shaaban
Adel Bashqawi
July 30, 2025
Preliminary
Kuba Shaaban (1912–1985) stands as one of the most poignant voices of Circassian literature. A writer and poet of deep conviction, he devoted his life to expressing both the universal themes of humanity and the enduring pride of the Circassian nation. Though he lived much of his later life in New Jersey and passed away in poverty, his legacy remains rich with cultural and moral resonance.
Shaaban’s poetry, originally composed in the Circassian language, reflects the resilience of a people who endured exile and hardship yet preserved their identity through art and memory. The poem presented here was translated into Arabic by Ahmad Hadid, into English by Iyad Youghar, and re-crafted into poetic form by Zeyad Hajo, ensuring that his voice continues to inspire across languages and generations. Read more
