Posted on February 14, 2012

 

 

 

Mr. Walter Richmond, a researcher of Circassian Genocide and author of The Northwest Caucasus: Past, Present, and Future is writing a new book based on findings of the Circassian Genocide from Tbilisi State Archives in Georgia. The following questions and answers will be used as research for the new publication.

Please be a part of this great project. Answer these questions and email them to circassiapassport@gmail.com as soon as possible. It will than be forwarded to the author.

Thank you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Did your family ever talk about any Circassian “heroes” in exile, people who the community looks up to as a role model?
2. Did your family ever share any general stories from the history of Circassians in exile?
3. Do you or anyone you know believe that “hijra” was a factor in your ancestors’ decision to emigrate?
4.  How knowledgeable are you concerning Circassian history prior to the Russo-Circassian War?
5. What other Circassian communities have you been physically in touch with? Do you think the common bonds are greater than the differences caused by living in different host countries?
6. How frequently do you talk to other Circassians via the internet? What countries do you communicate with? What do you talk about?
7. Do you argue with your Circassian friends and acquaintances? What is the main point of contention?
8. Which websites devoted to Circassian issues do you visit? Do any of them do a “good” job, in your opinion?
9. What is the number one factor in preserving Circassian identity?
10. Which is more important as an issue to be pursued: right of return or minority rights in the host countries?
11. How would you describe the effort to preserve the Adyge language?
12. In your opinion, how have the Circassians been able to avoid assimilation to this point?
13. How has the Abkhaz situation affected Circassian affairs?
14. What is your perception of the Russian government’s behavior concerning the Sochi Olympics?
15. Are you concerned that there might be negative repercussions from the activism surrounding the Sochi Olympics?
16. List the languages you speak in order of fluency:
17. What is the greatest challenge you personally face as a member of a displaced nation?