Circassia is Entitled to be an Independent Nation

Circassia is Entitled to be an Independent Nation

Adel Bashqawi

November 23, 2024

2nd International Conference on Independent Circassia

Council of United Circassia

Ghelendjik Bay, Coast of Circassia 1856 / Royal Museums Greenwich

Introduction

Circassians are neither ghosts nor aliens from outer space but the indigenous people of their homeland for thousands of years. They have never been a burden to anyone and did not choose to be victims of the heinous Russian Empire’s premeditated and predetermined invasion. Instead, they became prey to genocide and atrocities. They did not leave their homeland voluntarily; quite the opposite. The military occupation, widespread destruction, massive civilian casualties, and forced deportations created a true holocaust that drove them from their beloved homeland involuntarily. [1]

Through a standard policy of exclusion, dissociation, and distancing, Russia has consistently sought to undermine Circassian identity. Successive Russian regimes, from the imperial era to the present day, have maintained colonial policies that oppose the Circassian nation’s legitimate hopes and aspirations. As highlighted, “Some Circassian groups are striving to make the Circassian issue more internationally known. The Circassians cannot forever remain ‘as if silent and absent’ and let our proverbial reticence detract from our chances for world recognition.” [2]

Circassia in History

Circassia was not created by whim or conquest but is historically recognized as the homeland of the indigenous Circassian people. These people contributed significantly to the advancement of human civilization, enduring high costs to preserve their identity in the Caucasus. [3]

Author Walter Richmond, in The Circassian Genocide, states:
“Circassia was a small independent nation on the northeastern shore of the Black Sea. For no reason other than ethnic hatred, over hundreds of raids, the Russians drove the Circassians from their homeland and deported them to the Ottoman Empire. At least 600,000 people lost their lives to massacre, starvation, and exposure, while hundreds of thousands more were forced to leave. By 1864, three-fourths of the population had been annihilated, and the Circassians had become one of the first stateless peoples in modern history.” [4]

The name Circassia first appeared in 1245 AD, noted by John de Plano Carpini, Pope Innocent IV’s envoy to the Great Khan of the Mongols. At that time, Circassians were predominantly Christian. [5]

Relations with the Byzantine Empire were pivotal in Circassian history. Christianity spread through diplomatic, ideological, and cultural exchanges during Emperor Justinian’s reign. [6]

Inal the Great (1370–1453) unified the Circassians into one state, creating a significant milestone in their history. He is remembered as a skilled strategist who overcame numerous challenges to consolidate Circassian tribes. [7]

Circassian history reflects deep cultural and political complexity. For instance, traditions such as democratic governance emphasized accountability and collective decision-making. Leaders could quickly lose their position due to errors or corruption, reflecting a civilized and non-primitive society. [9]

Gathering of the confederated princes of Circassia on the banks of the Ubin. 1836. Wikimedia

The Circassian struggle for independence is well-documented. In 1836, Circassian princes declared independence at a general assembly along the Ubin River. The Circassian flag, adopted during this period, symbolized unity, freedom, and resilience. [10]

Russian Oppression and Historical Falsifications

Colonial policy was interpreted and enshrined through actions and commemorative medals minted on various occasions. For example, medals awarded in 1860 on the so-called conquest of Chechnya and Dagestan 1857 – 1858 – 1859 are different from the Circassian example. Russia’s action following the conquest of Circassia underscores a pattern of historical distortion and falsification. It was described as a subjugation of “Western Caucasus” 1859 1864. Knowing that the Russian-Circassian War lasted 101 years between 1763 and 1864. That erased Circassian identity by replacing it with vague geographic terms. [11]

Recent Russian policies further suppress Circassian identity. Commemoration events, such as rallies for the victims of the Caucasian War, have been targeted, and activists have faced fines or legal challenges. [12]

The destruction of Circassian culture and language is another tool of suppression. Despite initial Soviet efforts to promote local languages, Russian dominance ultimately marginalized native tongues, splitting Circassian into separate alphabets for Adyghe and Kabardian dialects. Proposals for a unified Circassian script have faced significant resistance. [13]

The Circassian Flag

The Circassian flag, adopted in 1835, embodies national unity and pride. Featuring twelve stars and three crossed arrows, it symbolizes the strength and resilience of Circassians both in their homeland and diaspora. Despite Russian attempts to suppress its significance, Circassians worldwide celebrate Flag Day as a testament to their enduring identity.

Travels in Circassia, Krim-Tartary &c (1838), Flags of Circassians

The Importance of Circassian Identity

Circassians are a nation with a rich history, a vibrant culture, and a persistent quest for self-determination. Their struggle for independence is grounded in historical justice and the need to preserve their identity against centuries of oppression. The revival of Circassia in its homeland, supported by solidarity among the North Caucasus peoples and its diaspora, remains the rightful aspiration of the Circassian nation.

Addressing the Council of Europe

The constitutional amendments in Russia, promoting Russian as the primary “state-forming language,” have been criticized for undermining the rights and identities of other ethnic and linguistic groups. This move has heightened concerns about ethnic discrimination, particularly among the peoples of the North Caucasus, including the Circassians. [14]
Public resistance to these changes, such as boycotts and academic protests, underscores the discord between the state’s actions and the aspirations of minority populations. [15] [16]

Cultural and Historical Erosion

Destruction of Archaeological Sites: Allegations of “black archaeology” and unauthorized excavations have raised alarms about the systematic plundering of Circassian heritage. Efforts to erase or misrepresent the Circassian historical legacy, such as removing cultural artifacts, reflect broader colonialist practices. [17]
Local resistance has emerged to protect significant sites, like the Bolshoi Urvansky Kurgans, which hold immense historical and cultural value. This highlights a community-driven commitment to preserving ancestral heritage. [18] [19]

Calls for International Recognition and Assistance

The Circassian community appeals to global entities, including the UN and EU, to uphold principles of self-determination, human rights, and decolonization. The Circassians assert their right to reclaim their homeland and restore their cultural identity under international law and human rights frameworks.
The Law of Ukraine, passed in July 2024, establishes a precedent for addressing the rights of indigenous and colonized peoples within the Russian Federation, potentially serving as a model for international advocacy.

Cultural Expressions of Resilience

The Circassian struggle for freedom is vividly encapsulated in literature and poetry. Works like Taras Shevchenko’s The Caucasus and Aytek Namitok’s writings resonate with the historical and emotional depth of Circassian aspirations for independence and cultural preservation. In addition to the writer Rasim Rushdi, who described the suffering and tragedies of war and displacement. [20] [21] [22]

Legal Framework and Indigenous Rights

International legal instruments, such as the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, affirm the right to self-determination, cultural preservation, and restoration of territories. These principles are fundamental to the Circassian claims. [23]
Four International Decades for the Eradication of Colonialism for all peoples and nations, who aspire to obtain their freedom, self-determination and independence. “Fourth International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism (2021 – 2030)” [24]
Historical laws of war and principles of humanity, though nascent in the 19th century, underscore the injustices of Russia’s colonial campaigns in the Caucasus. [25]

Conclusion and Recommendations

Circassians demand international recognition of their historical grievances and current rights. This includes the restoration of their homeland and the acknowledgment of their cultural and political sovereignty.
Global solidarity is deemed essential to address systemic injustices and to provide the Circassian people with avenues for dialogue, political support, and eventual reconciliation.

The Circassian appeal is both a call for justice and a testament to their enduring spirit. It underscores the universal human rights principles of dignity, freedom, self-determination, and cultural survival.

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References

[1] https://justicefornorthcaucasus.info/?p=1251684964

[2] https://jaimoukha.synthasite.com/resources/CircassianIndependence.pdf

[3] Source: Bashqawi, Circassia: Born to be Free, p. 22

[4] Bashqawi, Adel. Circassia: Born to be Free. Page 24

[5] Jaimoukha, Amjad. The Circassians a handbook, Page 12

[6] https://www.facebook.com/groups/194621334006994/posts/924062177729569

[7] https://everything.explained.today/Inal_the_Great/

[8] https://www.geni.com/people/Inal-the-Great/6000000028522706362

[9] https://justicefornorthcaucasus.info/?p=1251682649

https://justicefornorthcaucasus.info/?p=1251682372