Circassia Is Not Up for Debate: It’s Ours Then, Ours Now
Adel Bashqawi
June 30, 2025
Background
For centuries, Circassians have watched as their homeland was fractured, renamed, and written out of dominant narratives—but that erasure ends here. Circassia is not a historical footnote, nor a prize for colonial maps to redraw. Its historical legitimacy cannot be refuted. It is the living homeland of a people whose language, culture, and memory persist against all odds. Against unimaginable challenges, Circassians preserved their national identity under every circumstance. This article does not seek permission to state that truth. It asserts what history already records—and what every Circassian carries in their bones: Circassia was ours, and it remains ours—unbroken by exile, unmoved by denial.
Introduction
To reclaim the narrative, we must begin with the forced deportation and displacement of two million Circassians in the aftermath of the long and destructive Russian-Circassian War (1763–1864). This imperial war of annihilation was waged to occupy Circassia, exterminate half its population, and deport 90% of the rest to the Ottoman Empire—clearing the way for the annexation of their homeland and the settlement of Russian colonists and their mercenaries.
Tens of thousands perished as a result of forced deportation, epidemics, hunger, exposure to harsh weather, treacherous journeys across the Black Sea aboard rickety ships, and repeated displacement from Ottoman ports to the broader diaspora.
These are not exaggerations—they are historical facts that reveal the full scope of the catastrophe that befell the Circassian nation. Half the population was exterminated by invading forces during a 101-year war, culminating in genocide on May 21, 1864. The final battles took place in Sochi, then the capital of Circassia. The Russian Empire’s goal was clear: Circassia without Circassians.
This is not a debate, but a reassertion and reaffirmation of the Circassians’ enduring connection to their homeland, history, civilization, and heritage—past and present. That connection must serve as the foundation for a future worthy of an ancient and respected indigenous nation among the peoples of the world.
Historical Legitimacy
- Origins and Continuity of Circassian Presence in the North Caucasus > “Circassia has a confirmed history of more than six thousand years, consistently and positively contributing to humanity… Circassian civilization and culture originated in the northwestern Caucasus and have existed for millennia… The Circassian homeland is strategically located in southeastern Europe, along the northeastern shores of the Black Sea.” [1] — Circassia: Born to be Free, Adel Bashqawi, p. 1
- Imperial Conquest and the Dismemberment of Identity > “When recalling the Circassian ethnic cleansing and genocide, we are drawn to the past—not to dwell, but to draw lessons from it… On April 14, 1864, Prince Mikhail met with Circassian leaders in Sochi and ordered them to descend from the mountains and resettle in the plains. Those who refused were given one month to depart for Ottoman lands—or be treated as prisoners of war… Villages were pillaged, burned, and thousands massacred in cold blood.” [2] — The Circassian Miracle, Adel Bashqawi, pp. 293–294
- Survival of Language, Traditions, and Diaspora Ties > “The invading Russian forces committed crimes of genocide and ethnic cleansing—crimes against humanity with no statute of limitations… The urgent concern today is the Adigha language, which teeters on the edge of extinction… The language is essential to sustaining Circassian culture—its literature, arts, scholarship, and traditional industries.” [3] — Circassia: Born to be Free, pp. 145–146
Diaspora communities and homeland initiatives, particularly through the internet and social media platforms, have united to address this challenge and keep the cultural flame alive. - Propaganda and Academic Misrepresentation Misinformation in academic and political discourse continues as part of Russia’s systematic propaganda campaign against Circassia and other subjugated nations. This narrative warfare distorts truth, disregards documented facts, and attempts to erase cultural memory.
- Settler Replacement and Legal Violations Following the mass deportation, Circassians were replaced with settlers. Though the Kuban Province was dissolved and briefly revived during the Soviet era, all actions tied to this military occupation are unlawful under international law. As the legal adage holds: “What is built on void is void.” [4] — Rethinking Russia’s Future, Janusz Bugajski, p. 416
The Politics of Reclamation
- Naming Injustice Clearly Massacres and genocide must be named as such. > “In Massacre in History, edited by Mark Levene and Penny Roberts, Stephen D. Shenfield’s chapter, The Circassians: A Forgotten Genocide?, examines the scale and systematic nature of the crimes committed. The editors affirm that the term genocide is both appropriate and necessary to describe these events.” [5] — The Circassian Miracle, p. 294
- The Cost of Silence and the Need for Unapologetic Speech Russia is legally and morally obligated under international law to acknowledge its crimes. > “Reconciliation must include genocide recognition, an official apology, moral and material compensation, the right of return under international protection, and self-determination.” [6] — The Circassian Miracle, p. 367
Conclusion
Circassia is not forgotten—it lives on in memory, in names, in hearts. “It’s ours then, ours now.” And yet, the Russian state has long remained beyond accountability. Too many global powers have cloaked their silence in hypocrisy, shielding Russian colonialism from consequence since the time of Ivan the Terrible.
But Circassia is not merely a memory. It is a homeland to be remembered and reclaimed. It resides in the collective mind of its people. Let the Circassians call for remembrance, awareness, unity, and a clear vision—while walking a deliberate path toward shared goals.
References
[1] Circassia: Born to be Free, Adel Bashqawi, p. 1
[2] The Circassian Miracle, Adel Bashqawi, pp. 293–294
[3] Circassia: Born to be Free, Adel Bashqawi, pp. 145–146
[4] Rethinking Russia’s Future, Janusz Bugajski, p. 416
[5] The Circassian Miracle, Adel Bashqawi, p. 294
[6] The Circassian Miracle, Adel Bashqawi, p. 367
