KBSU Honors the Memory of the Victims of the Caucasian War

A memorial evening dedicated to the anniversary of the end of the Caucasian War (1763–1864) was held at Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after Kh.M. Berbekov. Representatives of the International Circassian Association, cultural figures, university administration, and KBSU staff and students gathered there.

The meeting opened with a moment of silence. Students in national costumes took the stage with lit candles – in memory of those who gave their lives in the Caucasian War, after which thousands of Adyghe (Circassians) were forced to flee their native lands.

Khauti Sokhrokov, Chairman of the KBSU Board of Trustees and President of the International Circassian Association, addressed the gathering with a welcoming address. He emphasized the importance of preserving historical memory and the unity of the peoples of Russia:

«Today we bow our heads in memory of the victims and do everything we can to ensure that this tragedy is never repeated to any nation. Our ancestors, beginning in the 16th century, voluntarily joined Russia, served it, and brought it glory. We are proud of our history and our homeland. I call on everyone—especially young people—to cherish unity, not succumb to provocations, and remember: our future lies only with Russia,» Sokhrokov noted.
The program of the event featured performances by the university’s creative groups. Honored Artist of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic Azamat Evazov and the KBSU Song Theater «AmikS» presented patriotic numbers, and fourth-year student of the Saratov State University of Humanities Ratmir Bifov performed the song «Istambylakaue»—a symbol of the Adyghe people’s grief over the tragic pages of history. The heads of KBSU’s national cultural centers spoke about the importance of interethnic harmony.

Ismail Beituganov, Director of the K.S. Otarov Center for Balkar Culture, emphasized:

«It is important that we always live in unity and solidarity in our vast homeland—Russia—and that no other people ever experience the horrors that the fraternal Adyghe people endured.»
«Our true strength lies in unity, friendship, and mutual understanding. The wealth of our multinational homeland lies in the brotherhood of peoples, and may no external circumstances ever disrupt this union,» said Nadezhda Chaika, Director of the Scientific and Educational Center for Russian Language and Culture.

The memorial evening was organized by the A.A. Tsipinov Center for Adyghe Culture at KBSU.