On the Day of Remembrance of the Circassians — Victims of the Caucasian War (1817-1864)

Today, May 21, on the day when the 158th anniversary of its end is celebrated, in the Freedom Square of Nalchik, at the memorial «Tree of Life», erected in memory of the Adygs — victims of the Caucasian War, a rally and a flower-laying ceremony were held, in which representatives Governments of Kabardino-Balkaria, members of the Republican Parliament, members of the public, leaders of the clergy, repatriates who returned to their historical homeland.

Among the thousands of participants were representatives of the staff of the Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after H.M. Berbekov, representatives of the university administration, staff, teachers and students. At the beginning of the memorable rally, the Minister of Culture of the KBR Mukhadin Kumakhov voiced the appeal of the Head of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic Kazbek Kokov in connection with the Day of Remembrance of the Circassians (Circassians) — the victims of the Caucasian War: “Dear fellow countrymen! Today, on the 158th anniversary of the end of the Caucasian War, we bow our heads to the memory of the victims of the bloody tragedy, one of the most mournful pages in the centuries-old history of the Adyghe ethnic group.

The echo of a terrible war, which was the result of a confrontation between the geopolitical interests of the largest powers of that era, which led to huge casualties among the Circassians and forced most of them to leave their native land, resounds with bitterness in our hearts. Remembering the events of the past, we pay tribute to the wisdom, far-sightedness, fortitude and stamina of our ancestors, who managed, despite all the hardships and hardships, to save the Adyghe ethnic group, to remain true to the fateful choice made once, to preserve the historical homeland for future generations.

And this connection of times is not interrupted, thanks to which the Adygs have preserved their native language, traditions and original culture, have achieved significant success in social and economic development, and today, in a single multinational family, they are building their future as part of our strong and powerful country — Russia.

I am sure that the great heritage, centuries-old traditions of devotion to the Fatherland will always serve as a solid foundation for the successful development of Kabardino-Balkaria, a guarantee of new achievements and prosperity for the people of the republic.

I wish you all good health, prosperity and all the best.” The President of the International Circassian Association Khauti Sokhrokov, as well as the chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the KBR, Mufti Khazrataliy Dzasezhev, who read a memorial prayer, joined in the wish for peace and prosperity on the blessed and long-suffering Caucasian land. On behalf of the staff of the KBSU, flowers at the foot of the obelisk, erected in memory of the Adygs — victims of the Caucasian War, were laid by the acting rector of the KBSU, Murat Gukepshokov, and the chairman of the primary organization of trade unions of the university, Igor Kobozev. For reference: Adygs (Circassians) — the common name of the people in Russia and abroad, divided into Kabardians, Circassians, Adyghes. Adygs live in Adygea, Kabardino-Balkaria, Karachay-Cherkessia, Krasnodar Territory, North Ossetia, Stavropol Territory.

The total number of Adygs in Russia, according to the 2010 census, was 718,727 people. In 1992, the Supreme Council of the KBASSR established the Day of Remembrance of the Circassians — victims of the Caucasian War (1817-1864), it was declared non-working in the region.