Russian monuments in North Caucasus draw sharp criticism from Circassian community

An online conference entitled “The Circassian Struggle for Justice and the Search for Historical Truth” took place on July 30, organised by the cultural and historical research group Silk Road. 

The event brought together prominent members of the Circassian community and leaders of NGOs from the US, Israel, Poland and Türkiye, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

The discussions focused on the targeted mass killings and deportations of the Circassian people during the era of Imperial Russia, the Soviet Union, and subsequent years.

Beslan Kmuzov, a journalist and researcher specialising in Circassian heritage and head of the Caucasian Knot project, called for the genocide of the Circassians to be recognised by the United Nations.

Selçuk Ulutaş, representing the Circassian community in Türkiye, criticised the installation of monuments across the North Caucasus honouring Russian generals who were responsible for shedding Circassian blood.

He said this deeply offends the national pride of Circassians. Ulutaş drew parallels with Azerbaijan, whose people also suffered genocide, highlighting Azerbaijan’s understanding of Circassian grievances. He described Azerbaijan as a powerful voice for oppressed peoples who endured colonial repression and a beacon of hope for Circassians seeking historical justice.

Rustem Huzhaev, a member of the United Circassian Council, emphasised the Circassians’ long-standing commitment to peaceful living, reflected in their communities across the US, Jordan, Israel, Afghanistan, Türkiye and other countries, where they resettled following forced exile and deportation.

He said Circassians yearn to return to their homeland and remain hopeful for the restoration of historical justice. Huzhaev called on the international community to recognise the Circassian genocide and urged Russian authorities to stop the persecution and harassment of Circassian activists.

Mariana Sheru, head of the New York branch of the Circassian Political Centre, stressed that despite displacement, Circassians have preserved their national memory, culture and identity. She praised Azerbaijan’s recent successes and appealed to Azerbaijani society and government for support in raising awareness of Circassian issues.

Historian Ramin Alizade noted the tragic parallels between Azerbaijani and Circassian histories, citing Russian colonialism’s erasure of place names—“Shase” becoming “Sochi” as an example. He underscored the importance of archival research in uncovering Circassian historical tragedies.

Israeli historian and journalist Avraham Shumlevich demanded an end to Russia’s racist policies against non-Russian peoples.

Aida Eyvazova Geityurk, chair of Silk Road, spoke of Azerbaijani public outrage at the mistreatment of Circassians and highlighted opportunities for deeper cooperation between Azerbaijani and Circassian NGOs.

Ulker Eyvazova, deputy chair of Silk Road, praised the resilience of the Circassian people in preserving their language and culture despite hardships.

Ibrahim Yaganov, representing the National Circassian Movement in Europe, proposed reviving ties between Karabakh and Kabardian horse breeds and expressed confidence that Circassians and Azerbaijanis could organise joint equestrian events in the future.

The conference concluded with a commitment to continued NGO cooperation and gratitude to Silk Road for facilitating the dialogue.

By Aghakazim Guliyev