A pain that has not subsided for 160 years: ‘Circassian Genocide’

President of the Kayseri Caucasian Association Nurşah Özyürek made a statement on the Circassian Genocide that took place on May 21, 1864, saying, ‘May 21 is an expression of the survival resistance of the Circassian people.’

A press conference on the May 21 Circassian Genocide was organized by the Kayseri Caucasian Association. The meeting, held at the Kayseri Journalists Association, was attended by the President of the Kayseri Caucasian Association Nurşah Özyürek and association members. Highlighting May 21, 1864, as a symbol of genocide and exile for the Circassians, President of the Kayseri Caucasian Association Nurşah Özyürek stated, ‘The Circassians, who resisted the invasion of Tsarist Russia that began in the 18th century, fought for over 100 years for their freedom and homeland against the Russian occupation. However, after decades of suffering through pain, oppression, and war, they not only fought but also lost their lands and homelands. May 21, 1864, is the day when Tsarist Russia celebrated the evacuation of the Caucasus, declaring the end of the war. For us Circassians, May 21, 1864, is the symbolic date of Genocide and Exile, where we will feel the pains of this war in our hearts throughout history. May 21 is an expression of the survival resistance of the Circassian people. It is resistance, rebellion, and resurrection. May 21 is the day we want to shout to the world all the sufferings, wars, and inhumane practices engraved in our people’s memory. Even though scattered peoples were distributed to different geographies, May 21 is the day when they shouted the will and desire to live together. May 21 is the anniversary of the largest exile and genocide seen in history, where our people were exiled to all corners of the world, leaving Circassia without Circassians. May 21 is the history of our resistance, existence, and quest for justice against the Russian occupation that started with Tsarist Russia’s invasion of the Caucasus in line with its policies and strategic objectives, lasting 101 years.’

Despite 160 years passing since the genocide, Özyürek stated that new pains are added to the sufferings of the Circassians every day, ‘Even though 160 years have passed since May 21, 1864, new pains are added to the sufferings of us Circassians every day. Circassians who have fallen into a minority status as a result of systematic policies carried out over 160 years are faced with the threat of losing their unique languages and cultures even in their own lands. Especially in the last 20 years, centralizing tendencies have been strengthened in Russia. In this context, native language education and usage are gradually reduced, although the Circassian language is the official language, it is taught as an elective course and excluded from educational institutions, the administrative rights of our republics in the Caucasus are reduced, pressures are applied to our compatriots under the pretext of so-called security, and democratic rights are restricted. The denial and assimilation policies implemented after the genocide and exile are also the greatest obstacle to the existence of Circassians with their Circassian identity.’