President Buyukkilic did not forget the Circassian Exile on its 160th anniversary

Kayseri Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Dr. Memduh Büyükkılıç stated on the 160th anniversary of the Circassian Exile that took place on May 21, 1864, ‘On the 160th anniversary of the Circassians being exiled from their homeland in the Caucasus, I offer my condolences to the Circassian brothers who lost their lives and wish a healthy life to those who remain.’ Mayor Dr. Memduh Büyükkılıç, in a message issued on the anniversary of the Circassian Exile, reminded that it has been 160 years since the Russian Empire sent the Circassian people into exile from the Caucasus. Mayor Büyükkılıç stated that during the bloody Caucasian-Russian Empire War initiated by Russia’s policy of advancing to the Black Sea coast to seize North Caucasus, unofficial figures indicate that around 1.5 million Circassians were exiled within a month, and approximately 500 thousand Circassians lost their lives due to conditions on the road, epidemic diseases, hunger, and other reasons. Mayor emphasized that despite 160 years passing since the Circassian Exile, which is considered one of the most bitter and traumatic events in history and stained human history as a ‘dark spot,’ they do not forget and will not forget this tragic event. Büyükkılıç stated, ‘Even though thousands died before reaching Ottoman lands, this exile is considered one of the most bitter events in history. The heroic struggle of the Circassians against oppression and invasion in this inhumane process will always be remembered. Nearly 100 thousand Circassians continue their lives in our ancient city. In this context, we closely follow the activities of the Circassian Associations in Kayseri.’ Mayor Büyükkılıç used the expressions ‘We continue to live in peace, tranquility, and brotherhood in our country. On the 160th anniversary of the Circassians being exiled from their homeland in the Caucasus, I offer my condolences to the Circassian brothers who lost their lives and wish a healthy, auspicious, and long life to those who remain.’