On Circassian Exile with KAFFED’s (Federation of the Caucasian Associations) President

We interviewed KAFFED’s President Yaşar Aslanakaya about the Circassian Exile.

How was the foundation process of the Federation?

Circassians, the indigenous peoples of Circassia region, were ethnically cleansed from their homeland at the end of the Russo-Circassian War by Russia. The Circassian Genocide and Exile was launched at before the end of the war in 21 May 1864.  It included ethnic cleansing, killing, forced migration, and expulsion of the majority of the Circassians from their historical homeland Circassia, which roughly encompassed the major part of the North Caucasus and the northeast shore of the Black Sea. Almost 1 million Circassians were exiled to Ottoman ports under very bad circumstances. We are the grandchildren of Abkhazian, Adygean, Ossetian and Dagestani exile survivors and our federation represent them.

Can you give brief information about your activities?

We hold events and activities on both international and national scale. Besides, our member associations are directly in contact with the society. As well as organizing different activities for young people, children and women, they also maintain relations with local and public institutions, political parties, related CSOs, universities, local and national press. Our federation conducts lobbying activities; implements national and international projects to protect Circassian identity and culture; supports member associations.

What do you do to protect your culture and language?

Thanks to our Federation’s efforts, public education centers can open workshops of Abkhazian, Adygean languages. Düzce University has a department of Circassian Language and Literature. Now, it is also possible to receive higher education. Circassian Language and Culture department is going to be opened within Erciyes University in Kayseri next year.