Nalchik holds rally in memory of Caucasian War victims

The capital of Kabardino-Balkaria hosted an almost a thousand-strong rally near the monument to victims of the Caucasian War, dedicated to the 147th anniversary of the end of the War.

"The Caucasus War put the Adyg nation on the brink of destruction; however, Adygs did not disappear, but grew even stronger, having preserved their high spiritual and creative potentials," said Ruslan Firov, Minister of Culture of Kabardino-Balkaria, said in his opening word.

The rally was attended by the heads of public organizations "Adyge Khasse" from Syria, Jordan, Israel and Turkey. They said that many Circassians (Adygs) dream of returning to their homeland or at least have dual citizenship and have free entrance to Russia.

Mukhamed Khafitse, head of the "Adyge Khasse" of Kabardino-Balkaria said in his speech: "The real monument to perished Adygs, Russians and Cossacks, who stood on opposite sides of barricades, will be the publicly truth about this war."

In the Caucasian War (1817-1864) for accession to the Russian Empire of the mountain areas of Northern Caucasus, the Adyg tribes (Adygs, Kabardians, Circassians and Shapsugs) lost 90 percent of their territories and 95 percent of their population. Some Adygs were physically liquidated, while others were deported to the Ottoman Empire. From there, the exiles had gradually dispersed throughout the world - to Asia, Africa, Europe and America.