In Kabardino-Balkaria, Days of Kabarda's and Balkaria's entry into Russia celebrated separately

Kabardino-Balkaria held the solemn events to celebrate the 185th anniversary of Balkaria's voluntary entry and the 455th anniversary of Kabarda's voluntary entry into Russia, the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent reports.

It was the first time, when the date of Balkaria's entry into Russia was celebrated separately. In his speech at the celebration evening, which was held in the building of the Balkarian Theatre, Sufiyan Beppaev, the head of the public organization "Alan" told the audience about the story of Balkaria's entry into Russia.

According to Sufiyat Bepppaev, it was an initiative of five Balkar Taubs (Princes), who represented five Balkar communities Urusbians, Chegemians, Khaulam-Bezengians, and Upper Balkars. They went to Emperor Nikolai I, provided with the support of General Emmanuel, the commander of the Caucasian line troops, and his letter to Emperor Nikolai I, in which the General wrote that "except their desire to express their loyal appreciation, the tribes have no other requests to be submitted to Your Majesty."

Sufiyat Beppaev called the decision of Balkar Taub "a wise and a far-sighted", since "the entry into Russia allowed the Balkar people to survive and to develop their culture and language."

Sufiyat Beppaev has mentioned deportation of the Balkar people to Central Asia during the World War II.

The mass deportation of the Balkar people occurred on March 8, 1944. It lasted only two hours. Deportees were loaded into pre-prepared Studebaker cars and brought to the Nalchik train station. At least 37,713 Balkars in 14 trains were sent to the place of settlement in Central Asia. Out of the total number of deportees, 52 percent were children, 30 percent women, and 18 percent men. In 1957, after 13 years of exile, Balkars were allowed to return to their homeland. On March 28, 1957, public authorities made the decision to restore the state of the Balkar people.

"It was a heavy, an all people's sorrow. However, the people did not become angry; they worked in a foreign land for the good of their Motherland and believe that the justice would be restored. And it really happened," Sufiyat Beppaev said.

In 1957, the Balkar people returned, and the Kabardino-Balkarian Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic (KBASSR) was restored. The Balkar people were assisted in the reconstruction of destroyed houses, collective farms and state farms. "However, till present, the deportation echoes for our people. It includes the issues of demographics and restoration of existing districts and villages."

Sufiyat Beppaev has emphasized that although till present the date of entry of Kabardino-Balkaria into Russia was celebrated, in fact, Kabarda and Balkaria entered Russia separately, since "there was no Kabardino-Balkaria at that time."

"In accordance with consultation with the leaders of the republic, starting from this year, the date of entry of Balkaria into Russia will be celebrated on August 30, and the date of entry of Kabarda on September 1-2," Sufiyat Beppaev stated.

However, the Council of Elders of the Balkar people does not agree to the above date, since they believe that the date of Balkaria's entry into Russia was May 2, 1827, when Emperor Nikolai I signed the corresponding decree.

On September 1-2, the republic held celebrations in honour of the 455th anniversary of voluntary entry of Kabarda into Russia.