Adyg activists criticize celebration of Circassian New Year

The celebration of the Circassian New Year was held in Maikop with authorities' support. In Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia, this day is not celebrated. The Circassian New Year comes from paganism; it is not a folk custom and is not popular among the Adygs, since most of them do not want to sacrifice their Islamic identity, activists have stated.

Scientists told earlier that the holiday, which was originally considered a family one, has united Adygs (Circassians) and interested other nations.

"The holiday has the pagan ritual side. Circassians passed through paganism, then through Christianity, and then converted to Islam. The spring New Year is an echo of paganism," Ramazan Tlemeshok, the chairman of the movement "Adyge Khase-Circassian Parliament" of Adygea, has explained.

The Circassian New Year, which falls on the day of the vernal equinox, is marked by very few Adyg nationals, Marina Dzamykhova, a journalist, a native of Karachay-Cherkessia, has confirmed.

The Circassian New Year is unacceptable right because it is a pagan holiday, while the absolute majority of Adygs regard themselves Muslims, Asfar Myss, the chairman of the Muslim religious organization of the Takhtamukai District of Adygea, has concluded.