Circassian activists criticize calls to return "Russian Soldiers' Feat Monument" in Adler

Leaflets and posters calling for the return of the memorial sign in honour of Russian soldiers have appeared both in Sochi and in other cities of Russia, reports historian Frol Vladimirov. Such monuments cause discord between people, Circassian activists note.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on June 1, in the Adler District of Sochi, the memorial sign "Russian Soldiers' Feat Monument" was set up on the place of a fort founded by the Russian troops in 1837, during the Caucasian War. Historians have criticized the monument. They have noted that the mention of the terrible events of the Caucasian War is painful for the Circassian people and may split society. On July 8, the monument was dismantled.

Supporters of the monument restoration have begun collecting signatures under a petition calling for the restoration of the demolished monument. The petition was posted on the "Russian Public Initiative" platform, and by 7:30 a.m. Moscow time on October 13, it gained 6419 votes "FOR" and 64 "AGAINST".

Leaflets and posters are being distributed around the city of Sochi with the calls on the authorities to return the monument to its place, historian Frol Vladimirov told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

The historian explained that he did not know who exactly was distributing the leaflets and posters. "The movement for the restoration of the monument in Sochi has covered the whole of Russia. Similar posters appear not only in Sochi, but also in Moscow, Yekaterinburg, Perm, Tver, and Chelyabinsk," the historian said.

Khadji Murad Donogo, Doctor of Historical Sciences, an editor of the magazine "Akhulgo", spoke out against the restoration of such monuments. According to him, they provoke bitterness among people who live in the same city, in the same village, or republic. "I believe such monuments should not be erected in the Caucasus. Memories are still quite fresh. Despite the fact that more than 100 years have passed, nevertheless this is a sore subject, and it is too early to raise it," Khadji Murad Donogo told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on October 13, 2020 at 08:45 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.