Sochi Circassians refuse from crowded actions on Remembrance Day of Caucasian War victims

The number of participants in the commemoration events in Sochi on the Remembrance Day of the Caucasian War victims was small, while those present observed the required safety measures. It is not high-profile events that are important, but real help to those Circassians who have returned to their historical homeland, said Asker Sokht, the chairman of the NGO "Adyge Khase" of the Krasnodar Territory.

In Sochi, due to coronavirus, the Remembrance Day events were not crowded, Madjid Chachukh, the chairman of the Krasnodar territorial "Adyge Khase Society of the Black Sea Adygs-Shapsugs", told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

Traditionally, every year, on May 21, mourning events are held all over the world; and on the Remembrance Day, leaders of the "Khase" and authorities are used to make statements, Asker Sokht has explained.

"Hundreds of thousands perished during the war, more than a million were exiled to the Ottoman Empire ... Circassians were on the verge of losing their mother tongue, culture, and identity," Mr Sokht said in his appeal, noting that in recent years, because of the war in Syria, many compatriots have returned to their historical homeland.

Yuri Napso, an MP, an Adyg by origin, took part in the Remembrance Day events. He has noted that the Adygs' residence in Russia is beneficial for the small nation: the state pays attention to them; and all the conditions are in place here for the development of its unique culture.