Nalchik townspeople light candles in memory of Caucasian War victims

101 candles were lit by the participants of the mourning events in Nalchik, held at the "Tree of Life" monument, dedicated to the victims of the Caucasian War.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that authorities of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic refused to sanction a mourning march in memory of the victims of the Caucasian War scheduled for May 21, but other events will take place. According to social network users, this ban is an encroachment on Adygs' (Circassians') traditions.

About a hundred people gathered for the event in Nalchik at the "Tree of Life" monument dedicated to the victims of the Caucasian War. Funeral music sounded; poems in the Kabardian language were read out, and musical theatre actors performed old songs dedicated to far away events.

A total of 101 candles were installed on the pedestal – one for each year of the war. The year of the start and end of the war – 1763 and 1862 – were also laid out with candles.

Today, on May 21, it is also planned to hold a memorial rally and laying flowers. Earlier, Adyg activists used to hold a mourning march through central Nalchik. This year, authorities have refused to sanction such a march.