In KBR, march on Adygs' Remembrance Day held despite authorities' ban

A mourning rally on the day of the 158th anniversary of the end of the Caucasian War was held at the "Tree of Life" monument in Nalchik, the capital of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic (KBR). Several dozen young people have held a march in memory of the victims of the war along city streets.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that KBR authorities refused to sanction a mourning march in memory of the victims of the Caucasian War, scheduled by the allow the initiative group for May 21. On May 20, participants in mourning events held at the "Tree of Life" monument in Nalchik, dedicated to the victims of the Caucasian War, lit 101 candles.

Khauti Sokhrokov, the head of the International Circassian Association, has noted that the Caucasian War went down in history as one of the longest and bloodiest ones.

For Adygs (Circassians), the Caucasian War became a national catastrophe: only a tenth of the people remained in their historical homeland; the rest perished or were scattered around the world, Mr Sokhrokov has emphasized.

"Having linked their fate with Russia, people remain true to their choice. Time has confirmed its correctness: Adygs have preserved their historical homeland, their language and culture," he has concluded.

The non-sanctioned march was nevertheless held: several dozen young people took part therein; however, no horsemen participated.

In the Krasnodar Territory, they refused to hold a rally, but decided to march from the monument to the victims of the war to the "Tulip Tree" and hold a prayer service.