On Circassian Day, residents of Nalchik recall unresolved problems of preserving their native language and traditions

The Circassian Day is a good occasion to recall the problems of the people, note residents of Nalchik interviewed by the “Caucasian Knot”. Among the main problems of the Adygs, the people mentioned the preservation of their native language and national traditions, as well as the issue of repatriation of the Circassians.

In honour of the Circassian Day, which is celebrated on September 20, Nalchik and other cities and regional centres of Kabardino-Balkaria hosted solemn events, including concerts, exhibitions, and sports competitions. The meaning of the holiday is to let the ethnos look back at their achievements in different directions, culture, art, journalist Elmira Kibisheva has told the “Caucasian Knot” correspondent.

“The main problem that I would single out and which, perhaps, depends on each person, is the knowledge of one’s native language. The language is being forgotten and lost,” Elmira Kibisheva said.

The Circassian Day is a significant holiday for the Kabardian people, which connects the past and the future of the people, emphasizes choreographer Edik Kurashev. “We must preserve the valuables that our ancestors passed on to us and then pass it on to future generations. I would like the Adygs to study their native language more active, support their culture, music, and dances so that it is not lost,” Edik Kurashev has told the “Caucasian Knot” correspondent.

In turn, public figure Ratmir Karov believes that the main problem for today is the connection between Russian Adygs and Circassian Diasporas abroad. “Every Circassian who lives in Syria and Jordan should have the opportunity to return to their homeland in order to live and create on their own land. They have the right to that, and we should help them in doing that,” Ratmir Karov emphasized.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on September 20, 2022 at 01:11 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.