Participants of festival in Nalchik share their personal perception of Circassian flag

The green flag with arrows and stars symbolizes the entire combination of national cultural values for the Circassians and gives hope for the future, emphasize participants in the celebration of the Circassian Flag Day in Nalchik.

The “Caucasian Knot” has reported that for the recent 14 years, residents of Adygea, Kabardino-Balkaria, and Karachay-Cherkessia celebrate the Circassian Flag Day on April 25. Exhibitions and concerts are dedicated to the holiday. The Circassian Flag Day consolidates the Circassians in Southern Russia and abroad, but this is the merit of public organizations, not the local authorities, note Circassian activists living abroad.

On April 25, in Nalchik, people celebrated the Circassian Flag Day with a concert with the participation of the dance ensemble “Dawns of the Caucasus”, accordionists, and performers of songs in the Kabardian language. Earlier, horse and car races were held in Kabardino-Balkaria on the occasion of the Circassian Flag Day, but no such events were held in 2024.

The concert participants have emphasized that they honour the Circassian flag and its symbolic meaning for the people, whose representatives are scattered around the world. “This is a symbol of the unity of the Adyg peoples. It reminds us of our past and gives us hope for the future,” stated student Ashamaz Apazhev.

Adam Shapsug, a Circassian from Jordan, recalled the meaning of the 12 stars depicted on the flag, which symbolize the 12 Adyg tribes. The man has noted that for all Circassians, the flag is a symbol of many national values.

After the concert, young people of Nalchik organized a djagu, a dance circle. The performers have noted their devotion to national music and customs.

“We learn dances. They are being passed on from generation to generation,” said djagu participant Inal Mashukov.