Circassians (Adygha People)

Circassians are the indigenous peoples of the Northwestern Caucasus, settled between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. Circassians are consist of 12 tribes: Mekhosh, Hatukhai, Chemgui, Natukhai, Abzekh, Shapsug, Bjedug, Barakay, Ubih, Yecekuray, Kabardey and Besleney. Flag of Circassians is formed by 12 yellow stars and 3 yellow arrows on green floor. These 12 stars symbolize each tribes.

For the map of Circassian lands: https://file.army/i/hcFshp

As a result of Russia's desire and strategy to reach to warm seas and invade Caucasia, a long - about 300 years - war started between Circassians and Czarist Russia in 1556. Between 1763 and 1864, the war continued with non-stop battles for 101 years. Despite the loss of 1.500.000 soldiers during the war, Czarist Russia did not stop. In 21 May 1864, the Ubih tribe had lost the last battle in Sochi. The battlefield called as "Krasnaya Polyana" (the Red Pasture) because of bloods of the Circassian people, where 2014 winter Olympics were hold. This date is admitted as the start of exile and genocide of Circassians by historians.

After decision to exile all Circassians were forced to leave their homelands. To move to another country or areas inside Russia where it is impossible to survive. When Circassians decided to resist and fight for their lands and honour, Czarist Russia had started to massacre in settlements. Thousands of Circassians killed, raped, prisoned or enslaved by soldiers and Cossacs. Then the exile started and about 500.000 people died in coast and about 2 millions of people forced to take boats and leave their homes. On the way to the Ottoman Empire about 50 % had lost their lives. This exile is also the first genocide of history.

The Circassians who survived, settled to Ottoman Emipre, today's Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Israel, Iraq, Bulgaria and Kosovo. Some of them sold to Britishs to increase the number of white people in the Caribbean.

Today Circassian live in Turkey, Jordan, Syria, Israel, Lebanon, Iraq, the USA and the autonomous republics in the Russian Federation( Adigey Republic, Karachai - Cherkes Repbulic and Kabardian - Balkarian Republic). Number of Circassians who live out of their homeland is much more than people live in their homelands. They are struggling to protect their culture and language in these countries and trying to rebuild connection with their homeland.

for a video: