In Turkey VI Congress of the International Circassian Association is on

As it became known to "Caucasian unit" correspondent from some informed circles, the Congress of the International Circassian Association (ICA) for the first time is spent outside Northern Caucasus. In its organization the public organization of Circassians of Turkey "Kafder" actively participated. 84 delegates will take part in the work of the congress, and they also invited art workers and scientists, businessmen - representatives of the Adygeyan Diasporas from Russia, the USA, Europe, Near-Eastern countries, and Israel.

In the agenda of the congress there was the report of the ICA management, and elections of the new leaders. Among applicants there are the editor of the newspaper in Kabardian language "Adyghe Psalae", the head of the public organization "Adyghe Khase" Mohamed Hafitse, the director of the Kabardian-Balkarian Institute of humanitarian research Hasan Dumanov, and the vice-president of the committee on legislation of KBR Parliament Ruslan Abazov. The International Circassian Association was founded in July, 1991 in Nalchik at the International congress of Adygs. The first president of the ICA was elected the known scientist and public figure Jury Hamzatovich Kalmykov. In two years Abu Shkhaliaho, the scientific specialist in folklore from Adygeya, replaced him and in two years new president of the ICA was elected again Jury Kalmykov. After Kalmykov’s death the International Circassian Association was supervised by Boris Akbashev from Cherkessk.

In 2000 at the next Congress of the International Circassian Association in Nalchik its president was elected Zaurby Nahushev, at that time - the chairman of KBR Parliament. Then the ICA Charter was changed according to that the ICA president should elected not just for two years as was originally, and for three. Zaurby Nahushev was elected the president of the organization twice.

The International Circassian Association considers as the primary goals the problems of repatriation of the Adygs, living in foreign countries, to their historical native land. However at present solving of that question revolves: because of a complex economic and political situation in Northern Caucasus there are practically no those who wish to come back. The ICA is also engaged in revival of Adygeyan languages, strengthening of the cultural communications with the compatriots abroad.

The congress of the International Circassian Association gathers once in three years. Its constant operating body - the ICA executive committee - is situated in Nalchik. It is headed by Mohamed Hafitse.

Caucasian unit