What is Circassian nationalism?

Today a powerful resource for propaganda is directed against nationalism. And it is raises the question - what is meant by the word nationalism?

In Russia, as before in the Soviet Union, nationalism has been understood as superiority of some nation and intolerance towards people of other nations, that is, nationalism is identified with chauvinism, xenophobia and fascism. With these ideas, we can’t agree, but inciting ethnic hatred and ethnic discrimination are international crimes.

However, in the civilized world, nationalism - is the highest form of social cohesion, and its primacy in the state-forming process. Nationalism preaches loyalty and devotion to ones nation, political independence and work for the benefit of their own people, to mobilize the national consciousness to protect the living conditions of the nation, its territory of residence, economic resources and cultural values. In this sense, nationalism is a form of patriotism, consolidating all sectors of society, regardless of the various, sometimes conflicting, interests.

Such a doctrine of nationalism lies at the heart of the Circassian national movement. We show respect for all peoples and at the same time learned how to defend our own national interests.

History shows that nation-state is the most stable political entity, guarantor of national language and national culture. The state must guarantee the rights of its citizens of any nationality, guaranteeing the freedom of religion. Another stable model of social organization does not exist. At least, there is not such example for today.

What is the purpose of Circassian national movement at this stage?

Circassians (Circassians) - the people, whose territory was conquered by the Russian Empire as a result of a century Russian-Circassian War in the years of 1763-1864. And that as a result of this conquest was subjected to genocide. In addition, the majority of our people now live in exile; the remaining Circassians in the Caucasus are separated administratively under different names - "Adygeys", "Kabardianos", Cherkes and Shapsugs. In this case, the Circassians have a single self - Adyghe, and a common language - Adygebze. The situation in which Circassians exist today, not only contradicts international law - it is inherently unfair.

Therefore, we demand an end to the illegal and unjust division of our people at home.

Therefore, we demand the repatriation of the state organization of Circassians to the Caucasus, the more that modern Russia is a successor of the Russian state and assignee for whom carried out the genocide of Circassians and their expulsion from the Caucasus.

They offer to us not to raise these issues in the "name of stability". But why in the name of the same stability of the Russian Federation the question of repatriation of the Circassians does not address? Why in the name of the same stability there is not conductivity to union territory of the historical Circassia in one entity?

Why the "stability" should be achieved at the expense of the Circassian people and their natural rights?

Why, for example, there was created the North Caucasus Federal District, in which were not included Krasnodar territory and the Republic of Adygea? Why the country's leadership has decided to further divide the Circassian people, now in various federal districts?

Whatever they had accused as on, no matter what label affixed to us, we will put, forward, and will raise these issues as long as the Circassian people will not live on their land as a united nation. We have every right to do it. We – are the Circassian nation, and we have our own interests.

We, the Circassians, are proud of our history. We are proud of our culture. We are proud of our national philosophy - Habze. Maybe it's someone does not like it, but it is something that identifies us as a nation, and without prejudice to any other nation.

Our ancestors gave us all this, and we pay them tribute for it.

But it is - just our foundation. We cannot be proud of our ancestors by doing nothing. Sch1eblesch1er pasereyhem I DAME touve, neh zhyzhe plhen papsch1e - the next generation stands on the shoulders of the older generation to see beyond.

Today, our nation is at a very delicate stage in the history of Circassia. For our generation the only case when we will be worthy of the memory of our ancestors, if we can adequately solve the problem facing the nation - to keep our national identity in all countries of residence of the Circassians, to preserve our culture, our language, our traditions, and find unity of the Circassian nation in their historic homeland - in the Caucasus.

Circassian nationalism - is not a thesis about the superiority of our nation, it is not hatred of other peoples.

Circassian nationalism - a struggle for the right of the Circassian people in unity, in their native language to their native land, to preserve and develop their spiritual and material culture.

Our goal - the restoration of historical Circassia as a single state of Abazas, Karachays, Balkars, Cossacks and Circassians, which would safeguard the rights of any nationality and any religion.

Chairman of the social movement "Khase" Ibrahim Yagan

Chairman of the Kbardino-Balkarian movement "Circassian Congress" Ruslan Chesh

Chairman of the Karachaevo-Circassian movement "Circassian Congress" Anzor Etleshev

March 14, 2011