Between March 20 and March 2, 2004, the Circassian Association of the Netherlands and Odyssee organization arranged a conference to discuss and argue the Circassian Youth who live in Europe and their problems.

In total, 35 young Circassians from different associations and countries (Germany, France, Belgium) have joined this conference. Guest speakers from France, England and Turkey provided us with information on several subjects.

The gathering started on Saturday, for some reason we were unable to begin on time and the program was a little bit delayed. Although due to lack of time and discussions taking more time then planned, we can say that the meeting was fertile, beneficial and enlightening.

After the welcome speech, the first speaker, Zeynel A. Besler from England (School of Slavonic and East European Studies University College London) presented the following subjects: country-homeland, national ethnic identity; Circassian identity: what is it to be Circassian, different meanings, different views, to be- or not to be dilemma of this culture, can it be “created” again? Zeynel A. Besler also talked about different minority groups, using them as examples. The Israeli Yaov Benarroch (From Hebron University, Political scientist student) provided us information on the effect of the internet on Diaspora people and by comparing Jewish-Circassian Diaspora.

Sociologist Fethi Acikel, from the faculty of Political Science, University of Ankara, presented us information on matters like, ‘Is cosmopolitizm a barricade for Diaspora cultures, or else an opportunity?’. As well, Celalettin Narman from Zwingenber-Germany, held a speech on Circassian Associations, about the youth and their problems.

The groups, who were formed during the evening of the conference, discussed subjects like: ‘ what are the specific problems of the Circassian youth in Europe? How does the youth see their problems and what are solutions? What are the conditions and problems for the youth within an association?’ What can be done to increase the attention of the youth for the associations? Cultural values and whichever can be delivered / thought the next generation and how can this be managed in Europe? Subjects like ‘The meaning of Xhabze and the practice of the Xhabze in these days and environment’ were discussed and answers were tried to find. After the meeting the young guests held an ‘Ceug’ and enjoyed themselves.

On Sunday morning, we watched the documentary “Kabardin/Shagdiy horses’ by journalist / writer Nur Dolay from France. The last part of the meeting was the outcome of the group meetings held on Saturday evening, suggestions were presented to the general meeting. The discussions will be presented in the folder that will be prepared by our association.

Recep Guclu

Translated by Beciy Selma Savas

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