Circassians

At Risk of Becoming Stateless

The Circassians once thrived in their vibrant homeland of Circassia until their unfortunate conquest by the Russians in the 19th century. This invasion marked the beginning of a tumultuous journey for millions of the Circassian people, as they were scattered across the globe, while those who remained faced the grave risk of falling victim to an unrecognized mass genocide. Over time, those who sought refuge in various countries adapted and integrated into their new surroundings, with several generations passing since their displacement. However, a recent development has stirred hope and disappointment within the Circassian community.

A new law has been enacted to streamline the process of acquiring Russian citizenship, presenting an opportunity for individuals who had previously resided within the Russian Federation, Russian Empire, or the Soviet Union. To qualify, applicants must renounce their current foreign citizenship and demonstrate proficiency in the Russian language. Regrettably, the Circassians find themselves ineligible for Russian citizenship due to their limited language knowledge. This limitation becomes particularly urgent for the 100,000 Circassians residing in Syria as they are denied the right to return to their ancestral homeland despite their pleas to the Russian government. Although the passage of time has allowed the Circassian diaspora to establish lives and find refuge in the countries they now call home, the longing for their native land, where they are recognized as one of the indigenous peoples of the Caucasus region, remains a pressing concern, especially for those caught in the crosshairs of conflict far from their rightful home.

In this portrayal of a Circassian woman, the artist captures the essence of the Caucasus region by employing shades of green and yellow, reminiscent of the colors in the Circassian national flag. Wearing the traditional regal attire, the Circassian woman dons an elegant dress, complimented by a wide metal belt and flowing veil. This timeless ensemble continues to be worn during festivals and ceremonies, honoring their rich cultural heritage.