Dumanov: there is no Circassian problem in Russia

The so-called "Circassian problem", so broadly discussed in media, does not worry Circassians themselves, since it is largely contrived and imposed on Circassians from outside, said Hasan Dumanov, a historian from Kabardino-Balkaria. However, in the opinion of Zamir Shukhov, Chairman of "Worldwide Adyg Brotherhood", the Circassian problem today is one of the most pressing, since the new generation of Circassians, both in Russia and around the world, is revealing an increase in national consciousness.

Let us remind you that in October the city of Bursa hosted a congress of Caucasian organizations of Turkey, where Circassian Association announced their exit from the association of Caucasian organizations in order to promote the topic of repatriation.

"I don't know who has invented the Circassian problem. I believe that there's no such problem. I'm studying history not only of Kabardino-Balkaria but of North Caucasus and Russia since 1968. I know very well the attitude to this problem of the government, public and science figures, and I can state firmly that the Circassian people, or Adygs, have no 'Circassian problem', which could go against the official policy of our state. It's all imposed on us in a variety of interpretations," Hasan Dumanov, doctor of history, acting head of Division of Social and Political Studies at the Kabardino-Balkarian Scientific Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

"In different epochs, our nation became an object of attention of major world powers, who sought to gain a foothold in Northern Caucasus. This situation is now making the 'Adyg card' relevant. At the same time, the Adyg (Circassian) people have no political aims, apart from peaceful life and preservation of the unity of the nations living in the republic. We have no plans to build our separate republic nor the Great Circassia (or Cherkessia). However, there are certain Adygs, who, of course, genuinely caring about their people, make different statements, while not fully realizing the consequences of their actions," said Dumanov.

In his opinion, Russia is an established state.

Another thing, as he noted, that Circassians, wherever they live - in Kabardino-Balkaria, Karachay-Cherkessia, Adygea, Turkey or Jordan, - should take care on preservation of their language, their traditional culture, and how to live in peace with those nations, which surround them.

Speaking about the upcoming Olympics-2014 in Sochi, he noted that Adygs have a desire to let the world know - by means of the Olympiad - that their ancestors once lived in that territory.

Another topic touched by Dumanov was repatriation of Adygs. "At the moment, taking all my fellow countrymen and resettle here is unreal. Neither Russia nor Turkey are not ready to tackle the issue of mass resettlement," he is sure.

Mr Dumanov also referred the issue of 'Circassians' genocide' to the category of speculations. "We cannot say that there was no genocide of the Circassian people; however, here again, the point is on who is now benefiting from manipulation with this issue," he said.

In his turn, Zamir Shukhov, head of the "Worldwide Adyg Brotherhood", believes that the "Circassian problem" today is one of the most topical. In his opinion, it is the result of growing national consciousness in the new generation of Circassians, both in Russia and around the world. This is facilitated by capabilities of the virtual world and increased contacts between the historical homeland and Circassian Diaspora.

"Thirdly, it is due to development of democratic institutes, both in Russia and in countries where Circassians live (Turkey, Jordan, European Union, etc.), and the willingness of political elites of these countries to move towards the desires of their own citizens," Zamir Shukhov told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

He believes that the threat of using Circassians against Russia can be excluded "in a fairly simple way: through direct interaction between the real representatives of the Circassian national movement (all over the world) and socio-political forces in Russia as such - without intermediaries, mediators, judges and other well-wishers."

In this matter, according to Shukhov, the emphasis should be placed exactly on all the Circassians, because five sixth of them live outside of their historical homeland; they have the same right to their homeland as those who live in its territory today.

He also believes that the term "Great Cherkessia" is used, as a rule, by other nationals and political forces, but surely not by Circassians. There is no concept, no ideological content and no political demands - nothing, which could transform from a slogan into a real idea, said Shukhov.

With regard to the demand of Circassian public organizations to unite Adygs, Circassians and Kabardians into one subject, Mr Shukhov believes that "this demand is quite natural and absolutely justified by today's realities."

"Adygs, Kabardians, Shapsugs and Circassians are all representatives of the single ethnic group of Circassians, who for centuries lived and matured in Northern Caucasus. Apart from the artificial split of this single ethnic group in the early 20th century into nationalities, the existing ethnic republics are relics of the communist system, which violate a huge amount of natural processes of nations' development and will always generate tensions in the South of Russia," Shukhov has stressed.

He notes that "ethnic claims" of all to all have become the norm for life, and people no longer understand how they can live without ethnic conflicts. "People should be allowed free migration, self-actualization, self-identity and unity. A clear and focused national policy for many nations living in Russia is a must," said Shukhov.

He also believes that under current conditions any mass resettlement is impossible, because this action is not supported by the respective legal framework, infrastructure and opportunities for potential immigrants to develop and grow.

In this context, Zamir Shukhov remarks that "in connection with Russia's demographic problem, the country's and regions' leaders shall do everything to facilitate the inflow of people, in particular young professionals, especially with foreign experience.