The Project of Circassian Return to the Caucasus in the Agenda of Circassian Organisations in Russia and the Diaspora

Abstract

This study examines the evolution of the Circassian ethno-national movement, one of the most prominent in Russia, and its connection to the Adyghe diaspora communities in Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Israel, Western Europe, and the United States. In the 1990s, Circassian nationalists proposed the creation of a unified Circassia, either as part of Russia or as an independent state. However, these radical proposals were largely rejected by moderate Adyghe. In response, Circassian activists sought a unifying project for the Adyghe both within Russia and across the diaspora, leading to the promotion of repatriation to the North Caucasus. This agenda, which had long been central to the Circassian movement, gained new importance following the failure to establish a united Circassia and the onset of the Syrian crisis, which forced many Circassians to flee. The study analyzes how Circassian organizations in Russia and abroad have utilized the repatriation initiative to address their challenges, highlighting a shift in the movement. Among Russian Adyghe, radicalism is declining, with growing interest in constructive dialogue with the state in exchange for support in managed resettlement. In contrast, Turkish Circassian organizations do not advocate for repatriation, as it could undermine the Circassian movement in Turkey.