Exile of ethnic Circassian community remembered with sorrow 160 years later

By Anadolu Staff

The Circassian exile, recognized as a dark stain in human history, is commemorated as one of the most tragic events.

The year 2024 marks the 160th anniversary of the forced expulsion of the Circassian people from the Caucasus region by Tsarist Russia.

The Caucasus-Russian Tsardom War, which began in 1556 as part of Russia’s policy to reach the Black Sea coast and seize the North Caucasus, lasted 308 years.

The Russians advanced into the interior of the Caucasus Mountains during the war, forcing the surrendered Circassians to join the Tsarist army or migrate.

Starting May 21, 1864, Circassian communities were subjected to exile to various parts of the world, especially the Ottoman Empire.

Nearly 1.5 million Circassians were exiled within a month, according to unofficial figures. Approximately 500,000 Circassians died from harsh travel conditions, epidemics and hunger.

Those subjected to exile were put on ships from Black Sea ports such as Anapa, Novorossiysk, Gelendzhik, Sochi and Adler. Many were settled in Anatolian cities such as Ordu, Samsun, Tokat, Amasya, Sinop, Yozgat, Duzce, Adapazari and Kocaeli.

Others were placed in the Middle East, primarily in Syria and Palestine. Over time, the exiled Circassians integrated with local populations.

Meanwhile, those who could not be exiled to the Ottoman Empire were settled in Russian Cossack villages in the regions of the Laba and Kuban rivers. Russia’s long-planned “operation to exile the Circassian people from their homeland” is considered to have been executed step by step.

The exile, in which thousands died even before reaching Ottoman lands, is described as one of the most tragic events in history. Each year, Circassians living in Türkiye remember the exile with tears and sorrow.

Circassians in Türkiye organize events to commemorate the exile.

* Writing by Seda Sevencan