Circassians of Libya

Ashiratul Cherakese
Circassians of Libya live near Mısrata which is located some 800 Km to Benghazi.They form a major tribe and have settled at a region called "Circassian region" 5 Km to Mısrata. Their population is guessed around 10.000. They are the second major tribe of the region. A population of 5000 Circassians have settled at the Ra'su Abide of Benghazi. They have an association called "Circassian Association".
There are smaller populations scattered in other towns.

Circassian families in Libya
1- Al-Haddur
2- Ar-Ramalli
3- Sheneb (may be Chenbe-Cenb)
4- Al-Mahishi (may be Al-Mahayshi)
5- Hamka (Thamuka or Thamsha )
6- Ar-Rucubat
7- Ablagho ( Belagh)
8- Dankali ( May be from the city of Dankla, North of Sudan and near Libya)
9- Ad-Delh

Common Circassian Marks

The older generation of Circassians in Libya have marked their wrists (tattoo) with their family marks. This tradition exists among the older generation of Circassian families of Jordan.

When Circassians have settled at Libya?

A Circassian historian from Turkey says that the Circassians have migrated to North Africa 2000 years ago and have settled at Libya. This is one of the earliest migrations. The Circassians have migrated from Egypt about 200 years ago (probably after the 1811 massacre) and have founded the city of Mısrata which may relate to meaning (min Mısır eta )=(those who migrated from Egypt). Mısrata today is the third major city of Libya. There are Circassian families in Egypt with family name Dakkali, which suggests that they migrated from the city of Dankala at North Sudan.

After the end of Circassian sovereignty, Mehmed Ali Pasha 's massacre on March 2,1811 killed 1000 Circassian princes and nobles. In result of this horrible event, many Circassians fled from this terror and settled at Mısrata. Circassians of Libya call each other "Cousin".

They are engaged in business and work in different lines.They are well off. They have an association in Benghazi "The Circassian Association". İt is frequently possible to hear the word "Cherkezi" in Benghazi, but they don't speak Circassian and are uninformed about the culture and history of the Circassians.

A Circassian from Libya delegated the Libya Circassians at the World Circassians Union's Congress at Krasnodar on 25-28 June 1998, and informed that their population isn't just 15000
But it is 135000. Also expressed sentiments about repatriation to the Caucasus. They hope to embrace their traditions, language and cultural heritage.