The strongest Circassian diaspora

The years that followed the Tsarist Russian invasion of Caucasus in 1864, witnessed the deportation of circa 1.500.000 population of Caucasian nations. Majority of the deportees have settled at various provinces of the Ottoman Empire of the time.The deported nationalities were Circassians, Ubıhs and Abkhazians from Western Caucasus and Dagestanis, Chechens and Ossetians.There are today circa 7 million Turkish citizens of Caucasian origin that have settled at Marmara, Central-Anatolia, East-Anatolia and Black Sea regions of Turkey.

North Caucasians' new homeland have enabled them to be productive and competent in economy, politics, government, education and arts fields.They also did their best to preserve their Caucasian customs and traditions. Full preservation of cultural identity and language of origin, have been possible only in isolated rural areas. Inescapable internal assimilation has taken place,
As in the case of the Ubykh language: last Ubykh speaker Mr.Tevfik Esenç died in 1992.There are over 100 associations and foundations founded by the people of North Caucasian origin in Turkey to keep the Caucasian culture alive. These voluntary organizations rally to inspire enthusiasm for the common purpose of solidarity. Organize folk dances, engage in publishing the desire for independent Caucasus where people can live in peace.

Struggle for identity

The most fruitful activity of the Circassian culture was at the Constitutional Period 1908-1918 of Ottoman History. Many associations were founded, Circassian and Abkhazian alphabets in Arabic and Latin characters were published. Books journals newspapers were published. A school for girls in Circassian language at Besiktas quarters of Istanbul was operative.Teachers, books, alphabets were sent to Caucasus through these associations.

The Bolshevik Revolution of 1917-1923 : White then Red Armies invasion of Caucasus, have devastated the Country and ended The North Caucasus Republic of May 11, 1918.

Pre 1950 period's cultural ideology's intolerance in Turkey, was a period of cultural inaction for Circassians. Multi party system of post WW II era, have enlarged the freedoms for associations ,whom eagerly worked ,but still unable to prevent the cultural erosion.

The 1990's have brought possibilities of communication with the Caucasus, and many Circassians have visited and still furthering their love for the Caucasus.