Abstract:

This study examined the thoughts of young Circassians from Turkey about their mother language [Anabze-Anedelhubze / Akhadü bızşüa], traditions, customs, norms and rules [Xabze / Akabz – Atzas], homeland [Xeky /Apsadgil] and their foresight about future [Kakuenığem / Apeipş]. For this aim, the programs on Xase TV [people's council or meeting, Jlar reizara - Ajlar reizara], Marje [ha Marje - come on, young people / Marje Nartxer - come on Narts] and Ğuaze [guide] and the youth Xase [meeting] coordinated by Ankara Circassian Association in 2016 were analyzed. Moreover, the discourse analyses of interviews published at Jineps [dew drop and Jıneps: of the wind - tears of the old] newspaper with Circassian artists and Adyghe - Abaza language instructors on identity, belonging, culture and future were considered.

Young people state that their mothers, fathers or grandparents speak the mother languages (Adyge-Abkhaz-Abaza languages) in the diaspora, and they want to learn their mother languages. They perceive that these languages will continue to be used in their homeland(s) in the Caucasus. They emphasize the importance of using technologies in language training and practices for their survival in the diaspora. On the other hand, the culture (Xabze / Akabz - Atzas) still exists in the diaspora, and dance and music will play an essential role. They state experiencing duality in their cultural practices at home and outside within the dominant culture. On the other hand, this duality facilitates their easy adaptation in different environments abroad. Some emphasize the importance of demanding cultural and language rights together with different communities in Turkey. Some young people state that measures need to be taken to protect their language and culture in the diaspora. In addition, they need to return to their homeland(s) to survive their language and culture. Their return can be possible after having a professional education and experience in diaspora due to the awareness of the economic difficulties in their homelands. Moreover, many young people want to visit their homeland(s), and some want to resettle there. Since the 1990s, Circassians visited their homelands, attended a university, opened their businesses, or lived there. On the other hand, some Circassians who resettled in the homelands returned to the diaspora. This situation shows that many Circassians will continue to live in Turkey, the Middle East, or Europe as a transnational diaspora while visiting their homelands. Moreover, the states and institutions in the homelands need to have open and realistic plans, programs for people from the diaspora to live there. For this, their cooperation with the institutions in the diaspora, such as associations, foundations and federations, is necessary.

About the author:

Dr. Ergün Özgür, research associate at IfPuK and Einstein guest researcher, contributed an article to M. C. Taymaz and S. Alankuş’s recently published book “Çerkeslerin 21. Yüzyılı : Kimlik, Anayurt ve Siyaset: [21st Century of the Circassians: Identity, Motherland and Politics]”. The chapter is called “Asimilasyon – Ulus Ötesi Diaspora: Çerkes Gençlerinin Dil, Kültür ve Gelecek Öngörüleri [Assimilation – Transnational Diaspora: Language, Culture and Future Foresight of the Circassian Youth]”. For more information about Dr. Özgür’s work click here.

2021: “Asimilasyon – Ulus Ötesi Diaspora: Çerkes Gençlerinin Dil, Kültür ve Gelecek Öngörüleri [Assimilation – Transnational Diaspora: Language, Culture and Future Foresight of the Circassian Youth]”, in M. C. Taymaz ve S. Alankuş Çerkeslerin 21. Yüzyılı : Kimlik, Anayurt ve Siyaset: [21st Century of the Circassians: Identity, Motherland and Politics], 255-279. Dipnot: Ankara.

Keywords: Circassian, language-culture, homeland, assimilation, transnational diaspora, future foresight