Circassians in Aleppo commemorate 162nd anniversary of 1864 exile
Circassians gathered in Aleppo, Syria to commemorate the 162nd anniversary of the 1864 Circassian Exile, holding memorial events and honoring those who lost their lives during the deportation. Participants held a moment of silence in front of the Aleppo Citadel, wearing black T-shirts and traditional Circassian clothing.
Circassians gather to commemorate the 162nd anniversary of the 1864 Circassian Exile, holding memorial events and honoring those who lost their lives during the deportation, on May 21, 2026, in Aleppo, Syria. Participants held a moment of silence in front of the Aleppo Citadel, wearing black T-shirts and traditional Circassian clothing while carrying Circassian and Syrian flags.
The Circassian exile
The 1864 Circassian exile refers to the forced displacement of hundreds of thousands of Circassians from their homeland in the Caucasus by Russian forces. Many Circassians resettled across the Ottoman Empire, including in present-day Syria, Jordan, Turkey, and the Balkans.
Annual commemoration
May 21 is observed annually by Circassian communities worldwide as a day of mourning and remembrance. The events typically include moments of silence, cultural performances, and the raising of the Circassian flag alongside national flags of host countries.
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Circassians in Syria
Syria is home to a significant Circassian community, with many descendants maintaining their language, traditions, and cultural identity. The community has faced challenges during Syria's civil war but continues to preserve its heritage.
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