159 Years Later: Day of Remembrance of the Russian-Caucasian War Victims

SUKHUM / AQW'A — May 21, 1864, marked the end of the Russian-Caucasian War, a significant event in history when the majority of the Abkhaz and Circassian populations were forcibly displaced from their ancestral homes to the Ottoman Empire. Today, Abkhaz and Circassian communities worldwide commemorate the 159th anniversary of this grim chapter in their shared history.

The Republic of Abkhazia's Return State Committee has organised a series of events across May 21, 2023, to solemnly remember this significant day. The program encompasses a range of activities from exhibitions and talks to memorial ceremonies, each signifying an aspect of this complex history and its modern implications.

Starting at 12:00, attendees can explore a variety of exhibitions. These include the Batal Dzhopua exhibition at Station "Guma", an exhibition of archival photographs and paintings by repatriate artists in the area of the Abkhazian State Drama Theater, and a lecture discussing the history and stages of exile featuring speakers Aslanbek Mirzoev and Viacheslav Chirikba also at Station "Guma".

Banner has been prepared by the Return State Committee of the Republic of Abkhazia
Banner has been prepared by the Return State Committee of the Republic of Abkhazia.

The Museum of the History of Diaspora Abkhazians, named after Omer Beygua at 9 Chachba street, will host a conference titled "Issue of Repatriation and Demography in Modern Abkhazia" at 14:00. This event will delve into the contemporary challenges and prospects concerning the return and demographic trends of the Abkhazian diaspora.

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Adding a traditional aspect to the day, an archery tournament and masterclass on national shooting will take place at 12:00 at the Embankment of Muhazhirs (Exiles).

As the day progresses, the events move towards a more solemn tone. A flower-laying ceremony is scheduled for 20:00, followed by a minute of silence at 20:15. Both events will be held at the Embankment of Muhazhirs (Exiles).


Banner has been prepared by the Return State Committee of the Republic of Abkhazia.

The evening part of the event program commences at 22:20 at the Embankment, culminating in a touching ritual at 21:00. A memorial fire will be lit, and wreaths will be lowered, symbolising remembrance and respect for the ancestors who endured the forced exodus.

Descendants of the mukhazhirs (exiles) now reside across the globe, with the largest diaspora calling Turkey home. The Day of Remembrance, observed globally, stands as a testament to these communities' resilience and the enduring connection to their ancestral lands.

Map of the expulsion of Circassians and Abkhazians to the Ottoman Empire. "Les Russes en Circassie, 1760-1864" A. Méker. (Berne 1919)
Map of the expulsion of Circassians and Abkhazians to the Ottoman Empire. "Les Russes en Circassie, 1760-1864" A. Méker. (Berne 1919)

The Russian-Caucasian War came to an end on May 21, 1864, forcing thousands of Abkhaz and Circassian people forced to leave their ancestral lands and relocate to the Ottoman Empire, eventually moving on to other countries. The Day of Remembrance for the victims of the Russian-Caucasian War is observed annually by Abkhaz and Circassian communities worldwide. Today, descendants of the mukhazhirs (exiles) reside in numerous countries, with Turkey hosting the largest diaspora.

At a gathering in Sukhum, Abkhazia, on May 31, 1990, 30,000 representatives of the mountain peoples of the Caucasus unanimously passed a resolution. This resolution acknowledged May 21, 1864, the day marking the end of the Russian-Caucasian War, as a day of remembrance for the war's victims and those who endured forced deportation.

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