The Status of the Circassian Language and Culture in Circassia
A Cyber Odyssey Across the Expanse of Circassian Culture and Language
(4)
The Shapsugh Region and the Krasnodar Krai
Located on the Black Sea shore near Sochi, the Shapsugh Region comprehends the Tuapse (T'waps=Two Rivers, in Circassian) District and the Lazarevski City District of Sochi and has a Circassian population of about 20,000 people. It is situated to the west of the Republic of Adigea, separated from it by about 25 km. It was set up as an autonomous area within the Krasnodar Krai in the 1920s, with its capital at Psixwabe (Psikhuaba). However, it was abolished by the Soviet Authorities in 1941 (other sources give 1945) and at present enjoys no political or administrative status. In addition, the name of the erst-while capital was changed to Lazarevski, the name of a Russian General notorious for his atrocious acts during the Russian-Caucasian War. His statue was erected in the middle of the town—an act of mass humiliation.
After crusading for many years, the Shapsugh managed to restore the national name of their main town and to remove the detestable monument. The campaign to restore Shapsughia's pre-war status, supported by the International Circassian Association, has failed due to Russian intransigence. The best course for the Shapsugh (and other Adigeans whose lands are not encompassed by Adigea) is for them to endeavour to unite their region with Adigea, though this would be vehemently opposed by the Russians, who would bend over backwards to keep the Circassians divided.
Official Site of the Circassian Council of the Shapsugh Circassians and the Newspaper 'Shapsugiya'
The website, served in Russian, is inactive. The newspaper is located in Sochi.
Oshten
[Suite 34, 31 October Street, Krasnodar]
The newspaper is published by the organisation Adige Xase.
Notes on the Journey: Present State of Circassian Language and Culture in Cyber Space
Back to the beginning of the journey
Back to Amjad Jaimoukha's Circassian Culture & Folklore page