People and culture

Who Are the Circassians?

The Circassians, who call themselves Adyghe, are an Indigenous people of the northwestern Caucasus with their own languages, cultural traditions, historical memory, and worldwide communities.

Circassian and Adyghe

The names Circassian and Adyghe refer to the same people. Different names and spellings are used across languages and countries, including Circassian, Cherkess, Adyghe, and Adyga.

Language and cultural continuity

Circassian languages belong to the Northwest Caucasian language family. Community schools, family teaching, digital resources, cultural gatherings, music, dance, oral history, and literature all contribute to their continuation.

A global people

Circassians live in their historical homeland and in diaspora communities across the Middle East, Europe, North America, and elsewhere. Despite distance and different national experiences, many communities retain a shared sense of heritage and responsibility for cultural preservation.