The North Caucasus is the homeland of the Circassians. The region stretches along the high peaks of the Caucasian mountain range at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, bounded by Russia from the north and the Islamic World from the south. Through the centuries great empires have endeavored to cross this barrier between the Orient and the Occident and conquer the lands beyond.

The Caucasian war lasted for more than 100 years. The Russian Czarist Army outnumbered the national Circassian resistance by more than 20 times!

On 21/5/1864, the Caucasian War ended with the occupation of Circassian land. The Czar approved a decision to deport and exile the entire Circassian people.

More than 1.5 million Circassians were expelled; approximately 80% of the total population at the time! Most of them perished en route being victims of disease, hunger and exhaustion.

They were dispersed all over the world. Some traveled 3000 Km on foot or on ox-carts. Some roamed for 25 years before settling down.

* If you would like to contribute a few words on this occasion, please send us an e-mail. Our address is: e12 May

* Please pass this message to everyone you know.

* The received comments will be distributed to the Caucasus, Turkey, U.S.A. and all the countries where Circassians are marking this day.

* Make sure to check the Circassian Welfare Association's web site at: http://www.circassians.org/jo/welfare/