Circassians all over the world remember their ancestors on the 21st of May for the horrific genocide that they experienced at the hands of the Russian Empire in 1864. This genocide claimed the lives of at least 600,000 Circassians and displaced over 800,000, with several sources claiming an estimated loss of well over 80% of Circassians through killings and deportations. This is the reason Syrians of Circassian descent are a part of Syria’s multicultural population who numbered 80,000-100,000, roughly 1% of Syria’s pre-war population. However, it is important to note that Circassian/Caucasian influence in Syria can be traced back to Mamluk Syria (1250-1517) as Mamluks were ethnically from that region, and this culture’s influence can still be seen in Syria’s streets today.

Circassians are from the Northern Caucasus region, situated in Russia’s southeast just north of Georgia. Neighbouring indigenous Caucasians, including the Chechens, Ossetians, Abkhaz, and Daegestanis (who are mainly Muslim), were largely targetted during the genocide as well. Deportations led them to the Ottoman Empire where most settled in Turkey, Syria, and Jordan. Notably in Syria, Circassians have largely assimilated and have become citizens who earned significant roles in the country; however, they are renowned for the preservation of their customs and culture, which is celebrated. Syria’s Circassian community was historically centered in the Quneitra Governorate, scattered in the many villages of the Golan Heights whose geography is reminiscent of their homeland. The villages of Beer Ajam and Bariqa in the Golan Heights maintain a Circassian presence.

Rarely publicly commemorated in Syria, many Circassians dress in traditional attire and organize events in an effort to raise awareness in the region. As all Syrians, Circassians have been affected by this war, and while many remain, many have left for their ancestral homelands or to neighboring Jordan & Turkey, as well as to the West.