08/02/2025
CNA (CIRCASSIAN NATIONAL ASSEMBLY)
ÇUM (ÇERKES ULUSAL MECLİSİ)
ÁLKH (ADIGÉ LÉPK KHASE)
ESTABLISHMENT PROCESS
Introduction:
The Circassian people, both in their homeland and in the diaspora, face significant existential threats. In the homeland, the policies of the Russian Federation towards non-Russian peoples adversely impact the Circassian language, culture, identity, and national existence. In the diaspora, rapid assimilation processes pose a threat to the preservation of the Circassian language, culture, and identity. In today’s complex and interconnected world, it is evident that these challenges are multifaceted and exceed the capacity of any single organization. By uniting our efforts and resources, we can achieve more effective outcomes to safeguard the collective interests of the Circassian people and secure their future.
Initiation of the Establishment Process:
At the Third International Circassian Conference held in Istanbul in 2022, the urgent need for an international organization capable of comprehensively addressing the challenges faced by the Circassian people and developing sustainable solutions was emphasized. Conference participants resolved to establish an "International Circassian Organization" and formed a working group to this end. This group extended an open call for collaboration to Circassian civil society organizations (CSOs) in the diaspora, without discrimination.
Working Process and Collaboration:
The working group brought together representatives from numerous CSOs in Türkiye, the United States, Germany, Canada, Jordan, and Kfar K**a, dedicating significant efforts to forming a united international front with a shared vision of protecting and promoting the Circassian people’s national existence, identity, language, culture, and historical rights. Starting in 2023, meetings were held with the utmost care to ensure broad participation, establish shared principles, and collaboratively advance the establishment process. During this period, outreach was made to the majority of Circassian CSOs in the diaspora, discussions were held, and calls for collaboration were reiterated.
Charter and Founding Membership Process:
The charter, prepared by the working group and CSO representatives, was sent in December 2024 to all reachable Circassian CSOs in the diaspora, accompanied by an invitation letter. This letter called upon CSOs to become founding members of the Circassian National Assembly. The establishment process has been conducted with an inclusive approach, avoiding narrow groupism and rejecting a “we founded it, you join” mentality. Instead, meticulous efforts have been made to ensure the broadest possible participation.
Establishment Date and Planning:
The Circassian National Assembly (CNA/ÇUM/ÁLKH) was initially planned to be established in April 2025. However, to allow greater participation from additional organizations, the founding date was postponed to October 2025. The Founding General Assembly is scheduled to take place in Istanbul on 4–5 October 2025.
Vision and Objectives:
The Circassian National Assembly aims to serve as the unified global voice of the Circassian people. Having already brought together numerous Circassian CSOs worldwide, the CNA will pursue the following objectives:
Preserving and strengthening Circassian identity,
Promoting and developing Circassian culture,
Advocating for the historical and legal rights of the Circassian people,
Strengthening ties among Circassian communities worldwide.
This initiative is regarded as a significant step toward enhancing the activities of Circassian institutions, uniting efforts, and achieving shared national goals.
Invitation:
The Circassian National Assembly invites all Circassian institutions and individuals concerned with the challenges facing the Circassian people to join this national endeavor. With a spirit of collective effort, we call upon you to contribute to the resurgence of the Circassian people and to build their future together.
Together... For the unity and future of the Circassian people!
