Circassians all over the world remember their ancestors on the 21st of May who were subjected to a horrific genocide and displacement campaign, committed by the Russian Empire which culminated in 1864. They are indigenous to the Northern Caucasus region, situated in Russia’s southeast just north of Georgia and are almost exclusively Muslims. This genocide claimed the lives of up to 1.5 million Circassians who were either killed during military campaigns, succumbing to disease and exhaustion, or who drowned in the Black Sea on their way to the Ottoman Empire.
While most settled in Turkey, others were settled in Syria & Jordan. These refugees were primarily Circassians, along with other indigenous Caucasian groups (in order) including Chechnyans, Abkhazians, and Ossetians. Their descendants, who are today Syrian citizens, made up Syria’s 6th largest ethnic group and 1% of the population. Notably in Syria, Circassians have largely assimilated; however, they are renowned for the preservation of their customs and culture, which is celebrated. But many are unaware that Circassian and Caucasian influence in Syria goes back way earlier than 1864.
Circassian and Caucasian influence in Syria can be traced back to the Mamluk period (1260-1516). Mamluks (lit. owned/enslaved in Arabic) were primarily, but not exclusively, Circassians, Georgians & Turks, who belonged to a knightly military class. Many of whom were mercenaries, enslaved and freed slaves, but were considered a high-ranking class. The Mamluks eventually gained power at a time when the region was constantly changing borders between Ayyubid, Crusader, and Mongol invasions, setting the stage for three centuries of political and cultural influence in Syria.
Generally, the Mamluks came from a Christian background, but most converted to Islam. The distinct and grand architectural style of that period can still be seen across several sites in the country. After Cairo, Damascus holds the second highest concentration of Mamluk architecture, including several educational institutions, mosques, and mausoleums. Aleppo also boasts many prominent Mamluk sites. The distinct Syrian architectural design pattern work, which features the overlaying of rows of black (basalt) and light (limestone) stonework, is attributed to the Mamluks.
Syria’s Circassians were primarily centered in the southernmost province of Quneitra, scattered in a dozen villages in the Golan Heights whose beautiful geography is reminiscent of their homeland. However, this changed following violent Zionist occupation and bombardment. Circassians form majorities in two villages in the Syrian Golan Heights, Bariqa and Beer Ajam. There are also roughly 10 Circassian villages in the provinces of Homs and Hama. The towns of Marj al Sultan in rural Damascus and Khanasir in rural Aleppo were both inhabited by Circassians, but are today depopulated following the war. Today, many Circassians live in Damascus, and some others live in the cities of Homs and Aleppo.
Armenian identity is greatly impacted by a deep wound. Today, we celebrate their presence, perseverance and legacy in Syria, and we also acknowledge that many Armenians have become refugees once
Part 8 and the final religious group of the series about Syria’s religious makeup: the Yazidis. Special thanks to Syrian Yazidi followers @wailoo_ & @samarshekho who helped with the info!<br
The term “gypsy” has been used throughout history in a pejorative way and is recognized by many members of the community and researchers to be a derogatory term (particularly in