Open Letter

Mar. 11, 2023

Open Letter

To:

Mr. Putin Vladimir Vladimirovich, the President of the Russian Federation

Mr. Mikhail Vladimirovich Mishustin, Prime Minister of the Russian Federation

Mrs. Valentina Matviyenko, Chairman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation

Mr. Vyacheslav Viktorovich Volodin, Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation

Mr. Murat Kumpilov, Head of the Republic of Adygea

Mr. Kazbek Valeryevich Kokov, Head of Kabardino-Balkaria Republic

Mr. Rashid Temrezov, Head of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic

Mr. V.I. Kondratiev, Governor of the Krasnodar Territory

On February 6, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake affected thousands across Turkey and Syria. The death toll surpassed 50,000, leaving as many as 110,000 injured and millions of victims affected by this catastrophic event. In addition, entire villages and towns were destroyed, and close to 200,000 buildings were destroyed or significantly damaged beyond repair, leaving people homeless and without proper shelter.

The entire Circassian communities at home and diaspora are profoundly concerned and primarily disturbed by the tragic and horrifying circumstances that affected Turkey and Syria. Over 25 Circassian Villages were severely affected by the tragic event, and they are under a tremendous amount of stress.

We urgently appeal to you, Mr. President, and to your Government to act according to the State Policy of the Russian Federation towards Compatriots Abroad and help the Circassian people living in Turkey and Syria and those who wish to return to their historical motherland to return to the North Caucasus and settle in one of the following republics (Adygea Republic, Kabardino-Balkaria Republic, and the Karachay-Cherkessia republic). Mr. President, the Russian Federation fulfilled its duty in the past and helped the Compatriots living abroad to escape war zones and return to their homeland. For example, fleeing the conflict in the former Yugoslavia and escaping the current conflict in Ukraine. Mr. President, the time has come again for you to stand for your values and the values of the Russian Federation to fulfill your honorable duty and assist in bringing back Circassians affected by the earthquake in Turkey and Syria to their motherland. Furthermore, we urge you to simplify the process of receiving Citizenship in the Russian Federation.  

The returning Circassians will bring back the diversity and economic breadth that will further strengthen the Russian Federation’s economy. Their integration into the societies of the North Caucasus will also enrich the cultural fabric of the entire country. We sincerely believe that any steps to be taken by the Russian Government to facilitate the immediate return of all Circassian compatriots will benefit the Russian Federation and the Circassian people. Therefore, it is time for the Russian Government to fulfill its honorable duty, recognize the severity of the situation in Turkey and Syria, and initiate this highly needed humanitarian aid. We believe this great effort can be accomplished under your leadership and the directives of the Russian Federal Government and through collaboration with local governments of the North Caucasus republics.

While we await your kind actions and reply, please accept our best regardsWhile we await your kind actions and reply, please accept our best regards.

Best regards,

Dr. Orfan Shouakar-Stash, Chairman of the CRO

Dr. Ehsan Saleh, Circassian Activist and Co-founder of the Circassian Federation in Europe

Dr. Samil Erdogan, Circassian Activist and Co-founder of the UKD

Mr. Asker Sokht, President of the Circassian Association in Krasnodar

Mr. Atila Guser, President of the PERIT

Mrs. Şogen Emine Sezgin, President of the Circassian Women Association in Turkey

Mr. Şogen Faruk Arslandok, Leader of the Pluralist Democracy Party in Turkey

Dr. Nusret Baş, President of the Federation of Circassian Associations (Cherkes Fed), TR

Dr. Faidi Mahmoud, President of the Circassian Culture Association in Nuremberg, Germany