Hundreds of Maykop residents lit candles in memory of the victims of the Caucasian War.

Memorial events marking the 162nd anniversary of the end of the Caucasian War in Maykop attracted several hundred people. In the evening, activists lit candles at an Adyghe hearth in the city center. Participants called for the continued preservation of the memory of the difficult trials the Adyghe people endured.

As reported by the "Caucasian Knot," the day of remembrance for the Adyghe victims of the Caucasian War that ended 162 years ago is being celebrated today by residents of southern Russia and the descendants of Circassians expelled from their historical homeland in various countries around the world. Commemorative events were held, in particular, in Kabardino-Balkaria, Karachay-Cherkessia, and Krasnodar Krai. Thus, in Nalchik on May 20, a memorial meeting was held, and in the evening, activists who gathered at the “Tree of Life” monument lit 101 candles, and today, city residents held a traditional march with Circassian flags, despite threats from security forces with administrative and criminal charges.

The memorial evening, held on May 21 at the Pushkin People's House, brought together approximately 300 people – representatives of different generations of the Adyghe community, activists, historians, and ordinary citizens. The hall was decorated with black and green ribbons. At 8:30 PM Moscow time, approximately 150 people moved to the Adyghe hearth – a symbolic place of remembrance in the center of Maikop, where a memorial candlelight vigil was held. Participants lit hundreds of candles, arranging them in the shape of the Adyghe flag, a "Caucasian Knot" correspondent reported.

When ancient lamentations for the victims were performed, many in attendance stood with tears in their eyes, one of the participants in the memorial evening told the "Caucasian Knot." "The event lasted about 40 minutes, after which people did not disperse, as if not wanting to sever this spiritual connection with one another," said Andzor Ekmuzh.

He emphasized the importance of holding memorial events for the Adyghe people. "If we forget these events, it will mean that the victims mean nothing to us. We must honor their memory every year, passing this tradition on from generation to generation," he noted.

Another event participant, Timur Khazhmakov, also believes that memorial events should be held annually and continuously.

“I'm not a historian or an activist, but I come to these events with my family every year because it's part of our identity. For me, these events are a way to honor the memory of everyone who lived through that tragedy. I bring my children here so that they can learn the history of their people not from textbooks, but through a living connection with the past. It's important to gather together every year, because fragmented memory is a weak memory, while collective memory is the force that unites us and prevents us from forgetting,” he told the Caucasian Knot.

He emphasized that new generations of Adyghe people should know what their ancestors went through. "This is necessary to appreciate what we have now and never forget those who did not survive to see our day. These events are important because without remembering the tragedy, we will lose ourselves as a people. The Caucasian War and its aftermath are an unhealing wound, and the only way to live with it is to acknowledge it, talk about it, and teach future generations," he noted.

Maikop resident Aslan has been participating in memorial events for 15 years in a row. "When I first attended such a rally, I cried like a child. And even now, there are times when it's hard to hold back my tears. For me, these events are a way to pay tribute to the memory of ancestors who could not be buried according to Adyghe customs, whose graves are lost somewhere. It's important to hold these events every year so that young people don't forget where we came from and at what cost. History must not repeat itself, but to avoid it, we must remember the past," he told the "Caucasian Knot."

According to his recollections, during the Soviet years, it was impossible to speak so openly about the tragic events of the past. "We couldn't gather in some large hall and discuss, remember our past. Now we can, so I say that we are obliged to do this every year, since we have this opportunity. When people forget their past, something bad is bound to happen to them," he emphasized.

Zalina, a 52-year-old resident of Maykop, takes part in memorial events every year. "For me, May 21st is the hardest and most important day of the year. Every time I hear lamentations at these events, I cry along with them, as if I were crying for all my ancestors who were unable to mourn their dead. Participating in these events is a way for me to heal through acknowledging their pain. We can't bring back the dead, we can't change the past, but we can remember and tell the truth. It's important to hold these events every year so that new generations don't grow up in ignorance, so that they know the value of peace and freedom that we have today. Honoring the memory of the victims of the Caucasian War is our duty to those who gave their lives so that the Adyghe people could survive," the woman told the "Caucasian Knot."

Mourning events on May 21st and personal participation in them are important for preserving the memory of the victims of the Caucasian War and human respect for the past, according to activist and human rights defender Zaur Shokuev..

"Such events allow the descendants of war victims to express their grief and gratitude to their ancestors. For many people, it's important not only to know about the tragic events, but also to have the opportunity to gather together on a certain day. This helps maintain connections between generations and remember what their ancestors had to endure," he told the "Caucasian Knot."

In his opinion, commemorative dates, celebrated peacefully and in an organized manner, are of great importance for the upbringing of children and youth. "Such events instill in the younger generation a respect for the history of their people. Sharing a common memory strengthens society, which promotes internal harmony and mutual understanding. And finally, honoring the memory of the victims of war means learning from its lessons. Therefore, for many, participation in such events is not a formality, but a sincere expression of humanity and respect for history," he emphasized.