Many Circassian Associations were in Taksim yesterday due to Circassian Genocide Memorial Day, May 21, 1864.
They gathered together in front of Taksim tram stop and marched to Russian Consulate building carrying "Russia we are back", "Recognise Circassian Genocide", "Education in mother tongue" banners.
Janket Acı made a press statement on behalf of the group:
"Hundreds of Circassians were massacred on May 21th and 90% of the rest were deported. We are the children of the genocide survivors and the deported Circassians.
"We are angry because there are no steps taken for the compensation of this injustice. Russia still welcomes any kind of human rights demand in Caucasia by an inhibition and pressure policy.
"We are angry because the 2014 Winter Olympics will be held in Soçi which was the capital city of Cherkessia and this city is announced as a Russian city. This isolates the Circassian identity and history of the city.
Following the demonstration at Taksim, the meeting held by Federation of Caucasian Associations began at 16:00 in Dolmabahçe.
"They are trying to unify us by forcing to speak in Turkish and therefore Circassian language is disappearing day by day. We demand a new law providing no obstacles against the launch of radio and television channels in Circassian language and education in our mother tongue" announced the Head of the Federation Vacit Kadıoğlu. (NV)
