Search

May 21, 1864 is a symbolic date marking the end of the Russian-Caucasus wars. Every year commemorations are organised in both Turkey and Caucasus to remember this momentous of 1864. Serving as a realms of memory, these commemorations enable the construction of collective identity for Circassians and they also shape the identity for the Circassian. In our field research that was conducted in 2017, in the Circassian villages of Pınarbaşı, Kayseri, by means of questions directed at the informants, the role this date plays in terms of the construction of collective identity was analysed. It is determined that Circassians of Uzunyayla reinforced the collective identity through symbols and rituals in these annual commemorations. This research studies the perception and acknowledgement of the date 21 May 1864, how the perception of Kefken mausoleum and fish consumption has been created and also the factors that cause different perceptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Electronic Turkish Studies is the property of Electronic Turkish Studies and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)