Circassians in Libya
Либием ис Адыгэхэр | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Total population | |
| 35.000 | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Misrata and Benghazi | |
| Languages | |
| Circassian languages, Arabic | |
| Religion | |
| Islam |
Circassians in Libya (Adyghe: Либием ис Адыгэхэр, romanized: Libiyem yis Adıgəxər) refers to the Circassian diaspora settled in Libya, numbering about 30 thousand today.[1][2] They live mainly in Misrata and Benghazi.[3] They have been integrated into Libyan society and are mostly Arabised.
History[]
Unlike many other Circassian diasporas in the Middle East, the Libyan Circassians are not descendants of the Circassians exiled during the Circassian genocide, but are descendants of the Circassian Mamluks who served in the armies of the Arab caliphs since the 9th century.[4] The traditions among Libyan Circassians have mostly been Arabised.[5]
Gaddafi era[]
The Circassians in Kosovo moved to the Republic of Adygea with the unexpected support and donations of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi in 1998. Gaddafi showed a deep respect for the Circassians and their historical suffering, as he called it.[6]
In March 2011, Muammar Gaddafi delegated a diplomat to meet Circassian community leaders in the Jordanian capital of Amman. The Jordanian Circassians, who were convinced that the Libyan Circassians have lost their identity and became Arabs, did not answer.[1][7]
Notable members[]
- Umar Muhayshi - Libyan army officer.
References[]
- ^ a b Радио Эхо Москвы
- ^ Инорм-аналит издание "Сегодня РУ"[dead link]
- ^ Nart Magazine 63(27), Circassian Charity Society, Amman, September 1998.
- ^ Andrew McGregor, A Military History of Modern Egypt: From the Ottoman Conquest to the Ramadan War, Praeger Security International, Westport Conn., 2006, pp.59-70.
- ^ Amjad Jaimoukha, The Circassians: A Handbook, Curzon, Surrey England, 2001, p.119.
- ^ Al- Shishani, Murad Batal. Qaddafi Tries to Secure Loyalty of Circassians of Misrata
- ^ Инорм-аналит издание "Сегодня РУ"[dead link]
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Category:Circassian diaspora
 | This article needs additional or more specific categories. (August 2021) |