Around 40,000 Circassians live in Germany. Most of their families came from Turkey from the 1960s, after West Germany signed a labour agreement with Turkey in 1961. In 1968 Circassians in Munich founded Europe’s first Caucasian cultural association.
How they came
On 30 October 1961 West Germany signed a labour recruitment agreement with Turkey, and in the 1960s Circassians from Turkey began moving to Germany and other parts of Europe. Most planned to stay a few years and go home with their savings, but relatively few returned, partly because from 1974 workers could bring their families. Circassians also settled in the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Switzerland and Austria.
A smaller stream came from Syria: after 1967 many Syrian Circassians moved on to the United States, Canada, Germany, Austria and the Netherlands.
Associations
On 22 September 1968 Circassians in Munich founded Europe’s first “Caucasian cultural association”, and other associations in Germany and neighbouring countries soon followed. In 2004 the Circassian cultural associations of Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium came together in the Federation of Circassian Cultural Associations in Europe.
The language question
Most Circassians in Germany grew up with Turkish as their first language, some also with Circassian, and many now speak German best of all. Only 18% of Circassians in Europe say they are fluent in their mother tongue. Food is easier to keep: Circassian dishes travelled with the families, and you can cook these dishes at home.
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The Circassian App brings Circassians from many countries together: community chats (a general chat, Turkish and Arabic chats, a Circassian-only room and a chat for women), voice rooms, private messages and a people search for finding other Circassians. It also teaches Kabardian and Adyghe in short lessons with audio, so you can pick up the language on the way. It is free on iPhone and Android.
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Turkey · Jordan · Israel · Syria · United States. Overview: the Circassian diaspora today.
Circassians in Germany: questions
How many Circassians live in Germany?
Around 40,000, according to a 2013 estimate.
When did Circassians come to Germany?
Mostly from the 1960s, from Turkey, after West Germany and Turkey signed a labour recruitment agreement on 30 October 1961.
What languages do Circassians in Germany speak?
Most grew up with Turkish, some also with Circassian, and many now speak German best. Only 18% of Circassians in Europe say they are fluent in their mother tongue.
Are there Circassian associations in Germany?
Yes. Europe’s first Caucasian cultural association was founded in Munich in 1968, and in 2004 the associations of Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium formed a European federation.
Sources
- Wikipedia (English), “Circassians in Germany”. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circassians_in_Germany
- Wikipedia (English), “Circassians in Syria”. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circassians_in_Syria
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