The Circassian flag (Adyghe and Kabardian: Адыгэ нып) is the national flag of the Circassians. It consists of a green field charged with twelve goldstars, nine forming an arc resembling a bow and three horizontal, also charged with three crossed arrows in the center.[1]Seferbiy Zaneqo, a Circassian diplomat, is the designer of the flag.[2] Every year, April 25 is celebrated as the Circassian flag day by Circassians.[3][4][5] Another version of the flag is currently officially used by the Republic of Adygea of the Russian Federation as its national flag.
The green represents the nature and Islam.[2] The golden colour represents a bright future in peace and the plentiful harvest of grain and wheat. There are twelve stars, representing the twelve provinces of Circassia.[6][1] There are three arrows, a reference to Adyghe Xabze in which they would mean "peace if you are my friend, war if you attack me".[2]
History and usage
Creation of the flag
An invasion of Circassia by Russia started in 1763,[7] and since then, the Circassians have been fighting the Russo-Circassian War in defense of their territory.[8][9] The Treaty of Adrianople was signed on 14 September 1829,[10] which stated that the Ottoman Empire recognized Circassia as Russian territory. Most Circassian leaders believed the treaty was a hoax, a strategy of the Russians, as they believed that the Ottoman Empire would never abandon the Circassians. It was decided to send a delegation to the Ottoman sultan to examine the accuracy of the news.[11]
Seferbiy Zaneqo was chosen as one of the delegates. Their mission was to meet with the Ottoman caliph to clarify the matter and receive a blessing. However, the Russian ambassador started pressuring the sultan to arrest them, and following this, the other delegates returned the Circassia while Zaneqo stayed.[11]
During this time, Zaneqo was injured during a demonstration against Russian Imperialism, and was hospitalised. When a Circassian man, Muhammad Selkhur, visited him, Zaneqo presented a folded paper, and clarified that it is a prototype for a Circassian unity flag, and that during his long hospitalization, he thought considerably about a symbol for the Circassian unity and he concluded on the contents of the paper. He explained that he took inspiration from previous Circassian symbols, and that each of the twelve stars represents a Circassian tribe and they are all equally represented without prejudice. As to the crossed arrows they represent that the Circassians do not seek war, but will defend themselves when attacked. A Circassian woman from the Ottoman harem knitted the flag and sent it to Circassia.[2][12]
Seferbiy viewed the Circassian flag as a symbol suited to the Circassians' historical context and distributed copies to his allies. In one case, his twin-masted ship was destroyed by a Russian detachment in January 1838, however the Circassians successfully transported the flag and gunpowder to the village of Wostighay, where Hawduqo Mansur [tr] lived.
David Urquhart self-proclaimed to be the designer of the flag, but there is no discovered evidence for his claims.[13] Seferbiy's father's cousin was related to Prince Hatokhshoqo Hamirza, relative to Kabardian Grandprince Jankhot Kushuk, and thus knew the arrow and star design from the Kabardian coat of arms. The flag's origin traces back to the coat of arms, indicating its design stemmed from local efforts rather than external influences. In a speech in Britain, Urquhart described the flag's elements independently of Circassian culture, revealing his lack of knowledge about their origin and meaning.[14][15][16]
Adoption and usage of the flag
A house wall in Kfar Kama, Israel, decorated with the Circassian flag design, 2011
In 1836, the first copy of the flag was hand-delivered by the British delegate James Stanislaus Bell to Nour Muhammad Haghur in the Gesh Valley (in present-day Sochi). A council was held in the Psefabe Valley where representatives of the Circassian tribes met, in which the flag was presented and accepted.[2] The flag was then flown by Khirtsizhiqo Ale to cheers from Circassian commanders and a multitude of people.[12][17]
The Circassian people used this design ever since it was first adopted, including in the Russo-Circassian War. The flag is seen as one of the symbols of the Circassian nation by Circassians worldwide as well as one of the symbols of Circassian nationalism. This flag was also used by Circassians in the Circassian diaspora serving in several positions.
Circassian children from Maykop, Russia, with the Circassian flag, 2014
While the flag always survived among the Circassian diaspora, it lost its popularity in the Caucasus as a result of censorship during the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union, until it was repopularized by Ibrahim Nawurjan in 1989. Nawurjan, a history student at the Kabardino-Balkarian State University, discovered Edmund Spencer's book in the archives and resurrected the flag by painting it according to the description in the book. The flag was then adopted as a symbol of the Nalchik Circassian association. Nawurjan, a fervent Spartak Nalchik fan, helped popularize it among Spartak Nalchik supporters, and it later became popular among Circassians in the Caucasus again. On August 25, Nawurjan was killed on the Mamdzishha hill during the Abkhazian War, in which he voluntarily participated.[18] A historical surviving copy of the flag was later discovered, and compared to Nawurjan's design as well as designs in the diaspora, with all designs being identical in essence.
The Republic of Adygea adopted the present-day flag in a law of March 24, 1992. The proportions are 1:2.
Historical Circassian flags
Evolution of the current flag
The Circassian flag was used in various local variants at the same time from the 1830s until the end of the war. While the 12-star version was the standard version, local designs with 8, 9, 10, and 11 stars were also recorded. White, black, and yellow were used for the arrows and stars, with different shades of green for the background.[19][20][21] John Longworth described a variant of the Circassian flag featuring white arrows and stars set against a green background in 1837.[20]
First recorded version of the green banner, used as the unitary flag of East Circassia. It is recorded as "the flag of the Kabardian people" in Russian sources. The design is imported from the coat of arms. The three stars on the banner represent the three regions of Kabardia: Baksan, and Kashkhatau fractions and Lesser Kabardia. In 1805, the banner was captured by Russian troops under the command of General Glazenap during a battle near the Baksan River.[22]
The yellow and white part is removed. This version was used by Grand Prince Jankhot Kushuk and the spear it was attached to had Prince Jankhot’s tamga () at its tip.[22]
Designed by Seferbiy Zaneqo, it was used as the flag of Circassia since 1830,[23] and was officially adopted by the Circassian Majlis in 1861. The green represents the nature and Islam. There are twelve stars, representing the twelve provinces of Circassia. The black is preserved for the arrows but the stars are golden. The arrows represent that the Circassians do not seek war, but will defend themselves when attacked. Removed after the fall of Circassia in 1864 following the Battle of Qbaada.
The Deliberti "The Liberty" flag sent by David Urquhart to the Shapsug, Natukhaj, and Abzakh in June 1836. 3 pieces were sent in total. According to Urquhart, the flags were sent by William IV.[24]
This version was drawn by Spencer, English traveler in Circassia. During the spread of the Circassian flag, it was drawn according to the available materials or different situations, so it appeared in different colors, stars and arrows but it kept its shape.[19]
A variant of the Circassian flag. On February 3, 1837, an assembly was held in Adagum, including John Longworth, James Bell, and a total of 1000–1500 participants. The leader of the assembly was Hawduqo Mansur [tr]. This flag was the standard of Mansur and used at the center of the assembly.[25][26]
A variant of the Circassian flag. It was captured from Natukhajs by Russian troops during the Circassian assault on the Abinsk Fortress on May 26, 1840.[27][28][29]
First flag of the Republic of Adygea. The design was based on the flag of Circassia, but the colours and measurements were significantly different. The wartime flag is replaced with the peacetime flag; therefore black representing fight against Russian invasion was completely removed and replaced with a golden colour, while the stars were lifted higher. The golden colour was re-purposed to represent harvest of wheat.
The flag culture had a wide and important usage among the Circassians.[30] As far as known that since the Early Middle Ages, flags bearing the tamgas of influential or aristocratic dynasties have been in use.[31] The tamgas on the flags were usually sewn with golden silk. In addition to those used in battle and during marching, flags were also used for sports, weddings, religious rituals, graves, ceremonies, and to signal from a distance.[30][31]
Each military unit within a Circassian army carried its own banner, which belonged to its commander. The main army flag was that of the supreme commander and was carried by a designated standard-bearer, who remained close to the leader during battle. Orders were signaled through specific flag movements, each signaling a different command. Due to the chaos of battle, some units were unable to perceive flag signals, so instruments such as the types of horns or drums were used to convey commands.[32]
Two main types of banners were used in battles: clan banners, marked with tamgas representing noble families, and tribal banners, representing broader tribes. Clan banners were used by aristocratic units, while tribal banners were carried by commoner-led units. If a campaign was initiated by a public assembly, the tribal banner of the leader served as the main army flag.[32]
In Circassian aristocratic tribes, only the lower-ranked nobles could be standard-bearers (Adyghe: бэракъыхь, бэракъзехъэ; Kabardian: сэнджакъщIэт) of the princes they served, a hereditary wartime role held by certain lower-ranked noble families. For example, the duty of being the standard-bearer of the Cherchan princes of the Bzhedugs belonged to the Hakuy family.[30] In democratic tribes, standard-bearers were elected based only on merit. In both systems, standard-bearers has to be bravest ones, as they were expected to be alongside the commander at the front lines.[32]
When an important warrior died on a battlefield, a banner with their family’s tamga was placed on top of the burial mound as grave made for them.[33] According to the Caucasus historian Vasily Potto, many grave flags were raised on tall poles in cemeteries near warrior villages.[34]
During the Adagum Assembly in 1837, each leader and their group stood at the assembly under their own banner.[26] It indicates that this is how banners were traditionally used at assemblies.[25] People's Assembly of Adagum was an administrative unit, especially among the Natukhaj, Shapsugh, Abzakh and Ubykh, until the reign of Muhammad Emin.[35] In March 1840, during the Siege of Mikhailovsky, Russian cadet Iosis Miroslavsky noted that the Circassians used red victory banners.[36] In April 1840, it was decided at a meeting near the Ubin River that each river-based area (psukh) would send 15 cavalrymen to campaigns and battles. Each cavalry unit joined the battle under a flag that was representing its own river-based community.[30] During the Circassian assault on the Abinsk Fortress on May 26, 1840, Russian forces captured three tribal banners; two belonging to the Natukhaj and one to the Shapsug.[32]
In wedding flags, the tamgas of the bride’s and groom’s families were displayed, hers on the left and his on the right, reflecting their traditional positions in the wedding. During wedding ceremonies a popular equestrian game involved riders chasing a flag-bearer to seize a bordered flag. In a competition game recorded by James Bell, riders try to take a white flag that has symbols on it from the rider who carries it.[37] The same game appeared in ceremonies marking the return of an aristocratic child from his educator, using a green based flag. In one variation, the goal was to capture a fabricless flag made from hazelnut.[38]
In the Kabardian and Abazin "return from plowing" festival (Kabardian: вакӏуэ ихьэж), another white flag (called вакӏуэ бэракъ) symbolizing nature’s rebirth is raised on a 3–5 meter pole. Its raising marks the end of fieldwork and the start of a communal feast. Led by an appointed chief, the celebrations continue and competitions begins in the village after the white flag is placed in the courtyard of a preselected house.[39][38]
Following the death of an important person, a black flag was traditionally hoisted on a tall pole above their family's house for three days as a sign of mourning, so that passersby would stop by to offer their condolences.[40][33] A black flag was also placed at the entrance of a home affected by plague or cholera to warn passersby and help prevent the spread of disease.[40] When a child was born, a flag was placed on the house roof or fence.[38]
Since the Kabardian region came under Russian influence and rule earlier, most of the banners of prominent aristocratic dynasties were recorded in Russian sources. Although the existence of the banners of Western Circassian aristocrats are recorded,[41] their specific descriptions were either never recorded or have not yet been compiled from any archival sources.[30]
As described in "Eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea. HM 35. JOÃO FREIRE, PORTOLAN ATLAS. Portugal (?), 1546"
1641
Coalition of Lesser Kabardia
The Lesser Kabardian coalition banner used by the Sholokh (from Talostan) and Mudar (from Jilakhstaney) principalities in the Battle of Malka in 1641.[22]
17th c.
Principality of Talostan
Banner of the Lesser Kabardian princely House of Talostan Principality. The banner was used during the Battle of Malka in 1641.[22]
17th c.
Lesser Kabardia (Jilakhstaney)
Flag of the Lesser Kabardia (Jilakhstaney) with the tamga's of Mudar and Akhle families. The banner was used during the Battle of Malka in 1641.[22]
18th c.
Principality of Hatokhshoqo
Banner of the Greater Kabardian princely House of the Hatokhshoqo (Atajuqo) Principality. At the tip of the spear to which it was attached, there was the 4th tamga of the family. The banner was captured by Russian troops in a battle near the Mount Kanzhal in the 18th century.[22]
18th c.
Principality of Misost
Banner of the Greater Kabardian princely House of the Misost Principality. At the tip of the spear holding the banner, there are the second tamga made from iron of the Misost family. In the second half of the 18th century, the banner was captured by Russian troops during the defeat of the Crimean Khan's headquarters in Bakhchisarai.[22]
18th c.
Principality of Qeytuqo
Banner of the Greater Kabardian princely House of the Qeytuqo Principality. In the second half of the 18th century, the banner was seized by Russian troops during the defeat of the Crimean Khan's headquarters in Bakhchisarai. Tamgas or other symbols were usually not used on yellow and white fabric because these symbols were mostly sewn with gold thread. That’s why Qeytuqo Banner has no symbols. However the tip of the spear it was attached to had the Qeytuqo tamga () made of iron.[22]
18th c.
Kundetey
Banner of the first-rank noble House of Kundet (Kudenet) in Greater Kabardia. Vassal to the Hatokhshoqo Principality. In 1797, the banner was captured by General Fabritsian’s unit during a battle near the Konstantingorsk Fortress.[22]
19th c.
Principality of Bekmirza
Banner of the Greater Kabardian princely House of the Bekmirza Principality. The daggers without sheaths on the banner are sewn with gold. At the tip of the spear holding the banner, there was an iron tamga of the Bekmirza family. The banner was captured by Yermolov's Russian troops in 1822.[22]
19th c.
Principality of Mudar
Banner of the Lesser Kabardian princely House of the Mudar Principality. In 1816, the banner was captured by Russian troops during a battle near the Terek River.[22]
19th c.
Principality of Akhle
Banner of the Lesser Kabardian princely House of Akhle (or Alkho). The banner was used by the Lesser Kabardian cavalry detachment and fought against the French near Mozhaysk in 1812 during Napoleon’s invasion of Russia.[22]
19th c.
Tambiy's
Banner of the first-rank noble House of Tambiy in Greater Kabardia. Vassal to the Misost Principality. It was captured by Russian troops during the 1834 raid on the village of Tambiy, which was located on the banks of the Kuban River.[22]
Banner of the Lesser Kabardian noble Muhammad-Mirza Anzor. Vassal to the Talostan Principality. In 1849, the banner was captured during a Russian assault on the village of Gekhi in Lesser Chechnya.[22]
?–19th c.
Abay's
Banner of the Lesser Kabardian first-rank noble House of Abay. Vassal to the Jilakhstaney.[23]
?–19th c.
Astemirey
Banner of the Lesser Kabardian first-rank noble House of Astemir. Vassal to the Jilakhstaney, later to Bekovich-Cherkassky.[23]
?–19th c.
Azepshey
Banner of the Lesser Kabardian first-rank noble House of Azepsh. Vassal to the Jilakhstaney.[23]
?–19th c.
Bezroquey
Banner of the Lesser Kabardian first-rank noble House of Bezroqo.[23]
?–19th c.
Botashey
Banner of the Lesser Kabardian first-rank noble House of Botash of Balkar origin. Vassal to the Talostan Principality.[23]
?–19th c.
Yislamey
Banner of the Lesser Kabardian first-rank noble House of Islam (Yislam). Vassal to the Akhle Principality.[23]
?–19th c.
Yindarey
Banner of the Lesser Kabardian first-rank noble House of Indar (Yindar). Vassal to the Jilakhstaney.[23]
?–19th c.
Yinaroquey
Banner of the Lesser Kabardian first-rank noble House of Inaroqo (Yinaroqo). Vassal to the Jilakhstaney.[23]
?–19th c.
Haptsey
Banner of the Lesser Kabardian first-rank noble House of Hapts.[23]
?–19th c.
Makhsid's
Banner of the Lesser Kabardian fourth-rank noble House of Makhsid.[23]
19th c.
Murtazey
Banner of the Lesser Kabardian second-rank noble House of Murtaza. Vassal to the Talostan Principality. The banner was captured by Yermolov's Russian troops in 1822.[22]
A flag of Kabardia under the Russian occupation recorded by Mustafa Mahir Efendi in 1865.[42] The flag appears in Wojciech Kossak's paintings depicting the Circassian attack on Polish demonstrations in Warsaw in February and April 1861.[43]
"The flag of the prophet" described by Karl Marx. "The flag itself is green and has a white sword with a crescent and a star on it." This flag was the standard of Muhammad Amin and was widely recognized[44] in Western Circassia. Circassian leaders pledged their allegiance to Muhammad Amin in front of this banner.[45] The famous Western Bzhedug prince Hadjemuqo Alkhas also used a similar flag.[44]
Flag of the Natukhaj region. It is a replica of the French flag with the text "Muhammad" added on it, representing the Islamic prophet Muhammad. Captured by Russian troops in 1840.[27][46]
^
Richmond, Walter (2013). "A Pawn in the Great Game". The Circassian Genocide. Genocide, Political Violence, Human Rights. New Brunswick, New Jersey: Rutgers University Press. p. 50. ISBN9780813560694. Retrieved June 10, 2019. [...] Urquhart claims to have met fifteen tribal leaders and nearly two hundred village chiefs, designed the Circassian flag, and helped them draft a petition to London for assistance.
^ abcdefghijklmnoМаксидов, А.А. "Знамена кабардинских князей и дворян" [Banners of Kabardian princes and nobles]. Генеалогия Северного Кавказа (in Russian). 5. Нальчик: Институт гуманитарных исследований Правительства КБР и КБНЦ РАН: 166–171.
^ abcdefghijkМаксидов, А. А. (2003). "Знамена малокабардинских дворян" [Banners of the Lesser Kabardian nobles]. Генеалогия Северного Кавказа (in Russian). 6. Нальчик: Институт гуманитарных исследований Правительства КБР и КБНЦ РАН: 166–167.
^ abcМаксидов, А. А. (2003). "Адыгские знамена: поиски и находки" [Adyghe Banners: Searches And Finds]. Генеалогия Северного Кавказа (in Russian). 6. Нальчик: Институт гуманитарных исследований Правительства КБР и КБНЦ РАН: 163–166.
^"флаги адыгеи". vexillographia.ru (in Russian). Retrieved October 10, 2024.
^ abcdeМаксидов, А.А. "ИЗ ИСТОРИИ ГОРСКИХ ЗНАМЕН" [FROM THE HISTORY OF THE MOUNTAINOUS BANNERS]. Генеалогия Северного Кавказа (in Russian). 5. Нальчик: Институт гуманитарных исследований Правительства КБР и КБНЦ РАН: 152–166.
^ abЯХТАНИГОВ, Х.Х. (2006). АДЫГСКИЕ ТАМГИ [Circassian tamgas] (in Russian). Nalchik: Кабардино-Балкарский государственный университет им. Х.М. Бербекова. p. 18.
^Василий, Потто Александрович. Кавказская война [Caucasus War] (in Russian). Vol. 5. Following this large (Turkish) banner were five other smaller banners, belonging to the five ruling Transkuban princes. За этим большим знаменем следовали пять других знамен меньших размеров, принадлежащие пяти владетельным закубанским князьям.
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