The impact of modernization on the circassian ethnicity: The case of Turkey and Russia

Circassians are an ethnic people who, despite their wars and struggles with Russia for the sake of their homeland, the Caucasus, for many years, are eager to preserve their cultural values, which have been exiled and dispersed to many different countries. Turkey is one of the leading countries where Circassians live their lives. In response to the assimilationist effects of modernization, it is believed that both in Turkey and in Russia they maintain their own unique culture with their closed life practices. In this study, the practices of Circassians under the effects of modernization were examined with a sociological perspective. The study will be conducted on a sample within the scope of the universe of Turkey and Russia. The subject will be examined sociologically through the modernization policies and practices of Turkey and Russia, their reflection on Circassian culture and the practices revealed by Circassians. In this study, qualitative research method was used within the scope of ethnographic pattern. In this context, in-depth interviews were conducted with a total of 30 participants, including 18 women and 12 men living in Turkey and Russia. As a result of the study, it was stated that Circassians living both in Russia and living in Turkey were affected by modernization in positive and negative aspects. With the technological changes, industrialization and urbanization increasing in connection with this, Circassians have come out of the areas where they lived a closed life and interacted with other cultures. This has led to a cultural interaction in both countries and they have undergone changes with the cultures specific to the country where they live. Within the framework of the impact of modernization, it was underlined that although the Circassian culture has undergone cultural change and lost some of its traditions, on the one hand, it should comply with time. The development of technology and communication tools has also been one of the positive developments for the Circassians, who are scattered in many countries.