Cerkes Dernegi

Çerkes Derneği (Circassian Association), (CA), founded in Ankara in 1961, is one of the most deep-rooted non-governmental organizations in Turkey. The main mission of the association is to raise awareness among its members, and the Circassian community in Turkey at large, in terms of culture, language and art, to compile traditional cultural values, and develop them in harmony with the contemporary world culture. It also aims to support and develop active citizenship values among its members, to spread mutual solidarity and tolerance in the society and to work on the spread of peace at national and international level. In line with the aforementioned purposes and principles, the CA organizes seminars, conferences, interviews and meetings, as well as Circassian Folk dance, music, theater, handcrafts and language courses for all ages. The Circassian Association maintains its activities through various types of clubs including children's club, youth, women committees and an EU Project Group. It also has successful formal activities such as, Elbruz Folk Dances Ensemble, Badin Music Group and Nıbjeuğ Theatre Ensemble, which are branded art groups founded under the umbrella of the association. Large numbers of young people take part in these groups, and are active members and friends of the association. With more than 2300 members, democratic decision making process, a large scale of youth and women involvement, the CA is a powerful example of successful civil society in Turkey. For more information on the activities of the Circassian Association please visit CA’s website: https://cerkes.org.tr/