SHUSHA, Azerbaijan, July 06. Today, Circassian
culture is constantly persecuted and is on the verge of extinction,
said Gintaras Songaila, said director of the Lithuanian Media
Association and former member of the Lithuanian Seimas, during an
international conference in Shusha titled "Cultural and Ethnic
Diversity: Lessons of History, Modern Challenges," Trend correspondent reports
from the event.
According to him, in the 19th century, 90 percent of Circassians
were subjected to genocide, their historical homeland was
destroyed, and they were dispersed across various countries.
"Today, Circassian culture is constantly persecuted and is on
the verge of extinction. As far as I know, the Republic of
Lithuania will soon recognize the genocide of the Circassian people
committed by the Russian Empire. As a result, Lithuania will be
able to raise the issue of recognition of the Circassians'
historical homeland at the UN. Russia must abandon its imperialist
policies and accept responsibility for its actions," he said.
It's worth noting that an international conference on "Cultural
and Ethnic Diversity: Lessons of History, Contemporary Challenges"
is taking place in Shusha.
The event is organized by the Center for Cultural and Ethnic
Diversity in partnership with the Silk Road Cultural and Historical
Research Association.
Representatives from Azerbaijan, the United States, France,
Lithuania, Poland, the Czech Republic, Germany, Israel, Türkiye,
and Georgia are participating in the conference.
