Amman - Aiming to revive and preserve the Circassian language and heritage, the Circassian community in Jordan hosted yesterday the First International Circassian Language Conference.
The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of HRH Prince Ali. HRH Princess Alia also attended the conference opening yesterday.
"The reason for this conference today is mainly to look into the Circassian language," Murat Kumilov, Adygeya republic prime minster told The Jordan Times.
"Great efforts are being undertaken in Russia to preserve the language, especially in the three republics: Adygeya, Kabardina, Balqaria and Qarashai Cherkeesk," said the prime minister.
He added that in Russia, the Circassian language has official status besides Russian.
"The conference, not a one-time event, will enhance Russian-Jordan relations and will be followed up by other such gatherings attended by specialists and professionals."
The premier also commended the "harmony among Jordanian people, including Circassians".
The two-day conference was attended by Circassian language specialists from different countries.
"The conference is a result of the continuous cooperation between the Circassian Association Charity and the Russian embassy in Amman to arrive at solutions to preserve the language," said Ishaq Mola, the association's president.
Ashraf Abaza, member in the administrative committee of the Circassian association told The Jordan Times the conference is a "must, especially for the new generation".
He added that the conference will explore the difficulties the language faces in Circassian-speaking communities, descendents of immigrants who took refuge in Turkey, Syria, Jordan and Egypt, among others, and means and ways to preserve it.
"We (Circassians) are taking the right approach to develop the heritage and unite Circassians behind this effort," said Jordanian journalist Jawdat Nashkho.
The journalist added that the Circassian language differs from one republic and region to another, voicing hope that specialists taking part in the conference will be able to modify the alphabet to make it easier to read and write.
By Rula Samain
© Jordan Times 2008
