Latest news with #Circassians
Ammon
21-05-2025
- General
- Ammon
Circassians mark Day of Mourning with cultural commemoration
Ammon News - Every year on May 21, the Circassian community in Jordan joins Circassians around the world in commemorating the Day of Mourning — a solemn remembrance of the end of the Caucasian War in 1864. This year, the Circassian Charity Association (CCA) hosts a commemoration in Amman, bringing together community members in traditional dress to honour their ancestors, share oral histories and reaffirm cultural identity through dance, food and storytelling. A cultural cornerstone Founded in 1932, the CCA is one of the oldest community institutions in Jordan. 'The association was established by Circassian students who had studied at Al-Azhar University in Cairo,' said Ibrahim Ishaqat, president of the CCA. He noted that the association currently has around 7,000 members and operates several branches across the Kingdom, including a dedicated women's branch. Its headquarters in Amman houses a number of key facilities such as a traditional kitchen, a cultural and conference hall, a library, a school, and training centres. Tradition in practice In the association's kitchen, traditional dishes are prepared regularly for community events. Among the most iconic is chepse and pasta — a hearty Circassian dish made from bulgur, flour and other staple ingredients, often served on special occasions as a symbol of hospitality and cultural pride. These culinary traditions are passed down through generations and serve as a key expression of cultural pride. Music and dance are also essential components of community life. The Qafa dance, for example, is a signature Circassian group dance characterised by upright posture, precise steps and circular movements. It is often performed during weddings and formal gatherings to symbolise unity, discipline and grace. Voices of continuity For many Circassians, cultural preservation begins at home. 'We speak our native language at home to keep it alive for the younger generations,' said Sirine Shhlatough, an elder member of the association. 'I teach my grandchildren to respect elders and women — these are Circassian values. We also hold gatherings to share our stories and keep our culture alive,' she added. These personal efforts complement the institutional role played by the CCA in providing a platform for community engagement and intergenerational exchange. A legacy of leadership Ishaqat also highlighted prominent Circassian figures like former prime minister SaeedMufti and minister Wasfi Mirza have been associated with the CCA, reflecting the community's contributions to Jordan's development while maintaining cultural distinctiveness. A living heritage As Jordanian Circassians mark the Day of Mourning each year, the event serves not only as a memorial, but also as a celebration of cultural resilience. Through language, dance, cuisine and values, the CCA plays a vital role in safeguarding cultural identity and ensuring it is passed on to future generations. Jordan Times
Jordan Times
20-05-2025
- General
- Jordan Times
Circassians mark Day of Mourning with cultural commemoration
Circassians wearing traditional clothes perform a cultural dance (Photo courtesy of the Circassian Charity Association) AMMAN — Every year on May 21, the Circassian community in Jordan joins Circassians around the world in commemorating the Day of Mourning — a solemn remembrance of the end of the Caucasian War in 1864. This year, the Circassian Charity Association (CCA) hosts a commemoration in Amman, bringing together community members in traditional dress to honour their ancestors, share oral histories and reaffirm cultural identity through dance, food and storytelling. A cultural cornerstone Founded in 1932, the CCA is one of the oldest community institutions in Jordan. 'The association was established by Circassian students who had studied at Al-Azhar University in Cairo,' said Ibrahim Ishaqat, president of the CCA, in an interview with The Jordan Times. He noted that the association currently has around 7,000 members and operates several branches across the Kingdom, including a dedicated women's branch. Its headquarters in Amman houses a number of key facilities such as a traditional kitchen, a cultural and conference hall, a library, a school, and training centres. Tradition in practice In the association's kitchen, traditional dishes are prepared regularly for community events. Among the most iconic is chepse and pasta — a hearty Circassian dish made from bulgur, flour and other staple ingredients, often served on special occasions as a symbol of hospitality and cultural pride. These culinary traditions are passed down through generations and serve as a key expression of cultural pride. Music and dance are also essential components of community life. The Qafa dance, for example, is a signature Circassian group dance characterised by upright posture, precise steps and circular movements. It is often performed during weddings and formal gatherings to symbolise unity, discipline and grace. Voices of continuity For many Circassians, cultural preservation begins at home. 'We speak our native language at home to keep it alive for the younger generations,' said Sirine Shhlatough, an elder member of the association. 'I teach my grandchildren to respect elders and women — these are Circassian values. We also hold gatherings to share our stories and keep our culture alive,' she added. These personal efforts complement the institutional role played by the CCA in providing a platform for community engagement and intergenerational exchange. A legacy of leadership Ishaqat also highlighted prominent Circassian figures like former prime minister SaeedMufti and minister Wasfi Mirza have been associated with the CCA, reflecting the community's contributions to Jordan's development while maintaining cultural distinctiveness. A living heritage As Jordanian Circassians mark the Day of Mourning each year, the event serves not only as a memorial, but also as a celebration of cultural resilience. Through language, dance, cuisine and values, the CCA plays a vital role in safeguarding cultural identity and ensuring it is passed on to future generations.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Dan Rather Shaded Trump With A 'Turkish Proverb,' And It's Gone Hugely Viral
Dan Rather has some choice words, or rather, a little proverb for President Donald Trump. The veteran broadcast journalist and former 'CBS Evening News' anchor seemed to hit a nerve Monday, sharing on Facebook a post aimed squarely at Trump's tumultuous administration — to nearly one million likes and more than 60,000 comments. 'When a clown moves into a palace he doesn't become a king, the palace instead becomes a circus. — Turkish proverb,' the post reads. Rather also shared a recent article of his in the comments of Monday's post about Trump's steep international tariffs and the U.S. economy, seemingly confirming the proverb was about him. The premise of a clown entering a palace seemed to strike a chord. 'Perfect description of what is going on right now. I never understood people's fear of clowns, until now…,' wrote one Facebook user, with another commenting: 'My daughter used to be afraid of clowns. Here is one we can all be afraid of.' Trump has certainly created the current White House in his image. The former reality television star forewent the Oval Office's traditional decor to include more gold, hawked Tesla vehicles on the grounds for his billionaire tech mogul buddy Elon Musk — and is practically selling U.S. citizenship for $5 million a pop. The proverb itself likely originated with the Circassians, Sunni Muslims from the Northwestern Caucasus, and is not specifically Turkish. Regional newspaper Türkiye Today noted as much after NBA star LeBron James shared the words on Instagram in February. 'Turkish proverb / American reality,' one user nonetheless argued on Rather's post Monday. In his career, Rather covered some of the biggest events in modern history, including the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Gulf War and 9/11. He was fired in 2006 over reporting on then-President George W. Bush's National Guard service — and later sued the network for $70 million. Rather has spent his retirement sharing his political thoughts on Facebook and Substack. Livid Jim Cramer Tears Into Trump For Making Him 'Feel Like A Sucker' On Tariffs CNN's Diehard Trump Fan Scott Jennings Makes Surprising Confession On Tariffs Critics Call Utter B.S. On Kellyanne Conway's Rebrand Of Trump's Tariffs
