The Center for Circassian Studies (CCS) is a research center under the Institute for Knowledge, Research, and Society. It advances scholarly, public, and policy-oriented work on Circassian history, memory, culture, and contemporary issues. The Center develops research projects, supports scholarly collaboration, and contributes to public understanding of Circassian history and contemporary developments.
The Center approaches Circassian studies through interdisciplinary research combining historical analysis, genocide studies, memory studies, political analysis, diaspora studies, and cultural research. It emphasizes critical engagement with sources, methodological transparency, and the careful integration of archival, oral, visual, and narrative materials.
Research Focus
Research at the Center is structured around interconnected themes that examine the historical formation, transformation, and contemporary articulation of Circassian experience. These themes are approached as overlapping fields shaped by imperial expansion, forced displacement, memory practices, diaspora formation, and ongoing political and cultural dynamics.
Research Themes
- Genocide, Deportation, and Aftermath
- The Circassian genocide, forced displacement, exile, and the long-term consequences of mass violence.
- Genocide Recognition
- Historical, legal, political, and public debates surrounding recognition of the Circassian genocide.
- History of the Circassian World
- Historical developments across Circassian lands, communities, and transregional connections.
- Imperial Expansion and Violence
- Russian imperial conquest of the Caucasus, the Caucasus War, and structures of colonial and mass violence.
- Diaspora and Transnational Networks
- Formation, transformation, and contemporary dynamics of Circassian communities across the Middle East, Europe, North America, and beyond.
- Memory, Commemoration, and Recognition
- Practices of remembering, silencing, mourning, commemoration, and political struggles over recognition.
- Cultural Production and Identity Formation
- Language, traditions, cultural expression, identity formation, and debates over continuity and change.
- Contemporary Politics and Society
- Current political, social, and cultural developments affecting Circassian communities.
Activities
- research projects and publications;
- archival, documentary, and oral history initiatives;
- public lectures, workshops, and seminars;
- collaboration with academic and community partners;
- policy-oriented analysis and expert contributions;
- development of resources for researchers, students, journalists, and public institutions.
Publications
The Center publishes scholarly, public-facing, and policy-oriented materials related to Circassian history, memory, genocide recognition, diaspora politics, and contemporary developments.
Publication areas include:
- Research & Analysis
- Policy Briefs & Commentaries
- Genocide Recognition Dossier
- Events & Briefings
- Resources
Projects
The Center develops and hosts research projects related to Circassian history, memory, genocide, diaspora, and contemporary issues. Current and forthcoming initiatives include:
- Circassian Studies Monthly Seminar Series — forthcoming
- A regular seminar bringing together researchers, practitioners, and community participants to discuss current research, publications, and developments in Circassian studies.
- Journal of Circassian Studies — in development
- A peer-reviewed academic journal dedicated to interdisciplinary research on Circassian history, culture, memory, diaspora, and contemporary issues.
- Circassian Genocide: Documentary Sources
Leadership
The Center for Circassian Studies is directed by Huseyin Oylupinar. His related work focuses on Circassian history, genocide studies, memory politics, and the relationship between historical research, public discourse, and contemporary forms of political and cultural engagement.
Advisory Board
The advisory board composed of scholars and practitioners working in relevant fields. The board will support the Center’s research directions, project development, academic partnerships, and public engagement activities.
Sources and Materials
Research at the Center draws on archival documents, published sources, oral histories, visual records, memoirs, community-based knowledge, and documentary collections. Particular attention is given to preservation, contextualization, and critical interpretation of historical evidence.
Public Engagement
The Center engages broader audiences through lectures, seminars, publications, expert commentary, and collaborative initiatives. It seeks to connect academic research with public discussion and to contribute to informed understanding of historical and contemporary issues related to the Circassian world.
Contact / Participation
Researchers, students, institutions, journalists, and organizations interested in collaboration, events, publications, or participation in the Center’s activities are welcome to get in touch.
oylupina@ualberta.ca