Circassians in Libya
Circassians in Libya (Adyghe: Либием ис Адыгэхэр, romanized: Libiyem yis Adıgəxər) refers to the Circassian diaspora settled in Libya, numbering about 30 thousand today.[1][2] They live mainly in Misrata and Benghazi. They have been integrated into Libyan society and are mostly Arabised.
Либием ис Адыгэхэр | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Total population | |
| 35.000 | |
| Languages | |
| Circassian languages, Arabic | |
| Religion | |
| Islam |
History
Unlike many other Circassian diasporas in the Middle East, the Libyan Circassians are not descendants of the Circassians exiled during the Circassian genocide, but are descendants of the Circassian Mamluks who served in the armies of the Arab caliphs since the 9th century.
The Circassians in Kosovo moved to the Republic of Adygea with the unexpected support and donations of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi in 1998.
In March 2011, Muammar Gaddafi asked the Jordanian Circassians to convince the Libyan Circassians to support his regime, but the Jordanian Circassians, who were convinced that the Libyan Circassians have lost their identity and became Arabs, did not answer.[1][3]
Notable members
- Umar Muhayshi - Libyan army officer.
References
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