14 Years Without Aslan Tsipinov: A Light That Still Shines

Today, 29 December 2024, marks the 14th anniversary of the tragic assassination of Aslan Tsipinov (ЦIыпIынэ Аслъэн/Ts'ip'ine Aslen in Circassian), a renowned ethnographer and cultural advocate who devoted his life to the preservation and revitalisation of Adyghe (Circassian) heritage.

On this day in 2010, Tsipinov was gunned down outside his home in the village of Shalushka, Kabardino-Balkaria, silencing a scholar whose work had become a cornerstone of modern Circassian identity. Those shots were not merely aimed at a remarkable individual, a great scholar and a true Adyghe. They were an attack on the Adyghe people themselves. The attack was carried out by insurgents who accused Tsipinov of "idolatry" for reviving Circassian traditions they deemed incompatible with their extremist interpretation of Islam.

Aslan Tsipinov was not just an academic; he was a cultural luminary. Holding the titles of Doctor of Philology, Professor, and Honoured Scientist of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, he dedicated his life to exploring the depths of Circassian folklore and traditions. His doctoral dissertation, Mytho-Epic Traditions of the Adyghes, remains a seminal work that bridges the mythological and historical narratives of the Adyghe people.

In his role as head of the Circassian Folklore Department at the Kabardino-Balkarian Institute for Humanities Research, Tsipinov was committed to preserving the intangible heritage of his people. His work extended beyond academia, reaching communities and individuals eager to reconnect with their roots.

Aslan approached issues through a national lens, rejecting the divisions imposed by Circassian Soviet intellectuals, who separated the Circassians into Kabardians, Adyghes, Circassians, and Shapsughs. Instead, he regarded the Adyghe as an integral ethnic group, closely related to the Abkhaz-Abazas. This inclusive perspective was reflected in all his work.

A Revivalist of Traditions

One of Tsipinov’s most celebrated achievements was the revival of the Circassian New Year on 22 March. Thanks to his efforts, this ancient celebration was reintroduced to public life, drawing thousands to Nalchik’s Abkhazia Square, where he delivered stirring speeches on the importance of cultural heritage. The event became a vibrant symbol of unity for the Adyghe people.

Tsipinov also championed the revival of traditional Adyghe wedding customs. By guiding young couples in organising ceremonies steeped in ancient practices, he ensured that these rituals remained alive, transmitting their profound cultural significance to future generations.

Tsipinov’s passion for Adyghe culture was deeply rooted in his upbringing. His mother, Tsatsa, recalls a boy of remarkable independence and determination. At just nine months old, he insisted on feeding himself, a glimpse of the resolute nature that would define his life.

As a child, Tsipinov immersed himself in rural life, often accompanying shepherds to the pastures. There, he listened intently to elders recount ancient tales in vivid and poetic language. These formative experiences, Tsatsa believed, ignited his lifelong devotion to Adyghe customs and history. His industrious spirit was evident even as a young boy when he convinced his father to craft a cart and a small scythe so he could gather fodder for livestock with his beloved donkey.

A Voice That Still Resonates

The words of Aslan Tsipinov continue to resonate and will undoubtedly stand the test of time. He was not involved in politics; he was, above all else, an Adyghe. Nothing more, but nothing less. And he took immense pride in celebrating Adyghe identity.

“Were our ancestors not the ones who developed the renowned and dominant moral and ethical code of the Caucasus?” Aslan would often ask. For him, the answer was unequivocal: if you wish to call yourself an Adyghe, you must live according to this code.

“May fate never send me anything beyond what my courage can endure,” he liked to say. Indeed, his courage was unwavering, allowing him to openly confront religious fanaticism.

“Religions come and go; the nation remains.”
“We are Adyghes first and foremost, and only then Muslims.”

Aslan believed these words should remain firmly ingrained in the hearts and minds of every Adyghe. Just as importantly, he believed that his memory, and the ideals he championed, must never fade from their collective consciousness.

Following his assassination on 29 December 2010, a video emerged on YouTube in which his killer claimed responsibility, accusing Tsipinov of reviving “ancient pagan traditions” that allegedly conflicted with Islam. However, this oversimplified narrative fails to capture the complexities of the situation. Tsipinov’s revival of traditional Circassian customs was a cultural endeavour, rooted in a desire to preserve his people’s history and identity. The assertion that his actions were anti-Islamic misrepresents his work and intentions.

The statements of Tsipinov, including the phrase, “Religions come and go; the nation remains,” have been misconstrued as evidence of antagonism towards Islam. In reality, this comment was part of a broader, scientifically informed argument advocating for national unity and cultural preservation. Despite the controversies surrounding his death, Tsipinov’s legacy continues to inspire the Circassian people to cherish and uphold their heritage.

Fourteen years after his untimely death, Tsipinov remains a guiding light for the Circassian community. His scholarship, activism, and unwavering commitment to his people’s future continue to inspire new generations. The Adyghe people remember him not only as a scholar but also as a symbol of their collective spirit and identity.