Circassian Writer and Poet Iskhak Mashbash Dies

MAYKOP — Iskhak Mashbash, the Circassian writer and poet who held the title of People’s Writer of Adygea, Kabardino-Balkaria, Karachay-Cherkessia and Abkhazia, has died.

Announcing his death on social media, the head of Adygea, Murat Kumpilov, described the news as a tragic loss for the republic and the country.

“Iskhak Shumafovich was truly the voice of the Circassian people,” Kumpilov wrote.

Mashbash, who was also a Hero of Labour of the Russian Federation, produced hundreds of works of poetry and prose. Spanning dozens of volumes, his writing explored the history and destiny of his homeland, its natural beauty and the lives of its people, from ancient times to the present.

Kumpilov paid tribute to the love of country, attachment to his roots, wisdom and sincerity that characterised Mashbash’s work. He also highlighted the writer’s enduring contribution as the author of the lyrics to the Republic of Adygea’s anthem, performed at major occasions across the republic.

“He created hundreds of works of poetry and prose: dozens of volumes devoted to the history and destiny of his homeland, its beauty and its people, from ancient times to the present day. Every word he wrote was imbued with love for his homeland and his roots, and filled with wisdom and sincerity. It is no surprise that he should have been the one to write the lyrics to the anthem of the Republic of Adygea, which is heard today at every major occasion in the republic.”

— Murat Kumpilov

As chairman of the board of the Writers’ Union of Adygea, Mashbash devoted considerable effort to identifying and supporting young literary talent and strengthening the place of Circassian literature within Russia’s wider literary community. He also promoted Circassian culture internationally, representing its writers at prominent forums and conferences abroad.

Alongside his literary career, Mashbash was active in public life. As a member of Russia’s Civic Chamber, he brought initiatives of importance to the people of Adygea to national attention. He also served on bodies addressing interethnic co-operation, education and culture.

Above all, however, Mashbash remained a writer. The title of one of his publications, Literature Is My Life, captured his lifelong devotion to the written word and his native language. According to Kumpilov, he continued writing until his final day, remaining full of energy, ideas and plans.

Offering his deepest condolences to Mashbash’s family and loved ones, Kumpilov wrote: “Today we have suffered an irreparable loss. We mourn with you.”