ISTANBUL — The Federation of Abkhaz Associations in Türkiye (ABHAZFED), in collaboration with the Şamil Education and Culture Foundation, the Alan Culture and Assistance Foundation, and the Caucasus Foundation, has announced a special event addressing the recent developments in Abkhazia.

Ankara Circassian Association (Ankara Çerkes Derneği) is facing forced eviction by Çankaya Municipality, despite the Yaşamkent Social Facility being built with the financial contributions of Circassians across Türkiye. The municipality initiated legal proceedings to vacate the facility, rejecting a request to extend the 10-year lease agreement. In response, the association held a large meeting with widespread participation on 1 December to inform members and discuss the situation.

KAYSERİ — In the district of Pınarbaşı, located in the city of Kayseri, Türkiye, known for its dense Circassian and Abaza population, the mayoral election was annulled following objections from the Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP). During the local elections held last Sunday, the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) candidate, Deniz Yağan, secured a win with 5,082 votes, narrowly defeating MHP’s candidate and incumbent mayor, Menduh Uzunluoğlu, who received 4,758 votes.

ISTANBUL ― The Federation of Abkhaz Cultural Centres (ABHAZFED), a prominent institution within the Turkish Abkhaz diaspora, has sent a letter to the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, advocating for the inclusion of Abkhaz children in the celebrations of April 23rd, National Sovereignty and Children's Day.

ISTANBUL — The delegation of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Abkhazia, led by President Tamila Mertskhulava, participated in the 'Caucasus Cultural Meetings' event, hosted by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality in collaboration with civil society organisations.

ISTANBUL — The album "Çerkes Ninenin Ninnileri" (Circassian Grandmother's Lullabies) curated by Marem Gökhan Şen, was released on World Mother Language Day under the Kalan Music label.

Bianet — Abkhaz language teacher İrfan Okuyucu (Ahocba) highlights a significant issue with the "Living Languages and Dialects" course in schools: "The biggest problem is the shortage of teachers, and even when available, the pay is far from adequate.

As World Mother Language Day (February 21) draws near, instructors of "Living Languages and Dialects" courses recount their experiences to bianet, from personal struggles for their mother tongue to their experiences in the classroom.

ISTANBUL ― The Istanbul Caucasian Association (İstanbul Kafkas Kültür Derneği - İKKD) has announced the suspension of its relations with the Federation of the Caucasian Associations (KAFFED), signaling a significant shift within the Circassian community in Türkiye. This move follows the recent withdrawal of the Kayseri Caucasian Association from KAFFED, stirring debates about a potential domino effect among other member associations.

ANKARA — The Turkish Language Society (TDK - Türk Dil Kurumu), in collaboration with the Federation of Caucasian Associations (KAFFED), has published the "Turkish-Abkhaz and Abkhaz-Turkish Dictionary" for sale following a process initiated in 2021.

KAYSERİ ― In a significant development within Türkiye's North Caucasian community, the Kayseri Caucasian Association has officially started the process to terminate its membership in the Federation of the Caucasian Associations (KAFFED). This pivotal move, stemming from a membership dating back to KAFFED's inception in 2003, underscores deep-rooted issues and disagreements within the organisation, reflecting broader challenges faced by the Circassian diaspora in Türkiye.