Circassians in USA: Identity in a New World
They number only a few thousand in a country of 330 million, but the Circassian community in the United States has achieved something remarkable: preserving a distinct cultural identity not through geographic concentration, but through deliberate choice and digital-age innovation.
Introduction
The Circassian presence in the United States is not defined by numbers — it is defined by impact, organization, and cultural persistence. In a country of over 330 million people, the estimated 5,000 to 10,000 Circassians living across America have built something remarkable: a diaspora that preserves its identity not through geographic concentration, but through deliberate choice, digital innovation, and an unwavering commitment to heritage.
Unlike the older, larger diaspora communities in Turkey and Jordan, where Circassians settled in distinct villages and neighborhoods, the American Circassian community is scattered — from New Jersey to California, from Texas to Michigan. Yet this dispersion has not weakened their identity. If anything, it has made their cultural preservation more intentional, more creative, and more connected to the global diaspora than perhaps any other community in the world.
The story of Circassians in America is one of voluntary migration, professional achievement, and a generation that refuses to let distance erase their roots.
🇺🇸 Small Community, Big Impact
The community is concentrated in New Jersey and New York
Organizations like the Circassian Benevolent Association maintain cultural ties
Younger generations balance American identity with heritage preservation
Digital connectivity has strengthened links with global diaspora
How Circassians Came to America
The Circassian migration to the United States occurred in several distinct waves, each shaped by different circumstances and motivations.
The Early Arrivals (1900s–1950s)
The earliest Circassians to reach American shores arrived in the early 20th century, part of broader immigration waves from the Ottoman Empire and the Middle East. These pioneers were few in number, and many found themselves absorbed into larger immigrant communities — often categorized as "Turkish" or "Syrian" in immigration records, their Circassian identity invisible to the broader American society.
These early arrivals settled primarily in the industrial Northeast, finding work in factories and small businesses. They maintained their identity through family traditions, but lacked the critical mass to establish formal organizations.
The Cold War Era (1950s–1980s)
A second wave came during the Cold War, when some Circassians from Turkey and the Middle East emigrated seeking educational and economic opportunities. This generation was often highly educated — engineers, doctors, and academics who saw America as a land of professional advancement.
They brought with them a deep awareness of their heritage and began the first organized efforts to establish Circassian cultural institutions in the United States.
The Modern Wave (1990s–Present)
The most significant wave of Circassian immigration to the United States began in the 1990s and continues to this day. This wave includes:
Professionals from Turkey — Engineers, IT specialists, and business professionals seeking opportunities in Silicon Valley, New York, and other tech hubs
Academics and students — Young Circassians pursuing graduate degrees at American universities, many of whom remained after completing their studies
Families from Jordan and Syria — Particularly after the Syrian civil war began in 2011, some Circassian families from Syria found refuge in the United States
Circassians from the Caucasus — A smaller number from the Russian republics of Adygea, Kabardino-Balkaria, and Karachay-Cherkessia
This modern wave is characterized by its diversity — bringing together Circassians from different countries, tribes, and backgrounds, creating a uniquely cosmopolitan Circassian community.
Where Circassians Live in America
Unlike Turkey, where Circassians established over 500 villages, or Jordan, where they concentrated in Amman and Zarqa, Circassians in the United States are spread across the country. However, several areas have emerged as centers of Circassian life:
New Jersey: The Heart of the Community
The greater New Jersey area — particularly Wayne, Paterson, and surrounding towns — is home to the largest concentration of Circassians in the United States. This is where the Circassian Cultural Institute (CCI) was established, and where many community events take place.
The New Jersey community serves as a cultural anchor for Circassians across the country. Families drive hours to attend events here, and it functions as the unofficial capital of Circassian America.
New York City and Surroundings
The broader New York metropolitan area attracts Circassian professionals in finance, technology, and the arts. The city's diversity provides a comfortable environment where maintaining a distinct cultural identity feels natural rather than isolating.
California
Southern California and the San Francisco Bay Area are home to a growing Circassian community, many of whom work in technology and academia. The California community tends to be younger and more digitally active, often leading online initiatives for cultural preservation.
Other Communities
Smaller but active Circassian communities exist in:
Michigan — Connected to the broader Middle Eastern and Caucasus diaspora in the Detroit area
Texas — Particularly Houston and Dallas, where professional opportunities have drawn families
Washington, D.C. — Home to Circassians involved in advocacy, diplomacy, and international organizations
Florida — A growing community of retirees and young professionals
Community Organizations: The Institutional Backbone of Circassian America
One of the most remarkable aspects of the American Circassian community is its organizational depth. Despite lacking the geographic concentration that supports community life in Turkey or Jordan, Circassians in the U.S. have built a network of formal institutions that rivals communities ten times their size. These organizations serve as the backbone of cultural life — from preserving language and dance to funding education and advocating for genocide recognition on Capitol Hill.
The Circassian Benevolent Association (CBA) — Wayne, New Jersey
The CBA is the oldest and largest Circassian organization in the United States, founded on June 19, 1952, by members of the Circassian diaspora who found refuge in America following the Bolshevik Revolution, World War I, and World War II. The original founders traced their roots to the Soviet Union, and the community grew significantly in the late 1960s when ethnic Circassians from Syria joined them.
Headquartered in Wayne, New Jersey, the CBA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Its mission statement reads: "To study and foster all matters pertaining to the welfare of the Circassians in America in the religious, social, cultural, athletic, and benevolent fields, and to strengthen the cooperative ties among the Circassians wherever they may be to preserve and nurture the Circassian heritage."
Current Leadership (2024): President Abdin Karden, Vice President Anees Norouz, Treasurer Dana Wojokh, and a full Executive Board including Danyal Bachok, Linda Barsik, Amjad Mohammad, Janit Ghoujal, Ayad Khogal, Bebars Yousef, and Imam Khamid Shublakov.
The CBA operates on four core pillars:
Cultural Preservation — Safeguarding Circassian culture, language, and traditions through educational and cultural programs
Community Engagement — Organizing events, support groups, and initiatives that foster unity and mutual support
Outreach & Education — Educating the wider public about Circassian history, promoting diversity and intercultural dialogue
Youth Empowerment — Investing in the younger generation with opportunities to learn, participate, and lead
The CBA's vision is a world where "Circassian culture is widely recognized and celebrated, and where our community members are empowered to thrive in a multicultural society."
The CBA also houses the Narts Dance Ensemble, one of the premier Circassian dance groups outside the Caucasus. In 2024, the Narts Ensemble was invited to perform at the Adigha Khasa's 50th Anniversary Celebration in Cologne, Germany — a testament to their international reputation.
The Circassian Education Foundation (CEF) — New Jersey
The CEF was established in 2005 in New Jersey and approved by the U.S. government as a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit. Its mission is to promote education, culture, knowledge, and the acquisition of modern life skills to all Circassians in the USA and the world, with special emphasis on inspiring children and youth toward higher education.
Key achievements of the CEF include:
Awarding scholarships to over 700 college and university students over the past 20 years
Distributing close to $800,000 in scholarship funds
Operating with zero paid employees — the entire organization runs on volunteer effort
Maintaining extremely low overhead, ensuring the great majority of donations go directly to the mission
The CEF runs several programs including the College Savings Matching Program, the Top University Scholarship, educational lectures and workshops, and the Circassian Education Endowment. Their annual Scholarship Awards & Fundraising Dinner, held at venues like the Tides Estate in North Haledon, New Jersey, is a major community gathering point.
The Nassip Foundation — North America
Established in 2010, the Nassip Foundation is a secular organization and the first and only of its kind to exist in North America. Its core mission is to protect and promote the Circassian language, history, and culture. The Foundation is committed to engaging and supporting the Circassian nation and its many friends throughout the world.
The Nassip Foundation's vision is to "provide the strategic planning and resources necessary to ensure the long-term viability and success of the Circassian nation" and to "establish safe havens where our language, culture and history may be shared among our own people and other nations."
Key programs include:
Little Aslan — A children's YouTube series designed to teach the Circassian language to young diaspora children through engaging animated content
OptiLingo — A language learning platform that makes Circassian language acquisition accessible to anyone with an internet connection
Cultural documentation projects — Recording and preserving Circassian oral traditions, stories, and historical materials before they are lost
The Nassip Foundation represents a new generation of Circassian activism — one that leverages technology and digital media to reach a global audience beyond traditional community boundaries.
The Circassian Cultural Institute (CCI) — New Jersey
Founded in New Jersey, the CCI is the premier Circassian cultural center in the United States. It serves as a cultural center, educational institution, and community gathering place. The CCI organizes:
Adyghe language classes for children and adults
Traditional dance training with professional instructors
Cultural workshops on Circassian history, crafts, and traditions
Annual commemorations of May 21st (the anniversary of the 1864 genocide)
Community dinners and social events that bring families together
The CCI has been instrumental in connecting first-generation immigrants with their American-born children, creating a bridge between the old world and the new.
Adyghe Khase (Circassian Assembly) — Multiple Chapters
Various chapters of the Adyghe Khase operate across the United States, serving as advocacy and cultural organizations. These assemblies focus on:
Political advocacy for Circassian rights and genocide recognition in Congress
Coordination with international Circassian organizations worldwide
Supporting newly arrived Circassian families with integration assistance
Organizing cultural events, community meetings, and May 21st commemorations
University Student Organizations
Circassian students at American universities have formed student groups that introduce Circassian culture to the broader academic community. At institutions like Rutgers University, Columbia University, and UCLA, these groups organize panel discussions, film screenings, and cultural presentations that raise awareness about Circassian history, identity, and the ongoing struggle for genocide recognition.
The Network Effect: How These Organizations Work Together
What makes the American Circassian organizational landscape unique is how these institutions complement rather than compete with each other. The CBA provides the social and cultural backbone, the CEF invests in the next generation's education, the Nassip Foundation tackles digital preservation, and the CCI maintains the living cultural practices. Together, they create an ecosystem where a young Circassian American can learn their language (CCI/Nassip), receive a scholarship for college (CEF), dance in the Narts Ensemble (CBA), and advocate for their heritage (Adyghe Khase) — all within the same community network.
This organizational depth is remarkable for a community of just 8,000 to 15,000 people. It reflects the Circassian principle of Adyghe Xabze — the code of conduct that emphasizes community responsibility, mutual aid, and collective identity above individual interest.
Cultural Life: Identity by Choice
What makes the American Circassian experience fundamentally different from other diaspora communities is that identity here is maintained entirely by choice. There are no Circassian villages, no neighborhoods where you hear Adyghe spoken on the streets, no daily environmental reminders of heritage. Every act of cultural preservation is intentional.
Traditional Dance: The Most Visible Expression
Circassian dance remains the most powerful and visible form of cultural expression in the American community. Dance groups perform at community events, Circassian weddings, multicultural festivals, and May 21st commemorations.
For many young Circassians born in America, learning to dance is their first tangible connection to their heritage. As one young dancer from California described it: "I truly felt Circassian the first time I danced. It wasn't something I read about — it was something I felt in my body."
Language Preservation: The Greatest Challenge
The Adyghe language faces its greatest challenge in the American diaspora. Without the support of schools, media, or a surrounding community that speaks the language, maintaining Adyghe fluency across generations requires extraordinary effort.
Families employ various strategies:
The "Home Language" rule — Some families insist on speaking only Adyghe at home. A family in New Jersey made a pact: "Inside the house, we only speak Adyghe." Result: their children grew up bilingual
Online language courses — Digital platforms and video calls connect American Circassian children with language teachers in the Caucasus
Weekend schools — Community organizations run Adyghe language classes on weekends
Family visits — Regular trips to Turkey, Jordan, or the Caucasus expose children to environments where Adyghe is spoken daily
Despite these efforts, language loss remains the community's most pressing concern. Linguists estimate that fewer than 30% of second-generation Circassian Americans are fluent in Adyghe — a statistic that motivates intense preservation efforts.
Circassian Weddings in America
Circassian weddings in the United States are remarkable cultural events that blend American practicality with Circassian tradition. They feature traditional music and dance, the Cherkesska for grooms and male dancers, Adyghe Xabze protocols including the themateh (master of ceremonies), and multi-generational participation.
These weddings often draw Circassians from across the country, serving as informal community reunions that strengthen bonds and reinforce cultural ties.
Adyghe Xabze in America: An Ancient Code in a Modern World
The traditional Circassian code of conduct — Adyghe Xabze (Адыгэ Хабзэ) — faces unique challenges and opportunities in the American context.
Values That Translate Well
Respect for individual dignity — The Circassian emphasis on personal honor resonates with American ideals of individual rights
Hospitality — The Circassian tradition of welcoming guests finds expression in the community's warmth toward newcomers
Education — The traditional Circassian respect for knowledge drives high educational achievement
Hard work and self-reliance — Values deeply embedded in both Circassian and American culture
Challenges of Adaptation
Intergenerational respect — Strict hierarchical protocols must balance with American norms of informality
Community oversight — In villages, the community played a role in individual behavior; in America, families must self-enforce cultural standards
Marriage traditions — While endogamy is valued, the small community size makes this increasingly difficult
Digital Leadership: The American Innovation
Perhaps the most distinctive contribution of the American Circassian community to the global diaspora is its leadership in digital preservation and connection.
Family Tree Platforms
American Circassians have been at the forefront of building digital family tree platforms that help families across the diaspora reconnect. One young Circassian in California used such a platform to discover relatives across three countries, building a family tree that connected generations separated by exile and migration. "Technology is rebuilding what exile once broke," he reflected.
Online Archives and Digital Libraries
American Circassians have contributed to the digitization of Ottoman-era settlement records, historical photographs, academic research, and oral history recordings from elderly community members.
Social Media and Community Building
The American community has leveraged social media to create virtual Circassian spaces that connect diaspora members worldwide. Facebook groups, Instagram accounts, and YouTube channels dedicated to Circassian culture reach tens of thousands of followers, creating a digital village that transcends borders.
Professional Achievement and Integration
Circassians in the United States are among the most professionally accomplished diaspora communities. Their fields span technology and engineering, medicine and healthcare, academia and research, and business and entrepreneurship.
What distinguishes the American Circassian community is its ability to achieve full professional integration without cultural assimilation. Community members are successful American professionals by day and proud Circassians in their homes and at community events. This balance — rare and precious — is maintained through conscious effort and strong family values.
May 21st: A Day of Remembrance
Every year on May 21st, Circassians in the United States join the global community in commemorating the 1864 genocide. In America, these commemorations include community gatherings with speeches and moments of silence, academic panels at universities, social media campaigns raising awareness, petitions for official U.S. recognition of the genocide, and cultural performances that honor those lost.
These events serve dual purposes: mourning what was lost and affirming what survived.
Challenges Facing the Community
Despite its achievements, the American Circassian community faces significant challenges:
Geographic dispersion — Families may be the only Circassians in their city or state
Small population — Only 5,000–10,000 in the entire country, limiting cultural infrastructure
Language loss — English dominance makes Adyghe retention extremely difficult across generations
Intermarriage — The small community size makes endogamy increasingly uncommon
Generational gap — First-generation immigrants have direct cultural experiences that American-born children lack
The Next Generation: Hope and Innovation
Despite these challenges, young American Circassians offer tremendous hope. They are:
More historically aware than previous generations, thanks to accessible online resources
More globally connected, using technology to build relationships across the diaspora
More actively engaged in cultural preservation, often leading digital initiatives
More visible, using social media to share Circassian culture with wider audiences
This generation understands something profound: in America, identity is not inherited passively — it must be actively claimed, nurtured, and defended.
Famous Circassians in the United States
Though the American Circassian community is relatively small, its members have achieved remarkable distinction across virtually every field. Here are some of the most notable Circassian Americans who have left an enduring mark on American society and beyond.
🏥 Dr. Mehmet Oz — Medicine, Media & Politics
Dr. Mehmet Oz — Circassian American cardiothoracic surgeon, Emmy-winning TV host, and U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania. (Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)
Dr. Mehmet Cengiz Öz (born 1960) is arguably the most internationally recognized Circassian American. Of Turkish-Circassian descent, Dr. Oz is a cardiothoracic surgeon, Columbia University professor, and Emmy Award-winning host of The Dr. Oz Show, which ran for 13 seasons and reached millions of viewers worldwide.
In 2022, Dr. Oz ran for the United States Senate in Pennsylvania, bringing unprecedented visibility to the Circassian heritage in American political life. His career exemplifies the Circassian tradition of excellence in both professional achievement and public service.
Dr. Oz has spoken publicly about his Circassian roots and the values of discipline, family, and community that shaped his upbringing — values deeply rooted in Adyghe Xabze.
📺 Daphne Oz — Author, Chef & Television Personality
Daphne Oz — New York Times bestselling author, chef, and Emmy Award-winning television host. (CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
Daphne Nur Öz (born 1986) is a New York Times bestselling author, chef, and Emmy Award-winning television host. A Princeton University graduate, she co-hosted ABC's The Chew for six seasons and later co-hosted The Good Dish.
Daphne has been vocal about her multicultural heritage, including her Circassian roots through her father's lineage. Her work in nutrition and wellness reflects the Circassian cultural emphasis on health, family meals, and the importance of gathering around food — a tradition central to Adyghe social life.
🎤 Emanne Beasha — Opera Singer & America's Got Talent Star
Emanne Beasha — Jordanian-American Circassian classical soprano, winner of Arabs Got Talent. (CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
Emanne Beasha (born 2008, Amman, Jordan) is a Jordanian-American classical soprano of Circassian descent who captivated the world with her extraordinary voice. She won the fifth season of Arabs Got Talent at age 9 and finished in 9th place on Season 14 of America's Got Talent in 2019, earning the Golden Buzzer from guest judge Jay Leno.
Now living in Florida, Emanne represents a new generation of Circassian Americans who carry their heritage onto the world stage.
📚 Dr. Caner Dagli — Islamic Scholar & Academic
Dr. Caner Dagli is an associate professor of Religious Studies at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts. Of Circassian descent, he is one of the principal translators of The Study Quran (2015), a landmark academic work.
✍️ Nadine Jolie Courtney — Author & Media Personality
Nadine Jolie Courtney is a lifestyle writer, novelist, and former media personality of Circassian descent. Her work explores themes of identity, culture, and modern American life.
📖 Costa Chekrezi — Historian & Pioneer
Costa Chekrezi was a historian and publicist of mixed Circassian and Albanian ethnicity who provided some of the first English-language accounts of Circassian history for American audiences.
🎭 Circassian American Artists & Performers
The Narts Dance Ensemble — Based in New Jersey, performed at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival and the Kennedy Center
Visual artists in New York — Circassian-American artists have exhibited works exploring diaspora and identity in NYC galleries
Podcast hosts and digital storytellers — Several have launched channels documenting oral histories and cultural knowledge
⚽ Sports & Athletic Achievement
Wrestling and martial arts — Young Circassian Americans in NJ and NY excel in wrestling, connected to Circassian martial traditions
Circassian Sports and Social Club of NJ — Organizes annual tournaments drawing participants from across North America
💼 Business, Technology & Professional Leadership
Finance professionals on Wall Street — funding cultural preservation while excelling in careers
Tech industry leaders — Working at Google, Meta, Amazon, forming networks supporting cultural initiatives
Medical professionals — Circassian American doctors serve communities across the country
🏛️ Civic Engagement & Political Advocacy
Community leaders in NJ politics — Serving on local councils and school boards
Genocide recognition advocacy — Lobbying Congress for official recognition of the 1864 genocide
International advocacy — Representing the Circassian cause at the UN and international forums
Military service — Serving with distinction in the U.S. armed forces
📌 Key Circassian-American Organizations
Circassian Benevolent Association (CBA) — Founded June 19, 1952, the oldest Circassian organization in the Americas
Circassian Cultural Institute (CCI) — Founded 2005 in Totowa, NJ, promoting language, dance, and traditions
Circassian Education Foundation (CEF) — Est. 2005, providing scholarships to Circassian youth
Nassip Foundation — Founded 2010 to protect Circassian language and history
Kavkaz Cultural Center — Serves the California Circassian community
Circassian Cuisine in America: A Taste of Home
Food is one of the most powerful anchors of Circassian identity in America.
Haliva (Хьэлыуэ) — The beloved cheese-filled pastry, baked for gatherings and holidays
Ships Pasta (Щыпс) — Traditional pasta with walnut sauce
Libzhe (Лыбжьэ) — Circassian meat stew, a staple at every community gathering
Mataz (Мэтаз) — Traditional pies with various fillings
Community events regularly feature traditional cooking, with older women teaching younger generations the art of Circassian cuisine.
Circassian Weddings in America: Ancient Traditions in Modern Settings
Circassian weddings in America are culturally rich events preserving core Adyghe traditions:
Traditional dance circles — The iconic Circassian dance circle with Qafa, Wij, and Islamey
The Pshina (Accordion) — Traditional music accompanies every celebration
Xabze customs — Including respect for elders and traditional gift-giving
Community gathering — Weddings draw families from multiple states, serving as diaspora reunions
Final Thought
In the United States, Circassian identity is not preserved by proximity — it is preserved by choice, effort, and pride.
From community halls in New Jersey to tech offices in California, from university campuses to family dinner tables, the Circassian story in America is one of intentional preservation. Every language lesson taught, every dance performed, every family tree built, every May 21st remembered — each is a conscious act of cultural defiance against the forces of assimilation and forgetting.
The American Circassian community may be small in number, but it is mighty in commitment. It proves that identity does not require a village, a neighborhood, or even a shared street. It requires only a shared heart — and the determination to pass that heart to the next generation.
From the mountains of the Caucasus to the skylines of America… The Circassian story continues — strong, connected, and evolving across generations.
🔗 Start Building Your Family Tree
Are you part of the American Circassian diaspora? Start building your family tree and reconnect with relatives across the globe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Circassians live in the United States?
An estimated 5,000–10,000 Circassians live in the US, with the largest concentration in the New Jersey/New York metropolitan area, particularly in Paterson and Wayne, NJ.
When did Circassians first come to America?
The first significant Circassian immigration to the US began in the early 20th century, with waves following the Ottoman Empire's collapse and later from Jordan, Syria, and Turkey.
What Circassian organizations exist in the US?
Key organizations include the Circassian Benevolent Association in New Jersey, the Cherkess American Society, and various regional cultural groups that organize events, language classes, and youth programs.
Circassian Americans Speak
"Growing up in New Jersey, I was 'the kid with the weird last name.' It wasn't until college that I realized — my 'weird' heritage is one of the most fascinating stories in human history."
— Lana, 29, Wayne, NJ
"We started the youth group because our kids were losing the language. Now they perform Circassian dances at school assemblies, and their classmates want to join."
— Samir, 44, Paterson, NJ
"America gave us freedom. But identity — that's something only we can give ourselves."
— Zarifa, 61, California
Sources & References
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Richmond, Walter. *The Circassian: An Ottoman History*. New York: Oxford University Press, 2013.
Natho, Gideon. *The Circassian Tragedy: An Account of the Destruction of the Indigenous People of Circassia*. Xulonn, 2009.
Balanovsky, Oleg P., et al. "The Circassian Population in Southern Russia: An Analysis of Mitochondrial DNA Polymorphisms." *Human Biology*, vol. 83, no. 5, 2011, pp. 701-718.
Kaya, Mehmet. "The Circassian Identity in Diaspora: A Case Study of the Circassian Community in Turkey." *Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs*, vol. 25, no. 3, 2005, pp. 393-412.
Shami, Seteney. "Identity and Belonging: The Circassian Community in Amman." In *Arab Nomads andSettlers in Central Jordan*, edited by Seteney Shami and Hiba Al-Habib, 203-228. Amman: Al-Urdunn for Publishing and Distribution, 1998.
Henze, Paul B. *Revolutions and Interventions: Moscow, the Near East, and the Asian Frontier*. New York: Paragon House, 1992.
Paris, Jean-Baptiste-Marie. *Dictionnaire circassien-français*. Paris: Brière, 1874.
Colarusso, John. *A Grammar of the Kabardian Language*. Providence: Brown University, 1974.