Emanne Beasha | The Great Circassian Exodus ИстамбылакIуэ | Jerash July 2018

Circassians, the indigenous peoples of the Caucasus, were exiled from their homeland at the end of the Russo-Circassian War. The expulsion was launched before the end of the war in 1864 and it was mostly completed by 1867.


Emanne was honored to perform this song alongside members of the folkloric dancing troop of The International Circassian Cultural Academy, Amman Jordan, July 2018.



Lyrics Translation:
In my forefathers' courtyard,
The horses are being tethered to the cart.
With a bleeding heart
I'm forced to desert the fatherland.
Oh, they are taking us to Istanbul!

Our path to Istanbul, our Via Dolorosa,
Oh, how thou twistest and turnest!
My fair fiancée
Was left back in the hamlet.
Woe unto us, for exile is our lot!

Oh, my sweet little sister,
With thy tousled hair,
The dear children
Are unable to break off with my embrace.
Alack, they are expelling us from our home!

Oh, Great Circassian Banner,
Ruffled by the wind,
The news from the fatherland
Who shall carry to us?
Alas, they are herding us to Istanbul!

Translated by Dr. Amjad Jaimoukha (May he rest in peace).



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