Circassian declaration of independence (1857)
In the peace treaty made this time, it is known by all states and people in what way and to what extent our country, Circassia, remained in the center. We fought with all the khans from the time of the Crimean Khanate until the war that broke out in 1829. When Crimea came under Russian rule, we fought more wars with the Russians than we did with the khans before. We have never bowed down to anyone. Somehow, at the end of the 1829 war, we were completely abandoned by the Ottoman Empire to the Russian side.
Although Russia built many castles and fortifications on the coast of Circassia and placed cannons and soldiers from the 1829 war until the 1853 (Crimean) war, no one could make the people of Circassia submit. However, what they did was recruit some of our children with the power of money, who did not know anything did not understand what the Islamic religion and state were, to spy on and plunder the situation of the Circassians.
They also massacred families among the Circassians and plundered their property. We have been fighting like this day and night for thirty years. This time, in the peace negotiations held at the end of the 1853 Crimea war, when it became clear that there were no negotiations made by the Allied Powers and mediators regarding our independence and that we were left in our old situation, we reported our situation to the Ottoman Empire, England and France. To assert our independence, we sent our ambassadors, first two hundred and fifty people, and then fifty people, to Istanbul.
Since the consuls appointed to these sides by England and France during the war stated and informed everyone that Circassia would remain independent, the whole people left their previous chaos and united, agreed to pay taxes, and to maintain order, just like any other proper state.
And then they elected me as commander and swore that they would not act against my orders and gave me signed pacts. Thereupon, we determined the tax and tithe amounts they had to pay.
(Our people) pay taxes in accordance with the bonds they gave for the formation of regular soldiers sufficient to protect all parts of our country and the provision of cannons and ammunition, and they hand over those among them who deserve discipline to us for punishment. Courts are established in proper places and sharia is implemented. We will train our helpless regular soldiers, regardless of their nationality. In addition to the trainer, we had to pay for guns, ammunition and other needs. For now, some artillery, cavalry and infantry soldiers, along with their officers, have been supplied and brought.
As explained in our memorandum containing a certain clause that we sent to the Russian Government forty days ago, during the (Russian) dispatch of soldiers and artillery to Anapa and its surroundings, we could not use artillery in all clashes, due to the lack of artillery. (Despite this), the Circassian people resisted the Russians and no Russians were left anywhere other than Anapa Castle. Twenty-two pieces of cannon appeared on Adegum's side. More than ten thousand cavalry and infantry soldiers and our artillery soldiers with the artillery we supplied joined with the soldiers of the said people. Now, tough battles are being fought with the Russians. We did not let the Russians move even one step further from where they were, we dug trenches and waited there. And opposite Anapa, Circassian soldiers serve as police.
Morea was definitely the property of the Ottoman Empire and its people were the subjects who paid jizya. There was a war against them for seven years in 1236 (1820-1821) during the reign of Gazi Mahmud Khan. At the end of the war, when they (the people of Mora) said that since we are all Christians, we do not accept the Islamic State Government (Ottoman Empire), we want our independence, all states agreed to their wishes and abolished them from the Ottoman Empire. They remained independent, as did Serbia and Wallachia-Bogdan (Romania). We have been fighting against the Russian State for all these years. What is the reason why we do not remain independent?!
We stated in the memorandum we sent to the Russian Emperor that we would not accept the Christian State Government (Russia) even if we were all broken until there was not a single Circassian left for the sake of God, and other issues. We sent copies of each to your office and England, Austria and France for examination and to learn about the situation in Circassia. We had the courage to explain the legitimacy of our desire for independence.
You have been informed. Have mercy on the infants and children of the Circassian people, their scholars and righteous people, and all the poor people, and for the sake of Allah and His beloved Prophet, we pray that the Ottoman Empire will intercede with (other) states to recognize the rightful independence of Circassia. Bear witness that we presented the situation of Circassia. The order and decree belongs to you.
27 Shawwal 1273/20 June 1857
Men sabera zafera (He who is patient wins),
Sefer, servant of Allah,
Commander of United Circassia, Zan-zade (Zanuqo)