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DAMASCUS, SYRIA - MAY 21, 2025: For the first time, Syria’s capital hosted a public ceremony commemorating the Circassian exile, one of the most tragic events in modern history.The event marked the 161st anniversary of the forced expulsion of the Circassian people from the Caucasus region by Tsarist Russia. Starting on May 21, 1864, hundreds of thousands of Circassians were expelled to various parts of the world—particularly the Ottoman Empire. Nearly 1.5 million Circassians were exiled within a month, according to unofficial figures. Up to half a million are believed to have died along the way due to starvation, disease, and harsh travel conditions.In Damascus, hundreds gathered at Tishreen Park and marched in silence to Umayyad Square, carrying Circassian flags and signs bearing messages such as: “May 21: Circassian Day of Mourning – We Will Not Forget Our History or Abandon Our Cause,”“Our Identity Endures – Justice Is Coming,” and “History Cannot Be Erased – Massacres Cannot Be Forgotten.”A moment of silence was observed at the square in honor of those who died during the exile.Celine Kasem, a Circassian activist, described the commemoration as a milestone for Syrian civil society: “This is the first time such an event has been held. In post-Ba'ath Syria, people are finally able to gather freely to share their grief and hopes..”Kasem noted that the suffering endured by the Circassians exiled to Syria 161 years ago continued in similar ways under the former regime.Sara Abdi, a Syrian Circassian who traveled from Türkiye to attend the ceremony, said: “I came to Syria to witness this moment. Now that the Assad regime is gone, we can finally speak freely. Events like this were banned in the past. We’re happy to be able to share our memories.” (Footage by Bakr Al Kasem/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)