Highlights and Outcomes of the Fifth International Ethno-Linguistic School 'Adygland' Celebrated in Adygea

This year, the already traditional project to preserve the Adyghe language and culture, implemented since 2019 on the initiative of the Faculty of Adyghe Philology and Culture of ASU — the summer ethnolinguistic school "Adygland" — for the first time united schoolchildren from Russia and Turkey.

For the first time, their peers — seven ethnic Adyghe, citizens of Turkey — studied together with high school students from Adygea, Karachay-Cherkessia and Moscow. A total of 60 motivated schoolchildren took part in the school. The selection was carried out on the principle of academic and creative achievements: winners of Olympiads and competitions in their native language and literature, as well as children actively involved in Adyghe dancing, playing folk instruments, singing and artistic recitation were invited.

A unique living language environment was created for all participants:

• Sound: master classes on playing the shichepshin and composing songs.

• Tactility: mastering the basics of gold embroidery and the art of mat weaving.

• Movement: studying the language and philosophy of Adyghe dances.

• Taste: Understanding the etiquette and philosophy of hospitality through national cuisine.

The project organizers received many enthusiastic reviews from the school students and their parents. The reviews from parents and the schoolchildren themselves from Turkey were especially touching and valuable for the organizers, for whom this trip became a real immersion in their historical homeland. Their words are the best evidence of the project's success.

The parents expressed deep gratitude, noting that, despite living far from their historical homeland - Adyghe Heku, they do their utmost to preserve the Adyghe spirit, language and traditions in their children. They see "Adygland" as a powerful driving force that gives sustainable hope for the preservation and development of the Adyghe culture, and expressed their readiness to receive guests from Adygea in Turkey. Separately, they noted the impeccable organization of the trip, thought out to the smallest detail, which gave the youth not only the brightest impressions, but also a sense of unity. There is a general consensus that such projects are especially valuable because they build bridges between disparate regions, promote mutual learning, strengthen ties, and awaken in the younger generation a conscious need to protect their cultural heritage.

The impressions of the participants themselves were no less emotional. One of the students shared:

“This trip was a revelation for us. We felt no language barrier or borders - you accepted us as the closest ones. This was the best week of my life, and we will be infinitely happy to meet each of you in Turkey.”