ShareCircassian Bibliography & Library
Compiled and edited by Amjad M. Jaimoukha
Introduction
There are more than 2,000 entries in this compilation, mainly in Western European languages, including more than 120 online books, articles and dissertations. There are also sections on Circassian bibliographies and periodicals (journals, serials, magazines, newsletters, and newspapers). The scope of this work has been extended to include all the works on the Circassians and related issues in Circassian (Kabardian and Adigean) and Russian. Where possible, original names of Adiga (Adyghe) writers are given in brackets after their Russian versions. The information between square brackets at end of an entry is mainly my commentary on the contents and other additions. Every effort has been made to include all diacritics in French, German, Turkish, and other entries.
There has been literally an explosion in the number of publications on Circassian issues since the beginning of the third millennium of our era. This is an indication of the increased interest in Circassian affairs at all levels. This trend is expected to continue with an ever enhanced pace as the Circassian issue moves steadily to central stage. Gratifying though this might be, it means that more energy and effort are required in accessing these publications.
In a work of this nature perhaps a description of what is left out is as important as the content. There have been thousands of books published on Circassian issues in Circassian (Kabardian and Adigean) and Russian in the last century. The internet has made access to these works more possible (but of course more, much more, work needs to be done in this regard by the academic and cultural institutions in Circassia). In addition, there have been innumerable papers and articles on these same issues. Another valuable resource is the hundreds of dissertations and thesis by Circassian (and non-Circassian) graduate students. Again, it is possible to have access to some of these works on the web. There have been many publications on the Circassians in Turkish, but much less than is commensurate with their number and potential importance as one of the principal minorities in Turkey and as the largest Circassian diaspora community. Georgian scholars and researchers have published dozens of works on the Circassians (mainly in Georgian, but also in Russian) in the 19th and 20th centuries (before the unfortunate demise of Pan-Caucasian ideals).
In light of this, the compilation process henceforth shall concentrate more on including these works (this shall be done in phases). The formats and orthographies in which the entries will be configured shall display more variety (for example, specialized articles in Russian shall be entered in Cyrillic, since they are of use only to those who know Russian). The ideal aim is to include all (non-trivial) works on the Circassians and their related issues in the languages of concern (mainly: Circassian, English, Russian, French, German, Spanish, and Dutch). No systematic efforts shall be made to include works in Turkish and Georgian, mainly due to linguistic limitations. In this respect, help from Turkish and Georgian speakers is most welcome and much appreciated. The ultimate goal of this endeavour is to publish the collection of entries in book format.
Amjad Jaimoukha
(Last updated: 7 December 2008) | Sanjalay Book Press, 2009
