Гитче Принс / Gitce Prins — in Karachay.
Karachay-Balkar / Къарачай-Малкъар тил / Qaraçay-Malqar Til is a The Karachay-Balkar language is a Turkic language spoken by the Karachay and Balkar peoples in the North Caucasus region of Russia, primarily in the Karachay-Cherkess Republic and the Kabardino-Balkar Republic. It belongs to the Kipchak branch of the Turkic languages, which also includes Kumyk, Tatar, Kazakh, and Kyrgyz, among others.
The Karachays are a Turkic ethnic group primarily inhabiting the Karachay-Cherkess Republic within the Russian Federation. However, a significant number of Karachays migrated to Turkey in various waves throughout history, forming a diaspora community there.
The migration of Karachays to Turkey can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, during periods of upheaval such as the Caucasian Wars and the Russian Revolution. However, the most significant wave of migration occurred in the mid-20th century as a result of Stalin’s forced deportations. In 1944, Stalin deported the entire Karachay population, along with several other ethnic groups, from the Caucasus to Central Asia, accusing them of collaborating with Nazi Germany during World War II. Many Karachays ended up settling in various parts of Turkey, particularly in cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Kayseri.
Today, the Karachay diaspora in Turkey maintains its cultural identity through various means such as language, traditions, and community gatherings. They have established organizations and cultural centers aimed at preserving and promoting Karachay heritage. Additionally, intermarriage with other Turkish ethnic groups has led to a blending of cultures while still maintaining distinct Karachay customs and traditions.
The Karachay diaspora in Turkey contributes to the cultural diversity of the country and maintains ties with their homeland in the Karachay-Cherkess Republic. They play an active role in Turkish society while also preserving their unique cultural heritage.
