 The Landing at Subashi of Russian forces on the territory of modern-day Sochi in 1838 |
The Kruzenshtern will anchor safely in the Vancouver bay as a symbol of Russian history. The ship’s intent is to promote the next Winter Games in Sochi, Russia in 2014 with its high proud masts and white billowing sails. It will be carrying the flag and delegates of the Sochi 2014 Winter Games organizing committee.
Today, you can enjoy dinner, song, and dance while abroad the Kruzenshtern. You can imagine yourself cruising on the Black Sea than stroll in Sochi when anchored in its ports.
Truthfully, the history of this ship is dark; the Circassian account is grim and bleak.
The Kruzenshtern is a replica of the warships that would fire canons on Circassian settlements in Sochi and all along Circassia’s Black Sea coast. In October 1863, Earl Yevdovimov sent a letter to the Ministry of War stating, “now we have to clean the coastal strip as part of our plan for the conquest of Circassia”. These canons would set Circassians villages afire while the army would kill the people who flee the burning homes.
Ships like the Kruzenshtern would blockade the Black Sea coast to prevent any aid reaching Circassians thereby dashing any hope and destroying any chance to survive the catastrophe perpetrated by Russia. This ship was critical in the annihilation of the Circassian people and their nation.
The Kruzenshtern docked at the Vancouver Winter Olympics is not a symbol of goodwill. It is a direct affront to Circassians. We must not idolize a weapon used to desecrate Circassians, their homes, hopes, dreams, and nation. It is a symbol of cruelty and oppression, not of peace and humanity. With the Kruzenshtern it is a message by Russian leaders today that they continue to eradicate the Circassian existence in Sochi.
The Kruzenshtern is a symbol of genocide.
The Landing at Subashi of Russian forces on the territory of modern-day Sochi in 1838
