Sociologists compare conditions for Syrian refugees in Adygea and Karachay-Cherkessia

In Adygea, researchers from the Higher School of Economics studied the living conditions of Syrian Circassians who decided to return to their historical homeland. Both in Adygea and in Karachay-Cherkessia, Syrian refugees face the same problems, including registration of their documents and difficulties in finding a job. Meanwhile, the life of repatriates in Adygea is much easier than in the Karachay-Cherkessian Republic (KChR).

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that in connection with the combat actions in Syria, Syrian Circassians began to come to Northern and Southern Caucasus. Active support for repatriates is provided by residents of Adygea, Karachay-Cherkessia, and Kabardino-Balkaria, since assistance to the needy is a part of the Adyg culture. Earlier, the Syrian Circassians have complained of difficulties with obtaining Russian citizenship.

According to Alisa Shishkina, one of the leaders of the expedition, for many residents of Adygea, the war in Syria was not a reason to flee, but an excuse to return to their homeland.

The activist has also noted that Russia has restrictions on the influx of Syrian Circassians and that can be explained by the fear of an inflow of radical forces into the region.

Leonid Isaev, the co-director of the expedition, believes Russia needs a centralized programme for the adaptation of repatriates.