The Kavkaz Cultural Center (KCC) is a non-profit organization that was established on August 20, 1960 to promote all matters pertaining to the welfare of the Circassians in California in the religious, cultural, intellectual, athletic, and benevolent field. Our goal is to provide the Circassians with tools to build a positive cultural understanding that will instill universal values of honesty, respect, and responsibility. Having a positive cultural understanding of one’s own identity is a key to honoring other people’s values and beliefs. All people deserve the basic human rights to live together in peace and happiness, practice their own culture, speak their own language, and be respected and known by the rest of the world.
Who are the Circassian people? The Circassian people originated from the Caucasus Mountains, the land between the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea in Southwest Russia. They are considered one of the most ancient nations in the world with its own culture, way of life and ethics. This nation is composed of twelve tribes, who have been dwelling in the mountains of the North Caucasus where their culture is extremely rich in poetry, myth, legend, song, dance and music.
Their social structure is governed by the "Adygha Khabza", or Circassian etiquette, a set of unwritten rules which emphasize perfect manners, hospitality, honesty, and respect for elders. The Circassians and their kin are known to show reverence for their elderly, respect toward women, religious and racial tolerance, and loyalty to clan. Finally, they are known for their hospitality to guests, a love of elaborate feasting, a fine sense of style and design reflected in elegant clothing and artifacts, and a sense of social respect and modesty.
Circassians have pride in preserving their cultural heritage and feel the importance of passing on those traditions to their children. The Kavkaz Cultural Center of California is seeking to have a center to provide the next generations with the opportunity to learn about their cultural background and develop their sense of identity and belief. As our community is growing, the demand for having a center has significantly increased in order to build a sense of belonging among the people. Having a center in Orange County will be most convenient since the majority of the Circassians are scattered among large area in Orange County. The center will provide the families and their children with a place to socialize, build friendship, and share future goals together on a long-term basis. We are also hoping to include a Masjid, a day care center, an after school program and weekend school to provide the families and their children with programs for self improvement that will boost their moral, spiritual, and cultural growth.
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