Circassians in Libya

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Circassians in Libya are about 30,000 people who live mainly in Misrata and Benghazi. They speak Circassian languages, Arabic, and Berber, and most are Muslims. They are well integrated into Libyan society and have largely adopted Libyan Arabised culture and traditions. Unlike many Circassian communities in the Middle East, Libyan Circassians are not descendants of people exiled during the Circassian genocide; their ancestors were Circassian Mamluks who served in Arab caliphates since the 9th century. Over time their culture has become closely tied to Libyan life. Muammar Gaddafi showed respect for Circassians and their history. In 2011 he sent a diplomat to Amman to seek support from Circassians in Jordan, but Jordanian Circassians did not respond, believing Libyan Circassians had lost their identity.