Emanne Beasha, The Great Circassian Exodus Истамбылак Iуэ, Jerash July 2018

Circassians, the indigenous peoples of the Caucasus, were exiled from their homeland at the end of the RussoCircassian War. The expulsion was launched before the end of the war in 1864 and it was mostly completed by 1867. Emanne was honored to perform this song alongside members of the folkloric dancing troop of The International Circassian Cultural Academy, Amman Jordan, July 2018. Lyrics Translation: In my forefathers courtyard, The horses are being tethered to the cart. With a bleeding heart I m forced to desert the fatherland. Oh, they are taking us to Istanbul Our path to Istanbul, our Via Dolorosa, Oh, how thou twistest and turnest My fair fiancée Was left back in the hamlet. Woe unto us, for exile is our lot Oh, my sweet little sister, With thy tousled hair, The dear children Are unable to break off with my embrace. Alack, they are expelling us from our home Oh, Great Circassian Banner, R