The Immigration of Chechens and Circassians to Zarqā: cultural and political Consequences

The aim of the present study is to investigate the background and causes of Chechens and Circassians’ immigration to Syria (Al-Shām). In the wake of Russia's expansionist policies in the Muslim regions of the North Caucasus and the Black Sea coastal towns, the Russians seized these regions in 1281 AH. The consequence of the occupation of these regions was the displacement of a large number of Circassian and Chechen Muslim tribes. On the other hand, the Ottoman state in 1296- 1327 AH due to a conflict with Russia, accommodated a number of Chechens and Circassians’s refugees in Syria (Al-Shām) with the aim of using them in various parts of economic, political and military activities. The refugees, thanks to the supports of the Ottoman Empire, founded the city of Zarqā near the headwaters of Zarqā River. They improved the economic-commercial situation of Zarqā and served in World War I as the Ottoman forces. After the World War I, they turned Zarqā into a haven for independence seekers and even some of them were killed for the freedom and independence of Jordan.