question for the Circassian
Hello, I have a question about Circassians. I live in France, and I’m friends with a Circassian who comes from Russia. Every time people talk to us about Circassians in France, they usually mention Circassians from Turkey, and my friend always reacts negatively. He says that they “don’t exist.” I’ve even seen him physically attack a Turkish Circassian simply because that person said he was Circassian.
I asked my friend why he reacts like that, but he told me it was none of my business. The only explanation that came to my mind is that maybe he reacts this way because those Turkish Circassians are darker-skinned or have more European facial features — not what I would personally describe as typically Caucasian-looking. So I started wondering if it might be something racist.
I would like to hear your opinion, and I would also like to know whether other Circassians from Russia dislike Circassians from Turkey as well.