Celal Kemal Balkar, a journalist and representative of the Balkar diaspora in Turkey, has formally submitted a series of cultural and educational initiatives to the Kremlin, aimed at strengthening ties between the diaspora and their historical homeland in the North Caucasus.
In his official petition to the Presidential Administration of the Russian Federation, Balkar outlined five key projects designed to preserve cultural identity and foster youth engagement:
- Balkar Diaspora Youth Camp – Enabling young Balkars to visit their ancestral homeland and learn about language, history, and traditions.
- Balkar Culture and Sports Festival – A joint event with participation from both local communities and the diaspora to promote intercultural dialogue.
- Young Leaders Forum – “Voice of the Mountains” – A platform for leadership training, discussions, and future diaspora development strategies.
- Balkar Online Academy – A digital educational platform offering language courses and cultural programs for diaspora youth.
- Commemorative March “From Exile to Rebirth” – Annual remembrance events honoring the anniversary of the Balkar deportation and strengthening solidarity among younger generations.
Balkar emphasized that these initiatives align with Russia’s policy of preserving cultural diversity, while simultaneously reinforcing the diaspora’s connection with its historic roots.
The proposal is expected to be reviewed by relevant Russian institutions, such as the Federal Agency for Nationalities and the Ministry of Culture.