Converting conflict to blessed opportunities
Converting conflict to blessed opportunities
Persistence and passion have become the driving forces for many Ahiska Turkish families in their quest for a peaceful lifestyle. The lack of a designated homeland within the Russian Federation has led to precarious conditions with no safe havens for the Ahiskas.
Following the onset of the war, there have been significant shifts in the treatment of Ahiska Turks and other non-Russian groups. Some have experienced improved interactions with authorities who have sought their enlistment in the Russian military. Given that the army is largely made up of non-Russian ethnic minorities, this approach is understandable.
However, the authorities' indifferent stance towards the lives of these recruits makes conscription unattractive. On the other hand, some have faced deteriorating conditions due to suspicions about the minority's ties to Turkey.
Needless to say, concerns have been raised by many refugees for their young ones who may be drafted or harmed during the conflict. The potential resurgence of Chechen separatism could exacerbate the situation as well.
The conflict has triggered a new exodus of Ahiska Turk refugees to nations like the United States. With Turkey already experiencing ongoing and increasing influx of Syrian refugees, its capacity to assist is limited. Consequently, there is an urgent need to focus on aiding this minority in finding lasting sanctuary.
The Ahiska-Turkish Community Center and Mosque have a property they are working on to become a destination and it is slowly taking form as an ideal resource with a wide range of international knowledge and systems to lead the way for those seeking help
