Актуальные вопросы тюркологических исследований

XXXIII–XXXIV Kononov Memorial Lectures 104 has 12 stars and three arrows. The colour of the flag is green. 12 stars sym- bolize 12 Circassian tribes, 3 stars - their characteristic features, and green colour - the colour of the Caucasian lands" [ ]. In reality, the visitors were shown the flag of the Adyghe Republic (which is considered by the Circassians to be the flag of Circassia). It was approved 24th March 1992 by the Law of the Republic of Adygea No. 2 “On the State Flag of the Republic of Adygea” [2]. The 12 stars depicted on the flag mean in fact 12 Adyghe tribes, and 3 arrows — three Adyghe princely families, their intersection is the unity of the families. Green colour symbolizes life and eternity, as well as a large number of forests of the Caucasus. According to some sources, green can also symbolize the colour of Islam. The Law of the Republic of Adygea dated August 1, 2013 No. 231 “On Amending Article 3 of the Law of the Republic of Adygea “On Holidays and Observances”, the date of April 25 is set as a memorable day — the State Flag Day of the Republic of Adygea [1]. Website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel provides some interesting insight on Rehaniya village. Today, villagers work in the service sector, tourism, and are engaged in agriculture. The village is popular with tourists. The development of tourism, in particular, benefits from the Museum of the Circassian culture, which regularly organizes interactive exhibition events: concerts of Circassian music, songs and dances, reconstruction of the Circassian wedding and some rites, in particular, the tradition of “stealing the bride” [ ]. The youth public organization — the Circassian Congress of Israel — was founded by the residents of both villages. Annually, on May 21, Israeli Circassian organizations hold commemorative events dedicated to the mass eviction of Circassians from the territories of the Russian Empire. By the decision of the Government of Israel, since 2008, May 21 was declared a day off for the Circassians [9: 64]. The cultural and educational activities of the Circassian community spread throughout Israel. This can be explained by the broad government support. So, in 2011 Circassian folklore ensemble “Uashhye Mafe” («Уашь- хьэ Мафэ»)) (started in 2005 in Rehaniya it now has 70 members of all ages) performed at the ceremony of prestigious state awards in Jerusalem. The ceremony was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Education, with the participation of President Shimon Peres, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Education Minister Gidon Saar and The Speaker of the Knesset