1. Longitude of history &
injustice of today’s unknown
status
CULTURE EXCHANGE
THRM 444
DR. TACGEY DEBES
MURAT BIGVAVA
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN UNIVERSITY
2. Content
Introduction to the Republic of Abkhazia
Short Chronology Cycle of History
Vision of Georgia-Abkhazian Conflict
Structure of Abkhazia
Call of the Nation for its Independence De –Jure & World
response for Partial Recogniton
3. Capital: Sukhum (Aqw'a in Abkhaz)
Area: 8,600 km²
Population: 295,000
Currency: Russian Rouble
Language: Abkhaz, Russian
Religion: Orthodox Christianity, Islam and others
Main ethnic groups: Abkhaz, Armenians,
Mingrelians, Svans, Georgians, Greeks, Russians,
Ukrainians.
Abkhazia is situated on the Eastern coast of the Black
sea, bordering Russia in the North and North Caucasus
along the Caucasus Mountains Range and Georgia in
the East. Abkhazia is divided into seven administrative
districts: Gagra, Gudauta, Sukhum, Ochamchira,
Gulripsh, Tquarchal and Gal. Due to its mountainous
nature, Abkhazia has many rivers and lakes, and rich
fertile soil. The climate is very mild, averaging around
15 degrees Celsius. Higher elevations experience a
more varied climate, with significant snow and even
glaciers in some parts. The capital city is Sukhum
(Aqw'a in Abkhaz) which lies on the Black Sea coast.
Introduction
5. From the 8th Century B.C The Greeks established colonies in
Abkhazia.Their cities, especially Dioscurias (now modern day Sukhum) trade
centres.
First Century B.C. The Romans fortified Sukhum (Calling it Sevastopolis or
Sebastopolis).
523 A.D. Abkhazia became part of the Byzantine Empire. Christianity, which
had come early to Abkhazia, was offically adopted by the Emperor Justinian in
543-6.
780 - 978 The Kingdom of Abkhazia flourished and the Abkhazia Dynasty
extended its sway over much of what is now Western Georgia.
978-Mid - 13th Century 'Sovereign of the Abkhazians and Georgians'.
Mid 13th 1400 century the Mongols appear resulted division of lands and
afterwards which Abkhazia is one.
1300-1500 A portion of Abkhazia was under the Mingrelian Rule
1500 – 1680 The Abkhazian Chachba Dynasty drove the Mingrelians out and
established the boundary between Abkhazia and Georgian that exists to this
day.
1578 Abkhazia was invaded by the Ottoman Empire
18 century Abkhazia, in alliance with Georgia, made repeated efforts to drive
out the Turks.
1801 – 1804 Various Georgian areas (Kartli and Kakhetia-1801, Mingrelia-
1803, Imeretia and Guria-1804) came directly under Russian Rule (voluntarily
seeking protection from Ottoman Turks and Iran).
1810 Tzar Alexander the First issued a charter to the ruling Prince of Abkhazia
acknowledging Abkhazia as an autonomous principality under the protection
of Russia.
History
6. 1864 Muhajariin period After prolonged fighting across the entire region of the North Caucasus, Abkhazia was the last
Caucasian principality to be forcibly annexed to the Russian Empire. Russian oppression was so severe that over the next few
decades more than half of the Abkhazian population fled to Turkey and the Middle East.
1917 – 1918 Abkhazia joined the Republic of North Caucasus Confederative union.
1925 Abkhazia adopted its first Constitution under which it was united by a Special Treaty of Alliance with Georgia.
1931 Stalin (Georgian) and Beria (Mingrelian) reduced Abkhazia to the status of an autonomous Republic within Georgia.
1937 - 1953 Forced mass immigration into Abkhazia was carried out from Western Georgia (Mingrelia) by Stalin and Beria.
In Abkhazia, as well as other regions of the USSR, mass oppression was carried out, thousands of intellectuals were
persecuted. Abkhazian schools were closed. Abkhazians were punished for speaking their own language. The Roman based
Abkhazian script, which had been introduced in the late 1920s was replaced by one based upon the Georgian alphabet during
this period. 1991 - Georgia declares independence
1977 - 1978 Abkhazian intelectuals and academcians were sighned the letter to Beria under the pressure of “
Georgianalization” of Abkhaz nation, struggling and asking for assist of Moscow for the justice on a native land, afterword
Moskow replied with huge investment but Abkhazians could never seen it.
1864 Muhajariin period After prolonged fighting across the entire region of the North Caucasus, Abkhazia was the last
Caucasian principality to be forcibly annexed to the Russian Empire. Russian oppression was so severe that over the next few
decades more than half of the Abkhazian population fled to Turkey and the Middle East.
1917 – 1918 Abkhazia joined the Republic of North Caucasus Confederative union.
1925 Abkhazia adopted its first Constitution under which it was united by a Special Treaty of Alliance with Georgia.
1931 Stalin (Georgian) and Beria (Mingrelian) reduced Abkhazia to the status of an autonomous Republic within Georgia.
1937 - 1953 Forced mass immigration into Abkhazia was carried out from Western Georgia (Mingrelia) by Stalin and Beria.
In Abkhazia, as well as other regions of the USSR, mass oppression was carried out, thousands of intellectuals were
persecuted. Abkhazian schools were closed. Abkhazians were punished for speaking their own language. The Roman based
Abkhazian script, which had been introduced in the late 1920s was replaced by one based upon the Georgian alphabet during
this period. 1991 - Georgia declares independence
1977 - 1978 Abkhazian intelectuals and academcians were sighned the letter to Beria under the pressure of “
Georgianalization” of Abkhaz nation, struggling and asking for assist of Moscow for the justice on a native land, afterword
Moskow replied with huge investment but Abkhazians could never seen it.
7. Up till 90s there was a strong pressure from Georgian politics of diminishing Abkhaz culture that immediately after
Soviet union destruction Georgia declares for its independence 1991 and :
1992 Georgia sends troops to stop Abkhazia breaking away
1993 Fierce fighting ends with Georgian forces being expelled from Abkhazia
1994 Ceasefire agreed, peacekeepers arrive, nearly all Russian
1999 Abkhazia declares independence
2004 New Georgian president Saakashvili vows to restore Georgia's territorial integrity and return Abkhazia, South Ossetia
to the fold
2008 Russia formally recognizes Abkhazia's independence
2009 Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin visits
Up till present Abkhazia was recognized by 6 countries-5 of them UN members
10. Abkhazia is mostly rural and boasts a variety of
abundant agricultural natural resources, primarily
citrus fruit, tobacco, tea, and timber. It also has
some energy resources with coal mines and hydro-
electric plants. Abkhazia’s economy is heavily
reliant on Russia, using the rouble as its currency,
and relying mostly on Russia as export market, a
trading partner and investor. Turkey is another big
economic partner for Abkhazia. Economic and
travel sanctions were imposed on Abkhazia in 1996
by the CIS countries after its declaration of
sovereignty and the removal of Georgian troops
from the country. The economic blockade following
years of military conflict devastated the Abkhazian
economy. No foreign direct investment was able to
breach the blockades, and international trade is
highly restricted. Lifting of the embargo by Russia
opened new horizons for the country’s economic
growth. Tourism to Abkhazia is on the rise, with the
number of tourists reaching almost 2 million
visitors in 2007 and the expectation that this
number will continue to grow in coming years.
Fishing and construction industries are increasing
their volume annually.
Structure of Abkhazia
11. Culture
From the earliest of times, a distinctive culture began evolving in Abkhazia. The warmth and
mildness of the climate and the fertility of the land had defined the Abkhaz way of life. Thus,
the ancient Abkhaz were mainly preoccupied with farming, cattle breeding, hunting, fishing
and handicrafts. While defending their land from enemy attacks or fighting wars, the Abkhaz
also developed combat and weapon-making skills.
The majority of Abkhazians live in the rural areas, mostly in large family homes where they
grow and process their own food. Horses have an important place in Abkhazian culture. Equine
sports and equestrian activities are popular with Abkhazians and often play a central role in
festivals. Song, music, and dance are also important to Abkhazian culture. There are joyous
songs for weddings, ritual songs, cult songs, lullabies, healing songs, and work songs. All of
the arts are represented in Abkhazia. There are drama and dance companies, art museums, music
schools, and theatres for the performing arts. Poetry and literature are also held in high regard. It
has recently been acknowledged that there is a disproportionately high occurrence of
nonagenarians and centenarians in certain areas in the Caucasus, including Abkhazia. These
long-lifers are known for continuing their active lifestyles, continuing to work the fields, dance,
sing, and walk for miles long past their ninth decade.
Abkhazian culture is based on a folk ethical principle called APSUARA, which means "being
Abkhazian". Professor Sh. D. Inal-Ipa, a well-known Abkhazian ethnologist, defines apsuara as
a traditionally shaped way of expressing the national conscience, an unwritten code of ethnic
lore that describes the Abkhaz people's entire system of customs, beliefs and principles.
Abkhaz sagas and legends demonstrate the people's archaic beliefs about the Creation of the
World and the role of the gods. Abkhaz Nartic
12. De jure - De facto
On behalf my study, I would be trying to concrete the objective views and the structure of my
theme itself, deriving to a point of having several aspects to consider Abkhazian nation of
having right to be known de jure as an independent state.
There are several facts of understanding my point of view and aim of the nation:
History of Abkhazian nation and land counts millenniums, beginning from the first
settlements of Greeks
History of Abkhazia was always in the fight with larger empires and other neighbors
History of Abkhazia from early times fights for its independence and a nation state to be
free
History of Abkhazia always in the past and now has been interacting with Georgia from
peace to a war
Recent decades completely have shown the real cruelty of Georgian politics and forces
that caused present status to be unknown
During the war 4% of Abkhazians were killed
Language, culture and lifes of Abkhazians has its own path and ideology
National Archive of Abkhazia was burnt at the beginning of the war and approves of
Abkhazian nation just stayed in minds of Specialists in History and Academicians
13. Due to the global politics and a trends today, it became much more difficult to be
recognized state in the world
Abkhazian nations has lived just around war and cruelty
Republic exist with its under the laws of governance and economy as any other
Around 1 million people of Muchajariins that were send still lives in Turkey and Middle
East Countries
Abkhazia lives separately and independent from the moment of diminishing the Soviet
Union State
Georgia has not any effect or power in internal life of Abkhazians
Its recognized by 6 countries
Considering many aspects of history and todays politics Abkhazia has the right for its free
state to be recognized de jure where de facto it exist for many decades. Abkhazia had suffered
during its all history in times of Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Ottomans, Russians, Georgians.
In reference to all facts that were observed enough to state Abkhazian nation to be recognized
internationally and introduce our nation worldwide
14. The World response on Russian recognion of Abkhazian Republic
UN members
Armenia
President Serzh Sargsyan has stated that Armenia will not formally recognise Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states any time soon but
reiterated his support for their residents’ right to self-determination. He also said that Armenia will not recognise them for the same reason that it did
not recognise Kosovo’s independence and that Armenia can not recognise another entity in the same situation as long as it has not recognised
theNagorno-Karabakh Republic.
[125]
Tigran Balayan, Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press Office said, "Armenia has always favoured and
continues to believe that any attempt for military solution to conflicts is futile. Such conflicts should be resolved on the basis of free expression of the
will of the people".
[126]
Azerbaijan
Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry spokesman Khazar Ibrahim stated, "Azerbaijan’s position remains unchanged. We recognise Georgia’s territorial
integrity".
[127]
Cyprus
Foreign Minister Markos Kyprianou has said that that relations of Russia and Cyprus are very close but on the other hand Cyprus supports "the
respect and protection of the territorial integrity of states, and this is a principle which the Republic of Cyprus supports and supported in the case of
Kosovo, so developments of the past few days in Georgia have worried us".
[150]
The government has issued a statement saying that "Cyprus
expresses its deep concern over developments in Georgia. The Republic of Cyprus supports the respect of the rules of international law including
the respect of the territorial integrity of states, of the UN Charter and of the principles of the Helsinki Final Act. Moreover, the Cyprus
Governmentsupports peaceful resolution of international disputes by political means through negotiations, avoiding unilateral actions that could
aggravate the situation in this sensitive region".
[151]
Germany
Chancellor Angela Merkel said, "this contradicts the principle of territorial integrity, a principle based on the international law of nations and for this
reason it is unacceptable".
[162]
Greece
Minister of Foreign Affairs Dora Bakoyannis stated that among the principles of Greek foreign policy is "respect for the independence and territorial
integrity of states". Furthermore, she expressed dismay at the developments and stated that they subscribed to the French Presidency's statement
condemning the decision to recognise the regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
[163]
15. Sudan
On 28 August Sudan's envoy to the UN, Abdel-Haleem Abdel-Mahmood, stated that Sudan's recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia is
contingent upon developments on the issue of Kosovo's declaration of independence in the International Court of Justice. As Sudan remains
opposed to Kosovo's independence, their negative view about such declarations may change only if it is declared legal by the ICJ.
[206]
Syria
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad accused the United States of applying "double standards" toward Abkhazia and South Ossetia, stating that the
West "is ignoring for some reason the rights of the people of Abkhazia and South Ossetia." Assad also added, "In a situation when Georgia started
the war, the position of Russia... was absolutely right."
[214]
Syria's president also stated that Syria understands the essence of the Russian position
and considers its military reaction a response, to provocation by the Georgian side.
[215]
Tajikistan
The Moscow Times reports that the President of Tajikistan, Emomalii Rahmon, expressed his support for Russia's recognition of South Ossetia
and Abkhazia, stating, "Our countries are natural strategic partners... which envisions... support for each other's actions."
[216]
He also stated, that
Russia and Georgia should solve their conflict through political and diplomatic means.
[217]
Turkey
A Foreign Ministry statement on 26 August 2008 declared that "Turkey attaches importance to the independence, sovereignty and territorial
integrity of Georgia and is highly concerned about the recent developments. Turkey is of the opinion that this conflict should be resolved through
peaceful means".
[218]
United
States
President George W. Bush condemned the actions taken by Russia and called on them to "reconsider this irresponsible decision." Bush then
stated that in "accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolutions that remain in force, Abkhazia and South Ossetia are within the
internationally recognised borders of Georgia, and they must remain so."
[232]
.
[241]
Uzbekistan
Vladimir Norov, the foreign minister of Uzbekistan, said following a regular session of the Uzbekistan-EU Cooperation Council in Brussels that his
country has not reached a decision on recognition.
[242]
The World response on Russian recognion of Abkhazian Republic
UN members
16. Iran
The Ambassador of Iran to Russia, Mahmoud Reza Sajjadi, said in early February 2009 that his nation will not recognise Abkhazia and South
Ossetia's independence in the near future, "as it can cause war in many areas," but on the other hand he did not rule out eventual Iranian
recognition of the independence of the two areas. Sajjadi defended Russia's measures in the 2008 South Ossetia war and its decision to
recognise Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent nations. Sajjadi also said he sympathised with the people of Abkhazia and South Ossetia
and thatTehran will work with Moscow to develop the two areas' economy.
[166]
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan's President Nursultan Nazarbayev said he understood the measures taken by Russia and urged the international community against
raising the prospect of a new Cold War,
[171]
while also saying he considers that "Russia's actions were directed to protect the residents of long-
suffering regions. In response Russia could either ignore or prevent the bloodshed".
[172]
In October 2008, Foreign Minister Marat Tazhin said that "the principle of territorial integrity is key in international law" and that for this reason
Kazakhstan did not recognise Abkhazia and South Ossetia or Kosovo.
[173]
In December 2008, Prime Minister Karim Masimov stated that "We have an official position. Kazakhstan did not recognise Kosovo and does not
recognise Abkhazia and South Ossetia. We consider that borders are defined and Kazakhstan will not recognise any new states."
[174]
Kyrgyzstan
At a Minsk press conference on 27 August 2008, Kyrgyzstan's ambassador to Belarus said regarding South Ossetian and Abkhazian
independence that "(a)ll legal aspects should be measured as the situation is unusual. It is unusual in view of the recognition of separate states in
the CIS and Georgia’s withdrawal from the CIS. These issues allow us to approach the topic with due consideration, allow us to study and listen to
analysts, observers, counsellors of state. As the issue is being studied I cannot express an opinion because the issue is too fresh".
[175]
Saudi
Arabia
During a meeting with Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, the Secretary of the Saudi National Security Council, Bandar bin Sultan, told that King
Abdullahand the whole leadership of the country had full understanding for the actions of the Russian side in South Ossetia.
[193]
South
Africa
Dumisani Kumalo, the Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, said that his country "had repeatedly stressed the need for
countries to resolve differences through negotiations. A resort to the use of force diminished the chance for a lasting solution to a situation and it
increased the suffering of all the people involved".
[149]
The World response on Russian recognion of Abkhazian Republic
UN members
17. The World response on Russian recognion of Abkhazian Republic
Non UN members
State Position
Kosovo
President of Kosovo Fatmir Sejdiu said that Kosovo cannot serve as an
example for Russia to recognise South Ossetia or Abkhazia. He said, "We
have always stressed that Kosovo has special characteristics; that it is sui
generis and it cannot be used as a precedent for other conflict zones,
areas or regions". He did not comment on Russia’s recognition of South
Ossetia and Abkhazia, but said that Kosovo was "on the side of great
world powers" on that issue.
[244]
Northern
Cyprus
President of Northern Cyprus Mehmet Ali Talat said he respected the will
of the people in South Ossetia and Abkhazia. A spokesman for Talat
called for Moscow to review its policy on Cyprus and said there were
lessons in the developments for the Greek Cypriots.
[245]
Sahrawi
Arab
Democratic
Republic
On 29 September 2010 the SADR Minister for African Issues Mohamed
Yeslem Beyssat said referring to South Ossetia: “Western Sahara de
facto recognizes the independence of South Ossetia. Now we have to
formalise relations de jure, including the establishment of diplomatic
relations".
[246]
The two states have had various formal and informal
contacts.
[247]