Abkhazia is a small country, but with a very interesting history and rich heritage.
Where is it
The territory of the state is located in the north-west of the Caucasus. It has borders with two countries - Georgia and Russia. Abkhazia stretches between the rivers Psou and Ingur. The sea washes the coast of this country in the south. Geographical coordinates of the country: 43 degrees north latitude and 41 degrees east longitude. In its northern part there are spurs of the Main Range of the Caucasus Mountains, the southwest occupies a flat sea coast.
A Brief History
The indigenous population of Abkhazia came from the ancient peoples of the Western Caucasus. In the Assyrian inscriptions of the times of King Tiglathpalasar, they were mentioned as Abeshla, in ancient sources they are the tribes of the Abazgs and Apsils. In ancient times, even before our era, Greek colonies arose on the territory of modern Abkhazia. Thanks to the influence of Greece, there was an acceleration of socio-economic development. Then the dominance of Rome was established, with which there was an active trade. Where the city of Sukhum is now located, was the ancient center of Abkhazia of those times - Sebastopolis.
In the 4th century AD, three principalities were formed on the territory: Apsilia, Abazgia andSanigia. The failed attack of the Arab army led to their unification. This is how the early feudal state arose - the Abkhazian kingdom.
Metallurgy has been developed here since ancient times. For example, in the upper reaches of the Bzyb River (Bashkapsar region), a copper mine was found, which was developed even before our era. Already in those days, the production of iron was mastered. Throughout the country, various metal items from the Bronze Age are found.
In 1810, Abkhazia became part of Russia. Here appeared writing, created on the basis of Russian. When the Soviet Union was formed, it turned into the Abkhaz SSR.
Capital
The capital of the state is the city of Sukhum. It is located in the center of Abkhazia on the flat Black Sea coast between the Gumista and Kyalasur rivers. Nearby is a small Sukhumi bay. The city currently covers an area of 23 square kilometers.
The city is very ancient, its history began even before our era. It arose thanks to the ancient Greek colonists. It was founded by Greek merchants from Miletus. The city was originally called Dioscuria. It did not arise from scratch, ancient settlements already existed here.
During the reign of the Romans, the city began to be called Sebastopolis. For protection from external enemies, a fortress was built here. Then the name Tskhum appeared, and then the Turks renamed it Sukhum-Kale (16th century).
At the end of the 18th century, the Turks were defeated, and the city began to belong to the Abkhaz again. Early 19th centuryAbkhazia becomes part of the Russian Empire, and the city of Sukhum-Kale in the middle of the century began to be called simply Sukhum. When Abkhazia became part of Georgia, the city turned into Sukhumi. After the collapse of the Soviet Union and gaining independence, it again became known as Sukhum.
There are many historical monuments on the territory of the capital of Abkhazia: the remains of an ancient Greek city, Queen Tamara's bridge, the Makhadzhirs (Mikhailovskaya) embankment, Bagrat's castle and Markheul (mineral spring). The architecture of the city traces the legacy of the times of the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union. Many old elegant houses and mansions are combined with the Soviet quarters. The city is multinational, the inhabitants belong to various religious denominations. For Christians, there is a unique place for pilgrimage here - the Kaman temple (10-12 centuries), associated with St. John Chrysostom.
How Abkhazia became independent
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Abkhazia wished to build equal relations with Georgia, on which it had long depended. However, the Georgian authorities did not agree with this, which marked the beginning of a military conflict. The troops of Georgia invaded the territory of Abkhazia in 1992, the indigenous population of Abkhazia was forced out in every possible way, monuments of material and spiritual culture were destroyed. As a result of all this, a bloody war began. As a result, the armed forces of Abkhazia ousted the Georgians from their territory. Not without the help of volunteers from the south of Russia. The war finally ended in 1994, a new constitution was adopted. After many years, Abkhaziafinally became a sovereign state. Its independence was recognized by Russia and many other countries.
Population
The population of Abkhazia can be compared in size with the number of, for example, a small town. Even before the collapse of the USSR (in 1989), about 500 thousand people lived here. The majority were Georgians, and only in second place were Abkhazians. Then came the Armenians, Russians and Greeks. For 14 years, the population has decreased to 320 thousand (according to 2003 data). The census conducted in 2011 showed that the population of Abkhazia already numbers 242,000 people. At the same time, most of them live in rural areas.
Today, the population of Abkhazia is divided by national composition as follows: Abkhazians (majority), Armenians, Georgians, Russians and Greeks. This state is considered multinational, in addition to the listed peoples, Ukrainians, Estonians, Jews and Turks also live in it.
The population of Abkhazia is distributed in different regions: Gagra (leading in number), Gadautsky, Sukhumi, Gulripshsky, Ochamchira, Tkuarchalsky, Galsky.
State flag
The flag of the Republic of Abkhazia is represented by a rectangle with alternating horizontal green and white stripes. In the upper corner is a magenta rectangle with a palm and 7 stars (7 historical districts).
The coat of arms is divided into two halves: green and white. It also depicts a rider riding a horse and shooting an arrow into the sky. Green colorsymbolizes life, white - spirit. The plot illustrated on the coat of arms is connected with the heroic epic of Abkhazia. Below the rider is a star symbolizing rebirth, the other two stars above the rider are east and west.
Nature
Abkhazia is located in the northwestern part of the Caucasus. Most of the country is occupied by mountains. The highest point in the country is Mount Dombay-Ulgen (4046 meters), located on the border of Abkhazia and Karachay-Cherkessia (Russia).
Nature here is beautiful: snow-capped high mountains, caves and virgin forests are combined with the sea coast. This is what Abkhazia is famous for. The sea here is warm and its coast stretches for 210 kilometers. Stormy rivers flow from the mountains, they carry their clear waters to the sea.
The largest of them: Kodor and Bzyb. There are picturesque lakes in the mountains - Ritsa and Amtkal. The foot and slopes of the mountains are covered with forests, where rare species grow - boxwood and mahogany. The vegetation of Abkhazia includes 2 thousand species. 400 endemics of the Caucasus grow here, more than 100 are found only in this territory. A relic Pitsunda pine grows on Cape Pitsunda.
Climate
Humid subtropical climate prevails here. The weather in Abkhazia is mostly warm, even in the coldest month the temperature does not fall below zero, the minimum is +4 degrees. In summer, the temperature is comfortable + 22 … + 24 degrees. Since the territory is mostly occupied by mountains, the altitudinal zonality is well expressed here.
The weather in Abkhazia is different in different areas. Up to the mark of 1500 meters above sea level there is an area of warm and moderately humid climate. Higher the amount of precipitation increases, it becomes colder. At an altitude of 2800 meters begins a zone where the snow lies all year round and does not melt.
