Abkhazia is a small country, but with a very interesting history and rich heritage.
Where is
The territory of the state is located in the northwest of the Caucasus. It has borders with two countries - Georgia and Russia. Between the rivers Psou and Ingur stretches Abkhazia. The sea washes the shores of this country in the south. The geographic 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 south-west is occupied by a flat sea coast.
Short story
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 abesla, in ancient sources they are tribes of Abazgs and Apsils. In ancient times, even before our era, Greek colonies appeared on the territory of modern Abkhazia. Thanks to the influence of Greece, there was an acceleration of socio-economic development. Then the rule 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, Abazgiya and Sanigiya. The failed attack by the Arab army led to their unification. So an early feudal state arose - the Abkhazian kingdom.
Since ancient times, metallurgy was developed here. 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 iron production was mastered. Throughout the country, various metal products 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 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 rivers Gumista and Kialasur. Nearby is a small Sukhumi bay. Currently, the city 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. Initially, the city was 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. A fortress was built here to protect against external enemies. 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 again belonged to the Abkhaz. At the beginning of the 19th century, Abkhazia became 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 independence, Sukhum was again called.
On the territory of the capital of Abkhazia there are many historical monuments: the remains of the ancient Greek city, the bridge of Tsarina Tamara, the embankment of Makhadzhirov (Mikhailovskaya), the castle of Bagrat and Markheul (mineral spring). The architecture of the city traces the heritage of the times of the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union. Many old elegant houses and mansions are combined with Soviet quarters. The city is multinational, residents belong to various religious faiths. For Christians, there is a unique place for pilgrimage - the Kaman temple (10-12 century), associated with St. John Chrysostom.
How Abkhazia became independent
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Abkhazia wanted to build equal relations with Georgia, on which it depended for a long time. However, the Georgian authorities did not agree with this, which laid the foundation for a military conflict. Georgian troops invaded the territory of Abkhazia in 1992, the indigenous population of Abkhazia was squeezed out in every possible way, and the 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 forced the Georgians out of their territory. Not without the help of volunteers from the south of Russia. The war ended completely in 1994, and a new constitution was adopted. After many years, Abkhazia finally 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, for example, of a small city. 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 the Abkhazians. Then came the Armenians, Russians and Greeks. Over 14 years, the population has declined to 320 thousand (according to 2003 data). A census conducted in 2011 showed that the population of Abkhazia already numbers 242 thousand people. However, most of it lives in rural areas.
Today, the population of Abkhazia by ethnic composition is divided 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 live in it.
The population of Abkhazia is distributed in different areas: Gagra (leading in number), Gadautsky, Sukhumi, Gulripshsky, Ochamchirsky, 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 purple rectangle, which depicts a palm and 7 stars (7 historical areas).
The emblem is divided into two halves: green and white. It also depicts a horseman riding a horse and firing an arrow into the sky. Green color symbolizes life, white - spirit. The plot illustrated on the coat of arms is connected with the heroic epos of Abkhazia. Under 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 mountains. The highest point in the country is Mount Dombay-Ulgen (4046 meters), located on the border of Abkhazia and Karachay-Cherkessia (Russia).
The nature here is beautiful: snow-covered high mountains, caves and virgin forests combine 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 down from the mountains, they carry their clear waters to the sea.
The largest of them: Kodor and Bzyb. In the mountains there are picturesque lakes - 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 endemic species of the Caucasus grow here, more than 100 are found only in this territory. A relict
Pitsunda pine grows on Cape Pitsunda
.Climate
The humid subtropical climate dominates here . The weather in Abkhazia is mostly warm, even in the coldest month the temperature does not drop below zero, the minimum is +4 degrees. In summer, the temperature is comfortable +22 ... + 24 degrees. Since the territory is mostly occupied by mountains, altitudinal zonation is well expressed here.
The weather in Abkhazia is different in different areas. Up to 1,500 meters above sea level is an area of warm and temperate-humid climate. Higher rainfall increases, it gets colder. At an altitude of 2800 meters begins the zone where the snow lies all year round and does not melt.