Who Are the Abkhaz?
The Abkhaz (Apsua) are a Northwest Caucasian people native to Abkhazia, a disputed territory on the Black Sea coast between Russia and Georgia. They number approximately 120,000-130,000 in Abkhazia, with diaspora communities in Turkey, Syria, and Jordan descended from 19th-century exiles. They speak Abkhaz, a Northwest Caucasian language known for its remarkably complex consonant system (some analyses identify 58-60 consonants but only 2 vowels). The Abkhaz have ancient roots in the region, maintaining distinct identity through Byzantine, Ottoman, Russian, Soviet, and post-Soviet eras, culminating in the 1992-1993 war with Georgia and subsequent de facto independence.
Apswara (Abkhaz Way)
Apswara—the "Abkhaz way"—refers to traditional customary law, ethical principles, and behavioral codes that defined Abkhaz society. Central concepts include hospitality (apswara demands hosts protect guests absolutely), honor, respect for elders, and blood revenge obligations. These customs governed conflict resolution, marriage, property, and community relations before modern state law. Apswara connected Abkhaz to broader Caucasian customary law traditions shared with Circassians and other mountain peoples. Though Soviet and post-Soviet changes have weakened traditional institutions, apswara principles continue influencing Abkhaz social expectations and self-understanding.
Ethnic Conflict and Diaspora
The Abkhaz have experienced two major demographic catastrophes. Russian conquest in the 1860s led to the "Muhajir" exodus—an estimated 300,000-400,000 Abkhaz were expelled or fled to the Ottoman Empire, where their descendants live today. This created a diaspora outnumbering the homeland population. The 1992-1993 war with Georgia caused mass displacement of Georgians from Abkhazia while leaving Abkhaz in control of a depopulated territory. Georgia considers Abkhazia occupied; Russia recognizes its independence. This unresolved conflict, with its population displacements and ethnic traumas, defines contemporary Abkhaz political reality.
Contemporary Abkhaz
Modern Abkhazia exists in international limbo—recognized by Russia and a few other states, claimed by Georgia, isolated from most international engagement. The Abkhaz are now a majority in their homeland for the first time in modern history, though the total population is small. The economy depends heavily on Russian support and tourism. The Abkhaz language is official but competes with Russian in education and public life. Cultural revival efforts emphasize language, traditions, and distinct identity. The diaspora in Turkey maintains connections despite linguistic assimilation. How the Abkhaz sustain their distinct identity while navigating geopolitical isolation shapes this ancient Black Sea people's uncertain future.
References
- Hewitt, B. G. (1989). The Abkhaz: A Handbook
- Colarusso, J. (2006). Kabardian (East Circassian)
- Anchabadze, Y. (1999). \"History of Abkhazia: A Brief Essay\"