SUKHUM / AQW'A — The fourth Pitsunda International Music Festival ended on 1 August with a sold-out closing concert at the town's ancient cathedral, the sixth and final night of a week that organisers say drew some of the festival's biggest audiences to date.

SUKHUM / AQW'A — Singer and composer Sultan Khazhirokov from Kabardino-Balkaria has officially received the decree awarding him the honorary title of Honoured Artist of Abkhazia.

The decree was signed in February 2024 by former Abkhaz President Aslan Bzhania in recognition of Khazhirokov’s contribution to the development of popular music and to the promotion of the cultures of the peoples of the Caucasus.

The premiere of The Seagull, one of Anton Chekhov’s most renowned plays, took place on 30 October at the Samson Chanba Abkhaz State Drama Theatre.

Among the audience were Vice Prime Minister of the Republic Taras Khagba and Minister of Finance Said Gubaz.

SUKHUM / AQW’A — In the heart of Sukhum, the AUADA Gallery will host a special exhibition showcasing the revival of the ancient craft of Abkhaz-Adyghe silver weaving. The artisans of Akakach Studio employ an age-old technique, creating silver jewellery that holds both aesthetic and cultural significance.

The long-awaited premiere of the theatrical adaptation of Asdu, based on the rhapsodic novel by Alexey Gogua, was staged at the Abkhaz Drama Theatre. Initially scheduled for 12 November, the production faced several postponements due to heightened political tensions in the region. Future performances are set for 21 and 23 November.