National Library Hosts 70th Anniversary of 'Alashara'
SUKHUM / AQW'A — A celebration marking the 70th anniversary of Alashara, one of Abkhazia’s most enduring literary and socio-political journals, was held at the National Library in Sukhum.
The event opened with the national anthem of the Republic of Abkhazia, followed by a minute’s silence in memory of writers who have passed away.
Vakhtang Abkhazou, Chairman of the Union of Writers of Abkhazia, delivered the opening remarks, reflecting on the journal’s founding, development, and lasting role in the country’s cultural life. He noted that Alashara has long served not only as a platform for new literature but also as an important source of political and social commentary.
Vice-Premier Zhansukh Nanba read a congratulatory message on behalf of President Badr Gunba.
The journal’s editor-in-chief since 2004, Anatoly Lagulaa, highlighted key moments from Alashara’s history. He recalled that its very first issue, edited by Mushni Khashba, featured works by prominent Abkhaz writers, including Dmitry Gulia’s poem My Hearth. Over the decades, the journal has been led by several notable editors such as Alexey Dzhonua, Chichiko Dzhonua, Alexey Dzenia, Georgy Gublia and Nikolay Kvitsinia.
Lagulaa underscored the journal’s ongoing role in promoting new voices in Abkhaz literature. He also noted that its digital edition, recently launched on the Union of Writers’ website, has significantly expanded readership. However, he pointed to challenges in distributing print copies across the regions, stressing that Alashara should be accessible in every rural household.
A number of leading cultural and academic figures spoke about the journal’s importance, including Deputy Minister of Education Hibla Shamba, President of the Academy of Sciences Zurab Djapua, poet and editor of Akazara Gennady Alamia, writers Anzor Mukba and Daur Nachkebia, and poet and editor-in-chief of Amtsabz Gunda Sakania. Scholars Saida Khadzhim, Inal Gitsba and Valentin Kogonia, as well as Svetlana Korsaya, Director of the D. I. Gulia Literary-Memorial Museum, also offered congratulations. Writer Vladimir Delba shared memories of seeing his early illustrations published in the journal during his youth.
Congratulatory messages from abroad were also read out, including from Turkish writer and scholar Mahinur Papba, conveyed by repatriate Oktay Chkotua, and from scholars Vyacheslav Bigvaa and Denis Chachkhalia, read by Alashara staff member Albina Ankvab.
Throughout the evening, archival video footage was shown, recalling earlier generations of contributors and former editors, including interviews with poets Mushni Mikaia and Georgy Gublia.
Speakers emphasised that Alashara has played a defining role in shaping and recording Abkhazia’s literary and cultural history. For seven decades, it has published both celebrated authors and emerging writers, bringing poetry, prose, drama, essays and criticism to readers across the country and helping preserve the Abkhaz language.
The celebration concluded with poetry readings, warm congratulations, and musical performances by People's Artist of Abkhazia Lyudmila Gunba and the vocal-instrumental ensemble Gunda led by Roza Chamagua.
As Alashara marks its seventieth year, contributors and readers alike expressed hope that the journal will continue to illuminate Abkhazia’s cultural landscape and open new horizons for future generations.