Abkhaz Civil Society Holds Talks with Turkish Diaspora Delegation
Public Chamber hosts new head of diaspora federation.
SUKHUM / AQW'A — Abkhazia’s Public Chamber has held a meeting in Sukhum with a delegation of diaspora representatives from Türkiye, led by the newly elected head of the Federation of Abkhaz Cultural Centres (ABHAZFED), Yavuz Atryshba.
Secretary of the Public Chamber, Guli Kichba, welcomed the delegation and congratulated Mr Atryshba on his election, saying it was important to strengthen cooperation between the Abkhaz diaspora in Türkiye and the historical homeland.
“It is very positive that you began your work as head of the Federation of Abkhaz Cultural Centres with a working visit to Abkhazia,” Ms Kichba said.
Mr Atryshba thanked the Chamber for the reception, saying he had many friends in Abkhazia and hoped to expand cooperation. A veteran of the 1992–93 [Georgian-Abkhaz] war, he paid tribute to those killed in the conflict.
“More than 30 years have passed, but it is still difficult to remember and speak about the war and the fallen fighters,” he said.
Mr Atryshba said Abkhazians had opportunities to increase their visibility on international platforms, citing a recent speech by diaspora activist Elchin Adzinba at the UN Forum on Minority Issues in Geneva.
“We do not always realise the strength and opportunities we possess. We must unite and promote Abkhazia’s interests wherever possible,” he said.
Deputy Secretary of the Public Chamber, Sokrat Dzhindzholia, said those who died in the war had not done so in vain.
“They saved us and our state. We consider them alive,” he said, adding that building the state after the war had proved far more difficult than expected.
He said international recognition had not brought the ease many anticipated, and that developing relations with Abkhazia’s strategic partner, the Russian Federation, required ongoing effort. He nevertheless expressed optimism.
“Despite all the difficulties, we have hope for a bright future, and the Russian Federation greatly supports us,” he said.
He quoted Abkhazia’s first president, Vladislav Ardzinba:
“We defended our land, we reached the Ingur, but what is this victory worth if Abkhazians will not live here, if there are too few of us?”
Mr Dzhindzholia acknowledged the challenges faced by diaspora families in relocating to Abkhazia, but said those with two sons might consider sending one to live in the homeland.
Public Chamber member and head of the Abkhaz Journalists’ Union, Ruslan Khashig, said two per cent of salaries in Abkhazia were allocated to the Repatriation Fund and suggested that diaspora communities abroad could consider similar contributions.
He also noted that Abkhaz State University currently has only one repatriated student.
“Attracting students is the best way to bring our compatriots back,” he said. “Abkhazians must live on this land.”
Abkhazia’s authorised representative in Türkiye, Ibrahim Avidzba, said discussion needed to move towards concrete action. He said diaspora communities abroad had various opportunities to raise awareness of Abkhazia internationally and were keen to do so.
He pledged close cooperation between the Federation and the diplomatic representation.
“We will do everything possible to strengthen cooperation between the diaspora and the historical homeland and to promote Abkhazia’s interests on international platforms,” Mr Avidzba said.