Abkhazia, a region nestled along the Black Sea, is a self-declared independent state that remains internationally unrecognized, except for its recognition by Russia. Separated from Georgia by a brutal war in the early 1990s, Abkhazia’s quest for sovereignty has been marred by conflict and instability. The war left deep scars, and despite the passage of time, the region struggles with a fractured society and economy.
The war displaced a large portion of the population, and while some returnees have managed to resettle in the area, particularly around Gali, their conditions are far from ideal. These returnees face a harsh reality, grappling with poor infrastructure, limited access to services, and a lack of economic opportunities. The area is still heavily influenced by Russian military and political presence, which has helped sustain Abkhazia’s de facto independence but at the cost of its autonomy and development.
Despite these hardships, a sense of identity persists in Abkhazia. The region’s longing for recognition and stability remains, even as it faces fierce challenges in rebuilding and reconciling its past. Abkhazia's future is uncertain, with its continued reliance on Russian support complicating efforts for broader international recognition or integration. Yet, the shores of the Black Sea remain a symbol of both its struggle and its resilience.
Ruined resort in Sukhumi, Abkhazia, March 2014
The shore of Sukhumi on the Black Sea, Abkhazia, October 2013
Square where official celebrations are held, in front of the destroyed government house, Sukhumi, March 2014
Street scene in Sukhumi, Abkhazia, October 2013
Scars of the war in Sukhumi, Abkhazia, October 2013
Ochamchire beach, Abkhazia, March 2014
Ochamchire city, Abkhazia, March 2014
Black Sea beach in Sukhumi, October 2013
Abkhazian resident of Likhni village, Abkhazia, March 2014
Poultry market in Sukhumi, Abkhazia, October 2013
Main street in Gali, Abkhazia, October 2013
Government House left in ruins since 1993, Sukhumi, Abkhazia, October 2013
Horses in an abandoned building, downtown Gali, Abkhazia, October 2013
Gali, Abkhazia, October 2013
Pitsunda beach where thousands of Russians spend their summer vacations on the Black Sea shore. Pitsunda resort city, Abkhazia, March 2014
Ruined hotel on the sea front, Sukhumi, October 2013
Old woman in Gali, Abkhazia, October 2013
Market place of Gali, Abkhazia, October 2013
Bar in Sukhumi, the capital of Abkhazia, October 2013 A seemingly independent state, recognised and supported by Russia, Abkhazia longs the shore of the Black Sea. Separated from Georgia by the war, only rare returnees have made it back to their homes, mainly to the area of Gali. They face fierce and somber living conditions.
Georgian returnees at home in Gali, Abkhazia, October 2013
Abandoned Russian military base in Gali. A new military complex for Russian forces was built nearby. Russia keeps several thousand troops in Abkhazia and is in charge of border security. Abkhazia, October 2013
Outskirts of Gali. The railway line between Georgia and Abkhazia, discontinued since the war in the beginning of the nineties, Abkhazia, October 2013
Gali centre town, Abkhazia, October 2013
Abandoned house in Gali. The Gali area was mainly populated by Georgians before the war, very few have been able to return. Abkhazia, October 2013
Ochamchire, Abkhazia, March 2014
Mechanic workshop in Sukhumi, Abkhazia, October 2013
Boy playing in an abandoned building, Sukhumi, Abkhazia, March 2014
Tea fields in Likhni. The production of tea has been reduced drastically reduced since the collapse of the Soviet Union to make place for hazelnut plantations. Abkhazia, March 2014
Playing chess at night, Sukhumi, Abkhazia, March 2014
Rest, Gali, Abkhazia, October 2013
Destroyed house of expelled Georgians, Ochamchire in southern Abkhazia, March 2014
Total destruction of property making the return of IDPs impossible, Ochamchire, Abkhazia, March 2014
With more than half of the original population displaced, Ochamchire has a deserted and desolate feeling. Abkhazia, March 2014
