Commemorating Sukhum’s Liberation and Honouring Those Who Fell for the Freedom and Independence of Apsny
During the 1992-93 Georgian-Abkhazian War, every Abkhaz family lost at least one of its members.
SUKHUM / AQW'A — On September 27, Abkhazia marked a significant date in its history – the 30th anniversary of the liberation of its capital, Sukhum, from Georgian occupiers.
A series of commemorative events took place, underscoring the resilience and unity of the Abkhazian people and their journey towards independence and sovereignty.
At the Park of Glory in Sukhum, participants laid flowers and paid their respects to those who had sacrificed their lives for Abkhazia's freedom. The day of reflection and homage brought together a community that continues to honour its history and the heroes who shaped its future.
The liberation operation, which commenced on September 16, 1993, lasted for 12 arduous days under the leadership of Defence Minister Major General Sultan Sosnaliyev and Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Abkhazia, Major General Sergey Dbar. Abkhazian troops faced significant resistance and incurred heavy losses, but their determination and unity ultimately led to the liberation of Sukhum on September 27.
Supported by the cellular operator "A-mobile", Ekaterina Bebia's thought-provoking photo exhibition "Chronicle of War" welcomed its first visitors at the Abkhazian State University on Wednesday, September 27.
The renowned journalist and war correspondent, Ekaterina Bebia, presents a collection of around 1600 striking military photographs, meticulously compiled from her archive. These images provide a profound insight into the pivotal events of the war and intimately portray the soldiers from both the Eastern and Western fronts.
A distinguished concert commemorating the 30th anniversary of Sukhum’s liberation from Georgian invaders was held at the prestigious State Philharmonic on Wednesday, September 27. This occasion shines a light on one of the most consequential dates in Abkhazia's contemporary history – September 27, 1993.
President of Abkhazia, Aslan Bzhania, addressed the assembly with a heartfelt speech, reflecting on the pivotal operations leading to the city's liberation. He recounted the initial setbacks faced during the January and March offensives. "These operations, albeit challenging, were instrumental in garnering additional combat experience, understanding the adversary's capabilities, and meticulously planning the expulsion of the enemy from our homeland. The successful summer offensive on the mountainous villages of the Sukhum region demonstrated that the sacrifices made in January and March were not futile. It paved the way for the culminating act of liberating Sukhum," he articulated.
Circassian Volunteer Arsen Efendiev Reburied After Decades of Uncertainty
The Park of Glory in Sukhum was the poignant setting for the reburial ceremony of Arsen Efendiev, a Circassian volunteer who served in the Patriotic War of the People of Abkhazia in 1992-1993. Efendiev, who hailed from Kabardino-Balkaria, had been missing since 27th September 1993.
Zaur Efendiev, Arsen’s son, expressed his gratitude to everyone who played a role in identifying his father.
“Today marks not only a day of sorrow but also one of peace of mind, as we have found our relatives and friends. I wish for the day when all lost soldiers are found, and for Abkhazia to be blessed, ensuring that all these deaths were not in vain,” he said.
On 27th September 1993, Arsen Efendiev, then 34, alongside 26-year-old Polish fighter Janusz Godawa, had the honour of carrying the Abkhaz flag to the top of the parliament building. Janusz had traveled from Poland specifically to participate in the conflict.
Arsen and Janusz formed a close bond, fighting together as brothers-in-arms. While Janusz's body was discovered in the village of Markhaul on 30th September, Arsen vanished without a trace, leaving his family searching for him for years.
The discovery of Arsen’s remains is attributed to the efforts of the humanitarian Coordination Mechanism, which is dedicated to clarifying the fate of persons missing in connection with the events of the armed conflict of 1992-1993 and subsequent occurrences.
Understanding Abkhazia: KAFKAS Foundation Marks 30 Years of Independence with Insightful Panel
ISTANBUL — This year marks a significant milestone - the 30th anniversary of the victory in the Patriotic War of the people of Abkhazia in 1992-1993 (Georgian-Abkhazian war). To commemorate this, the Türkiye-based KAFKAS VAKFI (Caucasus Foundation) is organising a special panel titled "Understanding and Recognising Abkhazia: 30th Year of Independence". The event is scheduled to take place on September 30th at the Bağlarbaşı Congress and Culture Centre in Istanbul.
Aiming to shed light on Abkhazia’s journey to independence, its historical context, and its current state, the conference will be held in the Seminar Hall of the Bağlarbaşı Congress and Culture Center from 14:30 to 18:30.
The War Memories
+ Bravery in Trenches: Khuta Kurt-Ogly's Valiant Contribution to Abkhazia's Patriotic War
+"To Beloved and Dear Vladislav": Letters from a Mother Who Lost Sons in War
+ Revenge for a Brother: The Journey of Yamze Kapba to the Front Line
+ Battles and Scalpels: Surgeon Valeriy Avidzba's Journey Through War
+ A Tribute to Endurance: 30 Years Since the Martyrdom of Yegodzh Hanefi Aslan
Meanwhile Georgians are as usual…
Let’s remember the 14 August 1992: Georgian Army invading Abkhazia:
Video: https://x.com/AbkhazWorld/status/1706921099198423350?s=20
In the face of adversity, we stood united, turning the tides of battle, and reclaiming OUR LAND from the Georgian OCCUPIERS - AGGRESSORS.