We have just added some new translations to AbkhazWorld, each offering a unique look into the history, culture, and relationships within the Caucasus. From Dmitry Bakradze’s 19th-century descriptions of Abkhazia and its neighbouring regions, to Katie Kantaria’s modern take on Georgian-Abkhazian relations, and Naima Neflyasheva’s thoughtful piece on Circassian traditions, these articles bring different perspectives that shed light on both the past and present. We hope you'll find them as insightful as we do!
Scholarly-literary section: A sketch of Mingrelia, Samurzakan, and Abkhazia, by Dmitry Bakradze (1860)
This article, written by the Georgian historian Dmitry Bakradze (1826–1890), was originally published in Gazeta Kavkaz in 1860 across two issues (No. 48 pp. 293-294 and No. 49 pp. 298-299). It offers an exploration of the geographical, historical, and cultural aspects of Mingrelia, Samurzakan, and Abkhazia. Bakradze vividly describes the natural landscapes, including rivers, forests, and mountain ranges, and traces the historical evolution of these regions, from ancient Greek colonies to his time in the 1860s. He also analyses into the customs, lifestyle, and socio-political state of the local populations.
This English translation, provided by AbkhazWorld, aims to bring this rich historical account to a broader audience, offering a valuable perspective on the intertwined histories of the region.
What and Why Do Georgians Think about Abkhazians, by Katie Kantaria
This article, written by Georgian (Mingrelian) journalist Katie Kantaria and originally published on 'Netgazeti' on 5 May 2016, offers a reflective and nuanced exploration of the complex relations between Georgians and Abkhazians. The piece delves into historical grievances, present-day tensions, and the contrasting perceptions within Georgian society regarding the Abkhazian people. Kantaria highlights the challenges of overcoming deep seated narratives, shaped by decades of conflict, while pointing to moments of potential reconciliation.
Translated from Georgian, the article provides an insight into the evolving discourse on the Georgian-Abkhazian conflict.
Being a Man in the Circassian Way, by Naima Neflyasheva
Naima Neflyasheva, a scholar and Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for African Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, explores what it means to "be a man" in Circassian culture. She discusses the rules and norms regarding appearance and behaviour that have developed over centuries, examining what has changed and what remains valued today.
This article was first published on the Sovetskaya Adygeya website and is translated from Russian.
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