"Mémoires d'un combattant abkhaze": Unveiling Bekir Ashuba's Story in French
Ashuba's personal narrative unveils the transformation of diasporic identity, the challenges faced during the journey to Abkhazia, and the haunting memories of war.
In 2009, Bekir Ashuba published his poignant book "Üşüyorum" (I'm Cold)" in Turkish. At the young age of 23, Ashuba, along with his friends from Turkey's Abkhazian and Circassian diaspora, journeyed to Abkhazia to volunteer as fighters in the Georgian-Abkhazian war of 1992-1993.
Ashuba's personal narrative unveils the transformation of diasporic identity, the challenges faced during the journey to Abkhazia, and the haunting memories of war. These accounts form a vivid tapestry of lived history, capturing the stories of those who went to fight, those who never returned, the bonds of friendship, and the unwavering solidarity forged by the heart. The book delves into the anatomy of war and the mythic bravery and obstacles faced by a group of friends.
Having been published in both Turkish and Abkhaz languages, Ashuba's book was recently released in French under the title 'Mémoires d'un combattant abkhaze' (Memories of an Abkhaz Warrior). We had the privilege of speaking with Bekir Ashuba about the process of creating the French version and the story behind it.
Two Suspects Detained in Connection with Damaged Linden Tree in Lykhnashta
Abkhazian State Security Service Chairman Robert Kiut reported to the President that two suspects have been detained in connection with the damage inflicted on a historic linden tree in the Lykhnashta meadow. Both detainees are over forty years old and citizens of Abkhazia.
Law enforcement officials are investigating various possibilities, including foreign intelligence services' involvement in the incident and the intention to destabilize the country by certain individuals.
"During search and other investigative activities, potential objects related to the crime were discovered, along with other information confirming their involvement in this crime," Kiut stated. "The motives for the crime have not yet been established. The State Security Service is examining several scenarios, including possible involvement of foreign special services and intentions to destabilize the internal situation in Abkhazia."
Cabinet Discusses Design of Air Checkpoint for Sukhum Airport Reconstruction
The Ministry of Economy of Abkhazia recently hosted a meeting to discuss the design of an air checkpoint at the Sukhum Airport, as part of the ongoing "Reconstruction of the Sukhum Airport named after Vladislav Ardzinba" project.
Representatives from various control services operating at checkpoints across Abkhazia's state border attended the meeting, according to the ministry's website.
Among the attendees were representatives from the border detachment of the State Security Service of the Republic of Armenia, the State Customs Committee, the Committee for Communications, Mass Communications and Digital Development, the Committee for Standards, Consumer and Technical Supervision, the State Plant Quarantine Inspectorate, and the Veterinary Service.
The meeting focused on addressing issues related to the organization of work and the placement of services within the air terminal complex during the first phase of reconstruction. Additionally, participants worked on preparing technical requirements for the design of the air checkpoint.
Turmoil at Abkhazia's Chernomorenergo as acting CEO resigns
The acting CEO of Abkhazia's energy company, Chernomorenergo, Ramin Zingishvili, has resigned from his position. Zingishvili had been leading the company since February of this year.
According to the company, they are waiting for an order to appoint a new leader. However, earlier reports from the Telegram channel RESPUBLICA suggest that Zingishvili's departure may be related to his opposition to the decision to lease the Perepadnaya Hydroelectric Power Plant to a deputy of the self-proclaimed republic's parliament, Rezo Zantaria, who is a former CEO of Chernomorenergo.
Despite these reports, there has been no official confirmation of the reason behind Zingishvili's departure.
The company, which provides electricity to Abkhazia, has a history of leadership changes. RESPUBLICA reports that Tengiz Girdzinba, who previously served as the company's acting CEO, is expected to take over as the new head of Chernomorenergo.
In February of this year, Ramin Zingishvili was named interim Director General of Chernomorenergo, the state power distribution firm, taking on the role after serving as the Deputy General Director for Distribution Networks. However, Zingishvili has now resigned from the position, leaving the company once again without a leader.
89 Illegal Construction Projects Halted in Gagra: A Step Towards Orderly Development
During a recent meeting of the district Assembly, Diana Loboda, the chief architect of the Gagra district, announced the suspension of 89 illegal construction projects.
Loboda stated that 71 of the cases have been forwarded to the Internal Affairs Directorate, while the Department of Architecture has issued around 30 written refusals for proposed construction projects. Many projects possess building permits but fail to comply with accepted norms and regulations, leading to their rejection.
Emphasizing the importance of a General Plan for the city's development to avoid chaotic construction, Loboda revealed that the first stage of the plan has been completed, identifying the issues with illegal construction. All unauthorised construction projects have been suspended, and the city's zoning is currently being presented.
A comprehensive master plan, under development by the Department of Architecture, is essential for ensuring the orderly growth of the city. Loboda also announced the establishment of an urban planning council under the Department of Architecture. This council will include representatives from the public, regional deputies, and experts to help guide the city's development.
Asida Shakryl Proposes New Law to Enhance Protection of Human Rights in Abkhazia
The Republic of Abkhazia's Human Rights Commissioner, Asida Shakryl, has submitted a new draft law to Parliament Speaker Lashe Ashuba, aiming to strengthen the legal status and effectiveness of the Commissioner's institution.
The draft law, titled "On the Human Rights Commissioner in the Republic of Abkhazia," was developed by Shakryl's office and addresses the need to better protect human rights and freedoms enshrined in the country's Constitution.
Shakryl's letter to Ashuba highlighted the lack of an appropriate response to previous recommendations for amending legislation to strengthen the legal status of the Commissioner, as reported in annual ombudsman reports. The new draft law reflects recommendations from these reports, while also introducing additional mechanisms and tools to enhance the Commissioner's ability to protect, ensure, and restore human rights and freedoms.
Government Initiatives to Boost Investment and SMEs in Abkhazia
The government of the Republic of Abkhazia has recently launched two state support programs aimed at promoting investment projects and boosting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the country.
Starting April 14, applications are being accepted for citizens of Abkhazia to participate in the "Socio-Economic Development of the Republic of Abkhazia for 2022-2025" program. This initiative offers state support for investment projects in the form of reimbursement for part of the costs associated with acquiring production equipment and machinery for creating, developing, or modernizing production facilities. The Cabinet of Ministers adopted a resolution on December 30, 2022, outlining measures for state support within this program.
Furthermore, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the departmental short-term targeted program "Support for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in the Republic of Abkhazia for 2023." This program, which will accept applications from April 18 to May 5, 2023, aims to provide state financial assistance to SMEs in order to increase their economic efficiency. The program sets out the procedure and conditions for obtaining such financial support.
Yuri Kalmykov: A Devoted Friend of Abkhazia and a Proud Son of the Caucasus
Yuri Kalmykov (Kabardian-Circassian: Къалмыкъ Юрэ); (January 1, 1934 - January 16, 1997), a distinguished lawyer, politician, the first president of the International Circassian Association (ICA), Minister of Justice of the Russian Federation in 1993-1994, and advocate for the national interests of the peoples of the Caucasus. Kalmykov was an exceptional Adyghe (Circassian) figure who made a significant impact in supporting the fraternal people of Abkhazia during the Abkhaz Nation's Patriotic War of 1992-1993.
Born on January 1, 1934, in the village of Abazakt, located approximately 20 kilometers from Cherkessk, Yuri Kalmykov emerged as an influential statesman and political leader. Official documents indicate Cherkessk, then known as Batalpashinsk (until 1934), as his birthplace. Yuri's parents were both school teachers, and his mother tragically passed away from hypertension when he was just 13 years old.
With a natural inclination towards humanities rather than exact sciences, Yuri, at the age of fifteen, enrolled in the Circassian Regional Secondary Medical School. There, he pursued the profession of a medical assistant.
İzahı olmayan şeylerin mizahı olur" (Things that cannot be explained become humorous)
Recently I received an email from a former diplomat friend who recently returned from a trip to Georgia. He said, "I just came back from a week in Georgia, and during my stay, I heard the 'Abkhazians are Apsuas' argument repeated at least 5-6 times. I still think Georgian attitudes towards Abkhazians have a long way to go."
As you may know, the Abkhazians refer to themselves as Apsua [Apsw’a] in their own language, just as Georgians call themselves Kartvelebi. However, Georgians use the term 'Apsua' to refer to Abkhazians, which is a calculated insult based on groundless arguments that date back to a notorious pseudo-scientific theory proposed by a self-taught literature specialist named Pavle Ingoroqva in the late 1940s. Ingoroqva put forward this theory as supposed justification for Stalin and his Mingrelian lieutenant Lavrenti Beria's anticipated expulsion of Abkhazians from Abkhazia. He argued that the people known today as Abkhazians arrived in Abkhazia from the northwest Caucasus only in the 17th century, replacing the Kartvelian Abkhazians who had been living there and adopting the self-designation of the Kartvelian tribe they had subjugated as the new dominant tribe.
This calumny was revived during the heady days of Georgian nationalism in 1988 and is still widely believed by many ordinary Georgians. For this reason, they regard the Abkhazians as unentitled to live in Abkhazia.
This calumny was revived in the heady days of Georgian nationalism from 1988 and is widely believed by many ordinary Georgians, who for this reason still regard the Abkhazians as unentitled to be living in Abkhazia. See: Zviad Gamsakhurdia: “Abkhaz Nation Doesn’t Exist!”
There is a Turkish saying that goes, "İzahı olmayan şeylerin mizahı olur" (Things that cannot be explained become humorous). The nonsense that many Georgians repeat, "Abkhazians were actually a Georgian tribe," is also a subject that does not require explanation. Therefore, I have made and started to circulate a funny video on AW's social media channels, which I would like to share with you.
MK.
