"Why do 80% of Abkhazians Currently Reside in Turkey?"
Ekho Kavkaza — Ishak Kaymaz, a repatriate, staged a solitary picket along the Sukhum embankment, voicing his opposition to the apartment law. He shared his motivations for the protest with the “Ekho Kavkaza” (Echo of the Caucasus). Today, he was joined by Saida Khadzhim, an expert in the Abkhaz language.
In Sukhum, Ishak Kaymaz is actively protesting the proposed apartment law. Over a span of five days, he intends to stage solitary pickets, urging the nation's citizens to join his cause. Beside him, a sign reads: "Wake up! Our homeland isn't a mere asset of the government or its people. It's not for sale. The true value of our homeland is life itself - a life that's both sacrificed and cherished for the sake of our land."
Ishak elaborates on his roots, stating that he descends from the Ubykhs. Prior to settling in Abkhazia, he spent five years in Nalchik, where he taught the Kabardian language. For the past three years, he's made Abkhazia his home and has obtained citizenship. When queried about his reason for protesting, he asserted:
"This is my homeland. Their intentions carry profound implications for our demographic future. Both the Abkhaz and Circassian diasporas yearn to live on their ancestral land. I'm a graphic artist by profession; in fact, just two years ago, I showcased my work in three exhibitions in Helsinki. Though born in Turkey, I spent a significant 25 years of my life working and residing in Finland."
Why did you decide to leave Finland and come to the Caucasus?
— Because I want to live in my homeland. Do you know our history? Do you know why 80% of Abkhazians and Circassians are now living in diaspora?
So, do you plan to stay in Abkhazia?
— Yes, because this is the history of the Abkhazians and Circassians. Why isn't there a Circassia now? Why do 80% of Abkhazians live in Turkey today? Why?