Introduction
Nestled in the picturesque Caucasus region along the shores of the Black Sea, Abkhazia is a small yet strategically significant Republic. Officially recognised by the Russian Federation in August 2008, following the conclusion of the armed conflict with Georgia (1992-93), Abkhazia has since sought to assert its presence on the international stage.
As an active participant in the Geneva International Discussions (GID), alongside representatives from Russia, Georgia, South Ossetia, the United States, and under the co-chairmanship of the EU, OSCE, and UN, Abkhazia remains engaged in multilateral dialogue aimed at addressing the region’s complex security and political dynamics.
In light of the complex geopolitical context and the ongoing efforts to preserve national identity and foster international connections, SpecialEurasia has interviewed Khibla Amichba, the Plenipotentiary Representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia in Germany to discuss the role of the Abkhaz diaspora in Europe, cultural diplomacy, enduring relationship with the homeland and the challenges of representation abroad.
As a diplomatic representative, your role is to promote relations between Germany and Abkhazia and, more broadly, between Abkhazia and Europe. What is the current state of these relations?
“Abkhazia is a country with an ancient heritage. This year, its capital, Sukhum, celebrates its 2509th anniversary. Throughout its complex and often challenging history, Abkhazia has experienced numerous historical phases and, owing to its geographical position, has consistently been situated at the crossroads of multiple cultures. During the Hellenistic period (3rd–1st centuries BCE), the region hosted Greek city-colonies, and from the turn of the Common Era, Roman influence became firmly established along the Abkhaz coastline.
The earliest recorded mention of the Apsilae, an ancient Abkhaz tribe, appears in the work of the Roman scholar Pliny the Elder, who lived in the 1st century CE. Over the centuries, the capital has borne various names: Dioscurias, Sebastopolis, Tskhum, Sukhum-Kale, Sukhumi, and finally Sukhum.
From the 6th century onwards, Christianity began to spread across Abkhazia, introduced by the Apostles Simon the Zealot and Andrew the First-Called.
The historical ties between Abkhazia and Europe, and in particular between Abkhazia and Germany, are both longstanding and multifaceted.
Among the many cultural and scholarly links that may be described as bridges between our countries are the works of German researchers and explorers such as Pallas, Güldenstädt, Klaproth, Dirr, Budde, and Rosen. These scholars produced monographs on the Abkhaz language, history, and ethnography that remain valuable contributions to academic literature.
Towards the end of the 19th century, a German community moved to Abkhazia and three German settlements, Gnadenburg, Neidorf, and Lindau, were established near Sukhum. A Protestant church was also built in the city in 1913.
In the 20th century, further connections developed. Several renowned German physicists worked for many years at the Sukhumi Physical-Technical Institute (SFTI). The pipe organ in the 9th-century church in Pitsunda was constructed by the Schuke firm of Potsdam.
Abkhazia was also home to a small but active German community. During the Soviet era, German tourists, primarily from the former GDR (German Democratic Republic), visited Abkhazia in significant numbers and with great interest. Moreover, the Abkhaz diaspora (often referred to abroad as the Circassian-Abkhaz diaspora) in Germany and Europe is both sizable and active, serving as another important link between our regions.
In light of the current political and legal context, which is, to put it diplomatically, far from conducive to the establishment of international relations for the Republic, Abkhazia finds itself more isolated today than perhaps at any previous time.
It is precisely in such circumstances that it becomes even more important to ensure that the voice of Abkhazia and that of its people are heard in Europe. Maintaining existing connections with Europe, and particularly with Germany, whether academic, cultural, or interpersonal —is of critical significance.
In this regard, I would particularly emphasise the importance of preserving the connection between the Abkhaz diaspora in Europe and Germany and their historical homeland. Equally vital is the relationship between the German community in Abkhazia and their ancestral country.
Representing a Republic that lacks formal recognition in Europe is not an easy task. Nonetheless, as any official representative of their country would, I make every effort to ensure that our voice, our perspectives, and our position on key issues are heard and understood —especially here in Germany and more broadly across Europe.
This work began under much more favourable conditions. Just a few years ago, for example, we were able to hold a full “Abkhazia Day” within the European Parliament in Brussels, where we were able to present nearly every aspect of Abkhazia’s national life. Today, such an event would be virtually unthinkable.
Yet it is essential to represent the Republic at all times — especially during difficult periods. Indeed, I would argue that doing so is more important now than ever before.”
What is the current size of the Abkhaz diaspora in Germany, and which are the main cities where it is concentrated?
“It is difficult to provide an exact figure regarding the size of the diaspora, as there is an ongoing trend of repatriation among its older generation — primarily returning to Turkey. However, if we focus solely on the Abkhaz and Abaza communities, I would estimate their number to be approximately 10,000, while the Circassian population reaches up to 30,000.”.
What are the main challenges faced by the Abkhaz community in Germany in terms of cultural identity, language, and integration? Are there any initiatives or associations working to maintain ties between the Abkhaz diaspora and the Republic of Abkhazia?
“Our compatriots living abroad, spread across over 60 countries, face a challenge common to all diasporas: resisting assimilation and preserving their cultural identity.
To address this, as early as the 1970s, cultural centres began to be established in various cities with Circassian (a collective term often used for the North-Western Caucasian peoples living abroad) and Abkhaz populations. These centres offered instruction in their native languages, Circassian or Abkhaz, respectively, as well as traditional dance and other cultural practices.
Many of these centres continue to operate today, including in cities such as Stuttgart, Ulm, Cologne, Wuppertal, Mönchengladbach, Mannheim, Frankfurt am Main, Berlin, and Hanover in western Germany, as well as in neighbouring countries, Antwerp (Belgium), Utrecht (the Netherlands), Lyon (France), among others.
To maintain strong ties with the diaspora, both individual and group visits to Abkhazia are regularly organised. Members of the diaspora are invited to participate in academic conferences, youth forums, concerts and competitions, sporting events, as well as traditional family gatherings and weddings. (In Abkhaz tradition, sharing the same surname is considered a form of kinship, an important custom that continues to be honoured abroad, despite the distances and time that separate the homeland from the diaspora.)
Additionally, online courses in the native language are offered by Abkhazia. The Abkhaz State University, under the direction of linguist Dr Saria Amichba, established a dedicated department for teaching the Abkhaz language to international students. The materials developed by this department continue to serve as a foundation for modern language instruction programs and methodologies.
Nevertheless, I believe that much more needs to be done. The issue of language preservation remains highly urgent for the diaspora, especially within European communities. It is primarily the younger generation that is most vulnerable to assimilation, despite its strong sense of national identity.
It is particularly meaningful that members of the diaspora play an active role in the work of our Representative Office. We regularly organise meetings, online conferences, and lectures with diaspora youth, sharing ideas and updates. Everything that happens in the homeland draws great interest from the diaspora. There is a genuine and heartfelt connection to all things related to Abkhazia, which strengthens their national identity and sense of belonging with their compatriots in the homeland.”.
In the 19th century, many Abkhaz were forced to leave their homeland and seek refuge in Turkey during the Mahajirstvo. Are there any connections between the Abkhaz diaspora in Germany and the larger Turkish diaspora in the country?
“As previously mentioned, the diaspora in Germany and other Western European countries represents the second wave of migration originating from the Abkhaz and Circassian communities in Turkey. As a result, all its members speak Turkish, which serves as a lingua franca not only among compatriots living across various European countries but also between ethnic Turks and Caucasians from Turkey residing in Europe. In addition to language, a shared religious and cultural heritage further unites these communities.
This shared identity is reflected in the joint celebration of both national and Islamic holidays, as well as the high number of mixed marriages involving ethnic Turks. Moreover, within the Caucasian diaspora itself, as in Turkey and other countries, intermarriage between members of different North Caucasian ethnic groups is also common, including among Circassians, Abkhaz, Ossetians, Chechens, and others.
When it comes to traditions and daily life, families within the Abkhaz and Circassian diaspora communities not only continue to follow the cultural practices and lifestyles brought from Turkey, but also remarkably preserve ancient national customs in their original form — practices that have endured over more than a century and a half of life abroad. The older generations take great pride in these traditions and actively pass them down to their children.”
Written by: Silvia Boltuc
Источник: SpecialEuraisa