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History of Abkhazia
Abkhazia history from ancient times to the V century AD
Approximately 5 thousand years ago happened division praabhazskih and praadygskih tribes and their languages. Some researchers (O. Japaridze, V. Ardzinba, G. Melikashvili, I. Dyakonov, Sh.Inal-Type and others) believe that in the 4-3 millennium BC in the north-east Asia Minor and in the south-west Caucasus existed Hittite (hattsko)-Abkhaz-adygskie tribes as a homogeneous ethnic array. Already much later to wedge in here Kartvelian tribes. They pushed hattov to the south, and with the Abkhaz adygami northwest - at the Kuban, western Transcaucasia (modern territory of Abkhazia, Adygea, Kabardino-Balkaria, Karachayevo-Cherkessia, coastal areas of Krasnodar region to Gelendzhik-Anapa).
Kartvelian tribes were also not something a single, went separation process for a variety of grounds - in particular on the basis of the analysis megrelskogo language can say with certainty that mingreltsy megrely or separated from kartvelov still in the 8 century BC Toponymy such names as Sochi. Tuapse, Dzhubga, Ashe, Hosta, Matsesta, etc. straight points to the Abkhazian-adygskie sources of origin of these titles. You can trace such same-origin names in the seaside part of Asia Minor and south-western Caucasus. In 1 century AD in the territory of Abkhazia modern living abazgi and apsily. In those days appeared in the Caucasus and disappeared principalities, kingdoms. Among those missing, solutions can be called Abkhaz kingdoms Sanigiyu, Abasgiyu, Apsiliyu, mingrelskuyu Kolhidu, Egrisi (by the way so-called by name manralov-megrelov-egrov) or Laziku. At that time, was Lazika outpost of Rome, Byzantium later in the Caucasus.
At 5 Lazika century or (as called ivery) Egriyskoe kingdom expanded through Apsilii and Svaneti. But already by the beginning of the century 6 Laziki divisions and Apsiliya and Svanetiya. In 6 century on the territory of Abkhazia has created a modern education such as Abasgiya, Apsiliya, Misiminiya and Sanigiya. According to ancient Prophet Transcaucasia visited five Holy Apostles: four of the twelve - Andrei holy, holy Matfy, St. Bartholomew, St. Jude Thaddeus, called the Left, and one of seventy holy Thaddeus.
St. Andrew, considers the overall apostle of Russian land, bypassing prichernomorskie land gospel in Abkhazia, particularly in the long Sevastopolise current Suhume). Here he buried his satellite St. Simon Kananita. Then his way to lay Azov Sea. The current Georgia, he spoke only in the western part of that confirm and local chronicles, and in Greater Armenia and Albania was not at all.
St. Matthew also preached in Abkhazia. It is clear from the evidence Dorofeya, Bishop Tirskogo (507-522 years), and Nikita Paflagonyanina (about 873 g.), who are told that Matthew, in which twelve apostles to replace Jude, good, died and was buried in the first Ethiopia . Under Ethiopia in this case means the territory Kolhidy and Abkhazia. This is more clearly seen from the evidence Sophron (about 390) and Ekumeniya (X in.), They write that Matfy holy gospel and buried in one of Ethiopia where the river Apsar and Giss in Kolhide and Abkhazia.
Already in the 4 century in Pitsunda was the Greek chair, which is associated with the base Christian podvizhnikom Orentiem, referring to Abkhazia, and in the 6 century Byzantine Emperor Yustiniane I abazgi, apsily and other peoples inhabiting the territory of modern Abkhazia, adopted Christianity.
V - X centuries.
At 5 Lazika century or Egriyskoe kingdom expanded through Apsilii and Svaneti. But already by the beginning of the century 6 Laziki divisions and Apsiliya and Svanetiya. In 6 century in Abkhazia exist such as education Abasgiya, Apsiliya, Misiminiya and Sanigiya.
In 6 century Byzantine Emperor Yustiniane I abazgi, apsily and other peoples inhabiting the territory of modern Abkhazia, adopted Christianity. Generally spread Christianity in Abkhazia since the early centuries AD and in 4 in Pitsunda century was the Greek chair.
In the year 697 Lazika was under the control of Arabs, whose power has spread also over Kartli.
History has kept the names of the Abkhazian kings: Opsit, Skeparna, Anos, Gozar, Justinian, Filiktos, Baruch, Dmitry, Theodosius, Constantine ruled 6-8 in Abkhazia centuries.
In 8 century king Abhazskogo kingdom became Leon I (746-791 years of government). After marriage and daughters of Leon Miriana Georgian king, who along with brother Archilom saves in Abkhazia from Crewe Murvana "Obscure", in the territory of Abkhazia became Laziki. (Murvan Crewe was a relative of Caliph Hisham. Tiflissky He founded the emirate, which existed as an independent state until in 1122. Leon I led invasion resistance Murvana "Obscure". In this fight, also participated Kartvelian warriors.
There are names Abkhazian kings, ruling following a hundred years after Leona I. This Theodosius II, Dmitry II, famous for its victories over the Byzantines and Arabs under the leadership of Buga Turk, Georgi I.
Then there was Shavliani dynasty, which rules about 20 years.
They sat on the throne son Dmitry II Bagrat I (861-873 years).
The son Konstantin Bagrat III (873-912 years) committed several hikes in Kartli and Ereti seeking secession, as well as win the battles with the Arabs.
His son George II (912-957 years) already owned almost all the territory of Georgia. During his reign, Abkhazia reached its greatest power. After his death, Leon II the Great (957-967 years) received a large inheritance, but far from united country. When it was the capital of Abkhazia in the kingdom Anakopii (the current New Athos), and later he was transferred from Anakopii in Kutaisi. Some Georgian historians believe this argument that "Abkhazia became part of Georgia", but is aware that such practices (transfer or residence in the capital of the defeated country) fairly widespread in the world. In addition, Kutaisi located in a more secure place than Anakopiya or Sukhum. There are other reasons for converting the capital - Mount Athos is located in the marsh areas, as the Abkhaz and other cities, such as Sukhumi and Gagra. Unhealthy climate, malaria epidemics, add to the offensive Sea, flooding large parts Sukhum - are some of the causes of "relocation".
The influence of Byzantium in Abkhazia continued short, already at the Great Leone II is practically ceased. It stopped so radically that there is a problem - the language in which to conduct official business, the language in which to conduct church services. After stepping out from under the influence of Byzantium, Leon II abolished as a public use the Greek language. Abkhazian language is extremely complex, according to linguists it virtually impossible to examine, if not acquire him to pelenok not receive lessons from his parents. In addition, the Abkhaz written language at that time simply did not exist. Therefore, as a "language of international communication" was chosen language spoken by the citizens of the kingdom Abkhazia - Georgia, which had the same own writing.
Younger brothers Leon II Dmitry II (died 825) and Theodosius II (825-861 d.) fought with the Arabs, Byzantines. They fought the war and with the Georgian kingdom. The composition of the so-called Abkhaz kartvelov kingdom and entered the land of eastern Georgia, including Kakheti (East) and Tao-Klarjeti (South-West). There have been several unsuccessful attempts to connect to Abkhazia Kartli - weak, but highly profitable located in the very center of the kingdom of Georgia. It managed to make George I - Dmitri receiver.
George I's widow married John Shavliani, who proclaimed himself king. John and his son ruled Adarnase about 20 years, but in the year 887 from Constantinople back son Tsarevich Dmitry Bagrat, who killed himself and returned Adarnase throne.
The son Konstantin Bagrat III (893-922 d.) won Ereti (East Georgia), waged a successful war with the Arabs, Armenians and Azeris.
His son George II (922-957 town) was perhaps the most powerful of the Abkhaz Kings. Abkhazia has had border from Anapa to r.Ksani. This was the peak power of Abkhazia, but to expand the territory of speech no longer bylo.Podderzhanie order in the territories demanded already attached considerable force. Individual military campaigns conducted in Georgia and II (march to Kakheti and taking into lpen king Kvirike II), but they have not led to an expansion Abhzazskogo kingdom.
When his son George II Board of Leon III (957-967 d.) continued hikes, built churches, fortresses and roads, but after his death in 967 year younger brothers Dmitri and Theodosius were unable to divide the throne, the country began internal conflicts that clearly do not helped strengthen the state. Dmitry became king III (967-975 d.) blinded his brother Feodosia, but supporters of deposed Dmitry Feodosia and erected on the Abkhazian throne Feodosia Slepogo III (975-978 d.)
X-XII centuries
In the year 978 after the death of Feodosia in Kutaisi III reign of his nephew Bagrat III (on in 1014), who became the founder of the dynasty Bagratidov (his father - Gurgen II, a cousin of David Kuropalata III, ruler Kartli, the mother - Guranduht, daughter of Leon III, king Abkhazia, sister of Feodosia). Although the kingdom for some time called Abhazskim, came to power kartvely. The kingdom has continued to grow in 1122 in the capital was moved to Tbilisi. Under the authority Bagrat III managed to unite almost all of Georgia. At that time, the first time meets the term "Sakartvelo", denoting a unified Georgia.
The Abkhaz admitted Bagratidov descendants of the Abkhaz and the Kings never rebelled against Bagrat, David the Builder-or queen Tamar (in Georgian source "History and praising ventsenostsev", relating to age 13 states that the son of Queen Tamar George was named "Lasha", that on the Abkhazian means "bright", a synonym for the Sun).
I must say that himself Bagrat III strongly emphasizes its relationship with the Abkhaz kings, in particular, he was drafted so-called "sofa Abkhazian kings", to which they relate and themselves. In 1973, academician GA Melikoshvili wrote: "kings united Georgia named themselves first and foremost" Abkhaz kings ", a title" king kartvelov "held in their titulature only the second place".
XIII-XVIII centuries
By age 13 under the blows of the Mongols Iveria was substantially weakened. Repeatedly, she breaks into separate principality and with the invasion Timur in the 14 century. Since then, to accede to Russia Georgian state has NEVER been a single. Part, once its components, once again becoming a separate kingdom - Kartli, Kakheti, Imereti, Samtskhe-Saatabago, Megreliya, Guria. It is as independent kingdoms and they formed part of Russia in the 19 century. Abkhazia also once again became independent. Thus historically Abkhazia was part of the unified state with Georgia very short time.
On the territory of modern Georgia with 14 centuries were constantly war. Ruler Mingrelii George Dadiani (Chavchavadze), together with George V Banants Western Georgian king. In Svaneti came to power rod Gelovani, in Guria - Gurieli. The Abkhazian kings Chachba (Shervashidze) fought constantly with Dadiani. George Dadiani overshadowed Abkhazians to Anakopii, Vamek Dadiani Sukhum received into the possession, seized Abkhazia to Gagra. As in 1414 Abkhaz troops defeated Mamia II Dadiani, overshadowed mingreltsev for Kodor.
Strife in the Caucasus are not spared Abkhazia. At 40 - 15 years e-century collapse of the country has gone so far that some of the city on the Black Sea coast were captured Genoa - Gagra, Pitsunda, Novy Afon, Sevastopolis (Sukhumi). Some moved principality under Turkish patronage, others tried to resist the Turkish invasion. There were splits and short-term alliances with Abkhazia and Guriey Mingreliey (eg in 1623), former allies attacked each other (1628 year - Levan II, the king Mingrelii, attacked Abkhazia, seized Sukhum, Kelasurskuyu built a wall separating Abkhazia Halved). After the death of Levan II, as well as in the years of his nephew Levan III (1661-1680 years) was defeated Mingreliya Abkhazians in alliance with Circassian, shapsugami, ubyhami. But only 20 years have passed and in 1702 imeretintsy and mingrely again invaded Abkhazia.
In the 18 century in Abkhazia weakened with the new forces to push Turkey. Genoa have been expelled from the coast, Sukhum turned into Suhum-Kale - Turkish citadel, another Turkish stronghold on the coast centre was established in Poti. The capital of Abkhazia became Lyhny.
Later Abkhazian Prince Keleshbey (Chachba) moved the capital from Lyhny in Sukhum. Surrounding land Megrelian asked him about the protection and the protection of their own king - Gregory Dadiani, which gave him Anakliya fortress on the left bank of the Inguri. In 1802 during a hike from 20 to Megreliyu - ty tysyachnym army Keleshbey held hostage son Prince mingrelskogo Dadiani, his heir Levan.
A few words about the relationship between Russia and Iverii that time. Since in 1462 the united Georgian state simply did not exist, so its splinter more or less separate parts built their own relationship with Russia. Russian-Turkish War (1768-1774 years) initially pushed Georgia to conclude in 1783 St George treatise on the transition Kartlo-Kahetii named in the treatise "Georgia", under the protectorate of Russia, then in 1801 to accession Kartlo-Kahetinskogo kingdom of Russia.
Grigory Dadiani, Prince Mingrelii (Megrelii), was unable to contain the rift own country, oppose the Abkhaz on the one hand and imeretintsam the other, in 1803 came "under the patronage of Russia". As in 1804 on the same path went Guria and Imereti. The focus was not on the entry of these territories into Russia, but the "Protectorate of Russian Empire" over these territories.
In the Russian Empire
Naturally, that Abkhazia as an independent state, also to decide on entry into the Russian Empire. Keleshbey Chachba in in 1803 concluded a peace agreement with the chief of Russian forces in the Caucasus Tsitsianovym, in 1806 led to anti-Turkish uprising, in 1807 helped the Russian army in the siege of Poti. Keleshbey was able to unite around him to know not only feudal Abkhazia, but also petty nobility and peasants-Baatar. When it kept detachment of 500 fighters armed with guns, but if necessary he could "otmobilizovat" army of over 25 thousand people with artillery and fleet (more than 600 ships were under his command, including 70 - tipushechny ship, later presented Turkey).
In Russia in 1805 demanded the extradition of Keleshbeya taken them hostage Megrelian son of Prince Levon Dadiani, and the refusal Keleshbeya conducted a military operation under the command of General Rykgofa, which was returned Megrelii Anakliya, a junior Dadiani returned to the family.
Despite Keleshbeya open confrontation with Russia, Emperor Alexander I felt that this confrontation was not dictated by the relationship of Abkhazia and Russia and Abkhazia and Megrelii confrontation. He, in his letter Keleshbeyu invited to Lieutenant-General Chin Russian army life with salaries and protection of his reign in Abkhazia forever. At Keleshbey responded that the request "on the adoption of Abkhazia in Russia nationality". However, Alexander I did not hurry with the decision.
In the war began in 1806 Russia with Turkey. Keleshbey took part in them on the side of Russia, the truth is not very active - he has not complied with the request of Alexander I of the assault fortress Poti, which inhabited the Turks, as found that too may suffer great losses. At the same time, 25 - titysyachnoe Keleshbeya army prevented boarding the Turkish landing in Abkhazia.
The Turks tried to organize a conspiracy against Keleshbeya. At the head of the conspiracy was put Aslanbey his eldest son, whose mother was kind of esherskih princes Dzyapsh-Ip, who were active conspirators. Keleshbey to learn of the plot, deprived of all rights of inheritance Aslanbeya and designated heir of his younger son Safarabeya (George).
February 17, 1810, Abkhazia became part of Russia, although, of course, if Abkhazia was then part of Georgia, why she did not became part of Russia along with the so-called metropolitan? Until in 1864 in the Principality remained so-called Abkhazian self-government. That is Abkhaz principality from 1810 to 1864, is a member of the Russian Empire on the rights of autonomy and as such have lasted longer than others in the Caucasus.
From 1864 to Abkhazia in 1917 is directly subordinate to the Russian administration in the Caucasus (1864-1883 years as a "department Sukhumi", 1883-1917 years as "Sukhumi District")
Let us turn to such a phenomenon known as mahadzhirstvo. Hundreds and thousands of Abkhaz have been evicted in 60-70 - 18 s century in Turkey. Naturally, evict active fighters against the Russian presence in the Caucasus. It should only take into account that evicted supporters proturetski tuned Aslanbeya Chachba, which has repeatedly tried to raise a rebellion against the Russians, supported the uprising in 1810 imeretinskogo king Solomon II against the Russians. Turkey has always been (and still is) strategic interests in the Caucasus, especially on the coast - Adzharia, Abkhazia. Much of mahadzhirov left Abkhazia along with Aslanbeem fleeing in 1810 to Turkey after the defeat of his troops. In Aslanbey again in 1821 and landed Abkhazia, but was split Gorchakovym. In all happen again in 1824. After that Ermolov conquer the Caucasus, then Paskevich, Vorontsov, Baryatinsky, Yevdokimov. In 1859 he was taken prisoner by Shamil, in 1864, General Geyman Banants ubyhov in Kbaada (Krasnaya Polyana), in the same year Mikhail Chachba was deported in Voronezh, where he died.
As in 1866 occurred in Lyhny antirusskoe uprising that engulfed the territory of the Kodori Gorge Bzybi until, that is, more than half of Abkhazia. For weapons have taken more than 20 thousand people, who in 1867 had been expelled to Turkey. In 1877 year, many of them returned in the composition of the Turkish landing, capturing a large section of coast, including Sochi, but were soon broken out by Russian troops. From now until 1907, the Abkhaz were generally forbidden to settle closer than 20 kilometers from Sukhumi. The Abkhaz have been virtually evicted from Gumistinskogo district and Samurzakanskogo at the site.
It is believed that over 80 per cent of Abkhazians at the end of last century lived outside Abkhazia. Naturally, that the "liberated lands" as soon flow influx of Russians, Armenians, Estonians, Greeks. The main mass of displaced persons were Georgians. Typical comments in the newspaper Jakob Gogebashvili "Tiflissky vesnik" in 1877. The article "Who settle Abkhazia", as well as in other articles for several months Gogebashvili argued that the best replacement Abkhazians could become mingrely. His words proved so to speak software - not 50 years have passed and, as in 1926 in Abkhazia live Abkhazians against 26.4% 85.7% in 1886, but 31.8% of Georgians against 4.8% in 1897. You it is not surprising - the number of Abkhazians za30 years reduced from 86% to 26%, respectively, while the number of Georgians over 30 years increases from 5% to 85%! What is that - the normal seasonal migration or ethnocide?
In fact statistics is a very strange thing. For example according to the handbook "Kavkaz" (Tiflis, 1903) at str.226 have such statistics: "Residents of about 180 thousand souls, which in percentage terms are divided as follows: Armenians - about 40 percent., Georgians - nearly 25 percent ., Russians - about 20 percent. And the remaining 15 percent are: persiyane, Tartars, Germans, Turks, Jews, French, British, Czechs and others. "What do you think - where it was such a composition of the population? In Yerevan? No, in Tiflis, that is, in Tbilisi - the capital of Georgia. The truth, I am confident that the current composition of the population of this city, how would pomyagche so to speak, "mononatsionalny more."
In the "single family fraternal peoples"
The first fighting between Abkhaz and Georgians have already occurred in February 1918, when the brigades under the command of Nestor Lakoby tried to seize Sukhum, but were forced to depart. Fighting resumed in March and on the night of April 8, Sukhum was taken.
In February 1918, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia joined the so-called Zakavkazskuyu federal democratic republic, collapsed shortly after the bloody clashes in Nagorno-Karabakh. Regarding Georgia, it was already on the day of its proclamation of the so-called independence (from Russia?) Was occupied by Germany from May to December 1918, then England from December 1918 to May 1920. The Germans participated in the creation of the Georgian army, its armaments.
May 11, 1918 Republic was established Gortsev Caucasus, which includes and Abkhazia. May 17, Georgian (as they are called in official historiography "belogvardeyskie"), General Mamziashvili troops crossed the Kodor, took Sukhum and Gudauta. The next day was occupied Gagra, then Sochi and Tuapse. In these circumstances, under threat of total destruction Abkhazians entered into a July 11 agreement with the Georgians on joining the Sukhumi district of Georgia.
Incidentally, even in the book academician I. Javakhishvili "The borders of Georgia" (Tiflis, 1919) at p. 6 states: "North-western border of Georgia and Abkhazia have now."
In February 1920, Georgians broke from Tuapse, then of Adler, Veselogo, Gagra - "further everywhere" to Tbilisi. March 4 squads Nestor Lakoby have Sukhum.
March 21, 1920 was proclaimed Abkhaz Soviet Socialist Republic (not autonomous!). But on November 16, 1921 S. Ordzhonikidze proposed to eliminate the federal status of Abkhazia. First, both Abkhazia and South Ossetia voschla "on a contract basis" of the Georgian SSR. And then, on March 12, 1922 was established Transcaucasian Soviet Federal Socialist Republic (ZSFSR), which entered Abkhazia. February 11, 1931 received the status of Abkhazia autonomy within the GSPC, but already held a similar February 18, who expressed mistrust of government. It is known that one of the opponents "gruzinizatsii" Nestor Lakoba Abkhazia was killed on the orders of Stalin, Beria and Ordzhonikidze.
Incidentally, an interesting case occurred with mingrelami - they suddenly ceased to exist at all! According to the 1926 census, they suddenly become Georgians, disappeared books, newspapers, textbooks in mingrelskom language.
And in 1937, has been eradicated Abkhazian alphabet, the Abkhaz translation into Georgian basis with the earlier Latin. All children in Abkhazia obyayazany were studying Georgian language. You can imagine the Abkhazians, knows their native language, freely speaking in Russian, which should give their children to school to study Georgian? And the Armenians and Greeks, but Russian? I have something I can not remember that Georgian children living in Abkhazia, Abkhazian should have been taught, are you?
In 1936 Sukhum was to reinvent Georgian Giant in Sukhumi ", many other localities have received Georgian names, often nothing is meaningless (Alahadzy - abh." Rodnik about figs becomes Alahadze that has no meaning at all). Abkhazia strongly suggested change in the passport nationality, name change.
After mahadzhirstva "70 years have passed and again the Abkhazians started to evict. In 36-37 years in the liberated lands began mass displacement of peasants from Mingrelii, Guria, Imereti, Rachi. Naturally, not only from there, but also from Russia, Ukraine and from anywhere. True, many of them leave home, but many still live on fertile land with excellent climate.
The Abkhaz have expressed their attitude toward "gruzinizatsii" repeatedly - in 1957, 1967, 1978, 1989.
Approximately 5 thousand years ago happened division praabhazskih and praadygskih tribes and their languages. Some researchers (O. Japaridze, V. Ardzinba, G. Melikashvili, I. Dyakonov, Sh.Inal-Type and others) believe that in the 4-3 millennium BC in the north-east Asia Minor and in the south-west Caucasus existed Hittite (hattsko)-Abkhaz-adygskie tribes as a homogeneous ethnic array. Already much later to wedge in here Kartvelian tribes. They pushed hattov to the south, and with the Abkhaz adygami northwest - at the Kuban, western Transcaucasia (modern territory of Abkhazia, Adygea, Kabardino-Balkaria, Karachayevo-Cherkessia, coastal areas of Krasnodar region to Gelendzhik-Anapa).
Kartvelian tribes were also not something a single, went separation process for a variety of grounds - in particular on the basis of the analysis megrelskogo language can say with certainty that mingreltsy megrely or separated from kartvelov still in the 8 century BC Toponymy such names as Sochi. Tuapse, Dzhubga, Ashe, Hosta, Matsesta, etc. straight points to the Abkhazian-adygskie sources of origin of these titles. You can trace such same-origin names in the seaside part of Asia Minor and south-western Caucasus. In 1 century AD in the territory of Abkhazia modern living abazgi and apsily. In those days appeared in the Caucasus and disappeared principalities, kingdoms. Among those missing, solutions can be called Abkhaz kingdoms Sanigiyu, Abasgiyu, Apsiliyu, mingrelskuyu Kolhidu, Egrisi (by the way so-called by name manralov-megrelov-egrov) or Laziku. At that time, was Lazika outpost of Rome, Byzantium later in the Caucasus.
At 5 Lazika century or (as called ivery) Egriyskoe kingdom expanded through Apsilii and Svaneti. But already by the beginning of the century 6 Laziki divisions and Apsiliya and Svanetiya. In 6 century on the territory of Abkhazia has created a modern education such as Abasgiya, Apsiliya, Misiminiya and Sanigiya. According to ancient Prophet Transcaucasia visited five Holy Apostles: four of the twelve - Andrei holy, holy Matfy, St. Bartholomew, St. Jude Thaddeus, called the Left, and one of seventy holy Thaddeus.
St. Andrew, considers the overall apostle of Russian land, bypassing prichernomorskie land gospel in Abkhazia, particularly in the long Sevastopolise current Suhume). Here he buried his satellite St. Simon Kananita. Then his way to lay Azov Sea. The current Georgia, he spoke only in the western part of that confirm and local chronicles, and in Greater Armenia and Albania was not at all.
St. Matthew also preached in Abkhazia. It is clear from the evidence Dorofeya, Bishop Tirskogo (507-522 years), and Nikita Paflagonyanina (about 873 g.), who are told that Matthew, in which twelve apostles to replace Jude, good, died and was buried in the first Ethiopia . Under Ethiopia in this case means the territory Kolhidy and Abkhazia. This is more clearly seen from the evidence Sophron (about 390) and Ekumeniya (X in.), They write that Matfy holy gospel and buried in one of Ethiopia where the river Apsar and Giss in Kolhide and Abkhazia.
Already in the 4 century in Pitsunda was the Greek chair, which is associated with the base Christian podvizhnikom Orentiem, referring to Abkhazia, and in the 6 century Byzantine Emperor Yustiniane I abazgi, apsily and other peoples inhabiting the territory of modern Abkhazia, adopted Christianity.
V - X centuries.
At 5 Lazika century or Egriyskoe kingdom expanded through Apsilii and Svaneti. But already by the beginning of the century 6 Laziki divisions and Apsiliya and Svanetiya. In 6 century in Abkhazia exist such as education Abasgiya, Apsiliya, Misiminiya and Sanigiya.
In 6 century Byzantine Emperor Yustiniane I abazgi, apsily and other peoples inhabiting the territory of modern Abkhazia, adopted Christianity. Generally spread Christianity in Abkhazia since the early centuries AD and in 4 in Pitsunda century was the Greek chair.
In the year 697 Lazika was under the control of Arabs, whose power has spread also over Kartli.
History has kept the names of the Abkhazian kings: Opsit, Skeparna, Anos, Gozar, Justinian, Filiktos, Baruch, Dmitry, Theodosius, Constantine ruled 6-8 in Abkhazia centuries.
In 8 century king Abhazskogo kingdom became Leon I (746-791 years of government). After marriage and daughters of Leon Miriana Georgian king, who along with brother Archilom saves in Abkhazia from Crewe Murvana "Obscure", in the territory of Abkhazia became Laziki. (Murvan Crewe was a relative of Caliph Hisham. Tiflissky He founded the emirate, which existed as an independent state until in 1122. Leon I led invasion resistance Murvana "Obscure". In this fight, also participated Kartvelian warriors.
There are names Abkhazian kings, ruling following a hundred years after Leona I. This Theodosius II, Dmitry II, famous for its victories over the Byzantines and Arabs under the leadership of Buga Turk, Georgi I.
Then there was Shavliani dynasty, which rules about 20 years.
They sat on the throne son Dmitry II Bagrat I (861-873 years).
The son Konstantin Bagrat III (873-912 years) committed several hikes in Kartli and Ereti seeking secession, as well as win the battles with the Arabs.
His son George II (912-957 years) already owned almost all the territory of Georgia. During his reign, Abkhazia reached its greatest power. After his death, Leon II the Great (957-967 years) received a large inheritance, but far from united country. When it was the capital of Abkhazia in the kingdom Anakopii (the current New Athos), and later he was transferred from Anakopii in Kutaisi. Some Georgian historians believe this argument that "Abkhazia became part of Georgia", but is aware that such practices (transfer or residence in the capital of the defeated country) fairly widespread in the world. In addition, Kutaisi located in a more secure place than Anakopiya or Sukhum. There are other reasons for converting the capital - Mount Athos is located in the marsh areas, as the Abkhaz and other cities, such as Sukhumi and Gagra. Unhealthy climate, malaria epidemics, add to the offensive Sea, flooding large parts Sukhum - are some of the causes of "relocation".
The influence of Byzantium in Abkhazia continued short, already at the Great Leone II is practically ceased. It stopped so radically that there is a problem - the language in which to conduct official business, the language in which to conduct church services. After stepping out from under the influence of Byzantium, Leon II abolished as a public use the Greek language. Abkhazian language is extremely complex, according to linguists it virtually impossible to examine, if not acquire him to pelenok not receive lessons from his parents. In addition, the Abkhaz written language at that time simply did not exist. Therefore, as a "language of international communication" was chosen language spoken by the citizens of the kingdom Abkhazia - Georgia, which had the same own writing.
Younger brothers Leon II Dmitry II (died 825) and Theodosius II (825-861 d.) fought with the Arabs, Byzantines. They fought the war and with the Georgian kingdom. The composition of the so-called Abkhaz kartvelov kingdom and entered the land of eastern Georgia, including Kakheti (East) and Tao-Klarjeti (South-West). There have been several unsuccessful attempts to connect to Abkhazia Kartli - weak, but highly profitable located in the very center of the kingdom of Georgia. It managed to make George I - Dmitri receiver.
George I's widow married John Shavliani, who proclaimed himself king. John and his son ruled Adarnase about 20 years, but in the year 887 from Constantinople back son Tsarevich Dmitry Bagrat, who killed himself and returned Adarnase throne.
The son Konstantin Bagrat III (893-922 d.) won Ereti (East Georgia), waged a successful war with the Arabs, Armenians and Azeris.
His son George II (922-957 town) was perhaps the most powerful of the Abkhaz Kings. Abkhazia has had border from Anapa to r.Ksani. This was the peak power of Abkhazia, but to expand the territory of speech no longer bylo.Podderzhanie order in the territories demanded already attached considerable force. Individual military campaigns conducted in Georgia and II (march to Kakheti and taking into lpen king Kvirike II), but they have not led to an expansion Abhzazskogo kingdom.
When his son George II Board of Leon III (957-967 d.) continued hikes, built churches, fortresses and roads, but after his death in 967 year younger brothers Dmitri and Theodosius were unable to divide the throne, the country began internal conflicts that clearly do not helped strengthen the state. Dmitry became king III (967-975 d.) blinded his brother Feodosia, but supporters of deposed Dmitry Feodosia and erected on the Abkhazian throne Feodosia Slepogo III (975-978 d.)
X-XII centuries
In the year 978 after the death of Feodosia in Kutaisi III reign of his nephew Bagrat III (on in 1014), who became the founder of the dynasty Bagratidov (his father - Gurgen II, a cousin of David Kuropalata III, ruler Kartli, the mother - Guranduht, daughter of Leon III, king Abkhazia, sister of Feodosia). Although the kingdom for some time called Abhazskim, came to power kartvely. The kingdom has continued to grow in 1122 in the capital was moved to Tbilisi. Under the authority Bagrat III managed to unite almost all of Georgia. At that time, the first time meets the term "Sakartvelo", denoting a unified Georgia.
The Abkhaz admitted Bagratidov descendants of the Abkhaz and the Kings never rebelled against Bagrat, David the Builder-or queen Tamar (in Georgian source "History and praising ventsenostsev", relating to age 13 states that the son of Queen Tamar George was named "Lasha", that on the Abkhazian means "bright", a synonym for the Sun).
I must say that himself Bagrat III strongly emphasizes its relationship with the Abkhaz kings, in particular, he was drafted so-called "sofa Abkhazian kings", to which they relate and themselves. In 1973, academician GA Melikoshvili wrote: "kings united Georgia named themselves first and foremost" Abkhaz kings ", a title" king kartvelov "held in their titulature only the second place".
XIII-XVIII centuries
By age 13 under the blows of the Mongols Iveria was substantially weakened. Repeatedly, she breaks into separate principality and with the invasion Timur in the 14 century. Since then, to accede to Russia Georgian state has NEVER been a single. Part, once its components, once again becoming a separate kingdom - Kartli, Kakheti, Imereti, Samtskhe-Saatabago, Megreliya, Guria. It is as independent kingdoms and they formed part of Russia in the 19 century. Abkhazia also once again became independent. Thus historically Abkhazia was part of the unified state with Georgia very short time.
On the territory of modern Georgia with 14 centuries were constantly war. Ruler Mingrelii George Dadiani (Chavchavadze), together with George V Banants Western Georgian king. In Svaneti came to power rod Gelovani, in Guria - Gurieli. The Abkhazian kings Chachba (Shervashidze) fought constantly with Dadiani. George Dadiani overshadowed Abkhazians to Anakopii, Vamek Dadiani Sukhum received into the possession, seized Abkhazia to Gagra. As in 1414 Abkhaz troops defeated Mamia II Dadiani, overshadowed mingreltsev for Kodor.
Strife in the Caucasus are not spared Abkhazia. At 40 - 15 years e-century collapse of the country has gone so far that some of the city on the Black Sea coast were captured Genoa - Gagra, Pitsunda, Novy Afon, Sevastopolis (Sukhumi). Some moved principality under Turkish patronage, others tried to resist the Turkish invasion. There were splits and short-term alliances with Abkhazia and Guriey Mingreliey (eg in 1623), former allies attacked each other (1628 year - Levan II, the king Mingrelii, attacked Abkhazia, seized Sukhum, Kelasurskuyu built a wall separating Abkhazia Halved). After the death of Levan II, as well as in the years of his nephew Levan III (1661-1680 years) was defeated Mingreliya Abkhazians in alliance with Circassian, shapsugami, ubyhami. But only 20 years have passed and in 1702 imeretintsy and mingrely again invaded Abkhazia.
In the 18 century in Abkhazia weakened with the new forces to push Turkey. Genoa have been expelled from the coast, Sukhum turned into Suhum-Kale - Turkish citadel, another Turkish stronghold on the coast centre was established in Poti. The capital of Abkhazia became Lyhny.
Later Abkhazian Prince Keleshbey (Chachba) moved the capital from Lyhny in Sukhum. Surrounding land Megrelian asked him about the protection and the protection of their own king - Gregory Dadiani, which gave him Anakliya fortress on the left bank of the Inguri. In 1802 during a hike from 20 to Megreliyu - ty tysyachnym army Keleshbey held hostage son Prince mingrelskogo Dadiani, his heir Levan.
A few words about the relationship between Russia and Iverii that time. Since in 1462 the united Georgian state simply did not exist, so its splinter more or less separate parts built their own relationship with Russia. Russian-Turkish War (1768-1774 years) initially pushed Georgia to conclude in 1783 St George treatise on the transition Kartlo-Kahetii named in the treatise "Georgia", under the protectorate of Russia, then in 1801 to accession Kartlo-Kahetinskogo kingdom of Russia.
Grigory Dadiani, Prince Mingrelii (Megrelii), was unable to contain the rift own country, oppose the Abkhaz on the one hand and imeretintsam the other, in 1803 came "under the patronage of Russia". As in 1804 on the same path went Guria and Imereti. The focus was not on the entry of these territories into Russia, but the "Protectorate of Russian Empire" over these territories.
In the Russian Empire
Naturally, that Abkhazia as an independent state, also to decide on entry into the Russian Empire. Keleshbey Chachba in in 1803 concluded a peace agreement with the chief of Russian forces in the Caucasus Tsitsianovym, in 1806 led to anti-Turkish uprising, in 1807 helped the Russian army in the siege of Poti. Keleshbey was able to unite around him to know not only feudal Abkhazia, but also petty nobility and peasants-Baatar. When it kept detachment of 500 fighters armed with guns, but if necessary he could "otmobilizovat" army of over 25 thousand people with artillery and fleet (more than 600 ships were under his command, including 70 - tipushechny ship, later presented Turkey).
In Russia in 1805 demanded the extradition of Keleshbeya taken them hostage Megrelian son of Prince Levon Dadiani, and the refusal Keleshbeya conducted a military operation under the command of General Rykgofa, which was returned Megrelii Anakliya, a junior Dadiani returned to the family.
Despite Keleshbeya open confrontation with Russia, Emperor Alexander I felt that this confrontation was not dictated by the relationship of Abkhazia and Russia and Abkhazia and Megrelii confrontation. He, in his letter Keleshbeyu invited to Lieutenant-General Chin Russian army life with salaries and protection of his reign in Abkhazia forever. At Keleshbey responded that the request "on the adoption of Abkhazia in Russia nationality". However, Alexander I did not hurry with the decision.
In the war began in 1806 Russia with Turkey. Keleshbey took part in them on the side of Russia, the truth is not very active - he has not complied with the request of Alexander I of the assault fortress Poti, which inhabited the Turks, as found that too may suffer great losses. At the same time, 25 - titysyachnoe Keleshbeya army prevented boarding the Turkish landing in Abkhazia.
The Turks tried to organize a conspiracy against Keleshbeya. At the head of the conspiracy was put Aslanbey his eldest son, whose mother was kind of esherskih princes Dzyapsh-Ip, who were active conspirators. Keleshbey to learn of the plot, deprived of all rights of inheritance Aslanbeya and designated heir of his younger son Safarabeya (George).
February 17, 1810, Abkhazia became part of Russia, although, of course, if Abkhazia was then part of Georgia, why she did not became part of Russia along with the so-called metropolitan? Until in 1864 in the Principality remained so-called Abkhazian self-government. That is Abkhaz principality from 1810 to 1864, is a member of the Russian Empire on the rights of autonomy and as such have lasted longer than others in the Caucasus.
From 1864 to Abkhazia in 1917 is directly subordinate to the Russian administration in the Caucasus (1864-1883 years as a "department Sukhumi", 1883-1917 years as "Sukhumi District")
Let us turn to such a phenomenon known as mahadzhirstvo. Hundreds and thousands of Abkhaz have been evicted in 60-70 - 18 s century in Turkey. Naturally, evict active fighters against the Russian presence in the Caucasus. It should only take into account that evicted supporters proturetski tuned Aslanbeya Chachba, which has repeatedly tried to raise a rebellion against the Russians, supported the uprising in 1810 imeretinskogo king Solomon II against the Russians. Turkey has always been (and still is) strategic interests in the Caucasus, especially on the coast - Adzharia, Abkhazia. Much of mahadzhirov left Abkhazia along with Aslanbeem fleeing in 1810 to Turkey after the defeat of his troops. In Aslanbey again in 1821 and landed Abkhazia, but was split Gorchakovym. In all happen again in 1824. After that Ermolov conquer the Caucasus, then Paskevich, Vorontsov, Baryatinsky, Yevdokimov. In 1859 he was taken prisoner by Shamil, in 1864, General Geyman Banants ubyhov in Kbaada (Krasnaya Polyana), in the same year Mikhail Chachba was deported in Voronezh, where he died.
As in 1866 occurred in Lyhny antirusskoe uprising that engulfed the territory of the Kodori Gorge Bzybi until, that is, more than half of Abkhazia. For weapons have taken more than 20 thousand people, who in 1867 had been expelled to Turkey. In 1877 year, many of them returned in the composition of the Turkish landing, capturing a large section of coast, including Sochi, but were soon broken out by Russian troops. From now until 1907, the Abkhaz were generally forbidden to settle closer than 20 kilometers from Sukhumi. The Abkhaz have been virtually evicted from Gumistinskogo district and Samurzakanskogo at the site.
It is believed that over 80 per cent of Abkhazians at the end of last century lived outside Abkhazia. Naturally, that the "liberated lands" as soon flow influx of Russians, Armenians, Estonians, Greeks. The main mass of displaced persons were Georgians. Typical comments in the newspaper Jakob Gogebashvili "Tiflissky vesnik" in 1877. The article "Who settle Abkhazia", as well as in other articles for several months Gogebashvili argued that the best replacement Abkhazians could become mingrely. His words proved so to speak software - not 50 years have passed and, as in 1926 in Abkhazia live Abkhazians against 26.4% 85.7% in 1886, but 31.8% of Georgians against 4.8% in 1897. You it is not surprising - the number of Abkhazians za30 years reduced from 86% to 26%, respectively, while the number of Georgians over 30 years increases from 5% to 85%! What is that - the normal seasonal migration or ethnocide?
In fact statistics is a very strange thing. For example according to the handbook "Kavkaz" (Tiflis, 1903) at str.226 have such statistics: "Residents of about 180 thousand souls, which in percentage terms are divided as follows: Armenians - about 40 percent., Georgians - nearly 25 percent ., Russians - about 20 percent. And the remaining 15 percent are: persiyane, Tartars, Germans, Turks, Jews, French, British, Czechs and others. "What do you think - where it was such a composition of the population? In Yerevan? No, in Tiflis, that is, in Tbilisi - the capital of Georgia. The truth, I am confident that the current composition of the population of this city, how would pomyagche so to speak, "mononatsionalny more."
In the "single family fraternal peoples"
The first fighting between Abkhaz and Georgians have already occurred in February 1918, when the brigades under the command of Nestor Lakoby tried to seize Sukhum, but were forced to depart. Fighting resumed in March and on the night of April 8, Sukhum was taken.
In February 1918, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia joined the so-called Zakavkazskuyu federal democratic republic, collapsed shortly after the bloody clashes in Nagorno-Karabakh. Regarding Georgia, it was already on the day of its proclamation of the so-called independence (from Russia?) Was occupied by Germany from May to December 1918, then England from December 1918 to May 1920. The Germans participated in the creation of the Georgian army, its armaments.
May 11, 1918 Republic was established Gortsev Caucasus, which includes and Abkhazia. May 17, Georgian (as they are called in official historiography "belogvardeyskie"), General Mamziashvili troops crossed the Kodor, took Sukhum and Gudauta. The next day was occupied Gagra, then Sochi and Tuapse. In these circumstances, under threat of total destruction Abkhazians entered into a July 11 agreement with the Georgians on joining the Sukhumi district of Georgia.
Incidentally, even in the book academician I. Javakhishvili "The borders of Georgia" (Tiflis, 1919) at p. 6 states: "North-western border of Georgia and Abkhazia have now."
In February 1920, Georgians broke from Tuapse, then of Adler, Veselogo, Gagra - "further everywhere" to Tbilisi. March 4 squads Nestor Lakoby have Sukhum.
March 21, 1920 was proclaimed Abkhaz Soviet Socialist Republic (not autonomous!). But on November 16, 1921 S. Ordzhonikidze proposed to eliminate the federal status of Abkhazia. First, both Abkhazia and South Ossetia voschla "on a contract basis" of the Georgian SSR. And then, on March 12, 1922 was established Transcaucasian Soviet Federal Socialist Republic (ZSFSR), which entered Abkhazia. February 11, 1931 received the status of Abkhazia autonomy within the GSPC, but already held a similar February 18, who expressed mistrust of government. It is known that one of the opponents "gruzinizatsii" Nestor Lakoba Abkhazia was killed on the orders of Stalin, Beria and Ordzhonikidze.
Incidentally, an interesting case occurred with mingrelami - they suddenly ceased to exist at all! According to the 1926 census, they suddenly become Georgians, disappeared books, newspapers, textbooks in mingrelskom language.
And in 1937, has been eradicated Abkhazian alphabet, the Abkhaz translation into Georgian basis with the earlier Latin. All children in Abkhazia obyayazany were studying Georgian language. You can imagine the Abkhazians, knows their native language, freely speaking in Russian, which should give their children to school to study Georgian? And the Armenians and Greeks, but Russian? I have something I can not remember that Georgian children living in Abkhazia, Abkhazian should have been taught, are you?
In 1936 Sukhum was to reinvent Georgian Giant in Sukhumi ", many other localities have received Georgian names, often nothing is meaningless (Alahadzy - abh." Rodnik about figs becomes Alahadze that has no meaning at all). Abkhazia strongly suggested change in the passport nationality, name change.
After mahadzhirstva "70 years have passed and again the Abkhazians started to evict. In 36-37 years in the liberated lands began mass displacement of peasants from Mingrelii, Guria, Imereti, Rachi. Naturally, not only from there, but also from Russia, Ukraine and from anywhere. True, many of them leave home, but many still live on fertile land with excellent climate.
The Abkhaz have expressed their attitude toward "gruzinizatsii" repeatedly - in 1957, 1967, 1978, 1989.