The Adyghe (Circassian) Way of Raising Children, by Naima Neflyasheva

Child-Rearing Traditions of the Adyghe (Circassian) People

This article by Naima Neflyasheva, PhD, a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for African Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, addresses traditional child-rearing practices in Adyghe (Circassian) families. Originally published in Russian on the Sovetskaya Adygeya website on 25 June 2024, it explores the values, customs, and pedagogical principles that shape Adyghe attitudes toward children and family bonds. Previously, we published another translation of Neflyasheva’s work, titled Being a Man in the Circassian Way. This English version aims to broaden the readership for Neflyasheva's insights into the cultural heritage of the Adyghe people.

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Savouring Abkhazia: Where to Eat and What to Try

There's a saying that to truly know a place, you must taste its food. Tucked away between the majestic Caucasus Mountains and the shimmering Black Sea, Abkhazia is a treasure trove of culinary delights waiting to be discovered. From cosy seaside cafes serving steaming hot achashv to historic restaurants dishing up time-honoured recipes, the local food scene is as diverse as it is delightful.

Whether you're planning your first visit or returning to this enchanting corner of the world, this guide will take you on a mouth-watering journey through some of Abkhazia's best dining spots. From traditional family-run establishments to trendy new restaurants, from hearty local dishes to international cuisine, there's something here for every palate and pocket.

So, let's embark on this culinary adventure together, shall we?

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Being a Man in the Circassian Way, by Naima Neflyasheva

Two men in traditional Adyghe attire from the 19th (left) and 21st (right) centuries.

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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7th and 8th of October 1992: The First World Congress of the Abkhaz-Abaza People

7–8 October 1992 marked a significant milestone for the Abkhaz-Abaza (Abazin) community as the inaugural World Congress convened in the historic village of Lykhny. This event unified representatives from both local and international diasporas, alongside delegates from Circassia; Kabarda, Adygea, Shapsughia, and Abazinia. Amidst the Patriotic War (Georgian-Abkhazian War) of 1992–1993, the Congress played a crucial role in enhancing the morale and solidarity of the Abkhaz people.

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In Response to Gabriel Chubinidze's Misleading Article on Prof. George Hewitt and AbkhazWorld.com

Gabriel Chubinidze, in his recent article on Civil.ge, expresses concern over Prof. George Hewitt being invited to participate in the International Kartvelological Congress IV, scheduled to take place on 25-27 September 2024 at the Georgian Academy of Sciences. The article is rife with inaccuracies and distortions, including the baseless claim that AbkhazWorld.com was founded by Prof. Hewitt. Chubinidze’s discomfort with Hewitt's inclusion seems to shape much of the article’s narrative.

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How Civic Organisations Are Visibly Transforming Abkhazia Despite Criticism

NGOs continue to improve local infrastructure and community in Abkhazia.

Civic organisations in Abkhazia have recently become targets of criticism and unfounded accusations from the current government—particularly during the tenure of former Foreign Minister Inal Ardzinba. Before, such scrutiny was uncommon, but now accusations often focus on claims that NGOs lack tangible results, while disinformation campaigns and "foreign agent" narratives gain traction. Despite these challenges, Abkhazian civil society continues to quietly improve social infrastructure and community well-being.

This article, originally published on the Abkhazian Telegram channel 'OKNO', has been translated from Russian.

Civic organisations often face hostile criticism. In the flood of disinformation about NGOs, there are frequent claims that we have no tangible results from our activities. The principle of "doing good quietly" and the belief that charity should be modest and without noisy publicity have ultimately been used against us. Therefore, we would like to return to the discussion of civil society’s contribution to projects that deliver visible results, such as the improvement of social infrastructure and the well-being of the community. This is particularly important in light of the recent surge in anonymous Telegram channels promoting the foreign agent narrative, which have seen a sudden increase.

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