Abkhazia Honours Fallen Volunteer Murat Kudzhev by Naming Street in His Memory
Murat was only 17 years old when he came to Abkhazia without informing his family.
SUKHUM / AQW'A ― A memorial event honouring Karachay-Cherkess volunteer Murat Kudzhev (19 December 1975 – 4 July 1993) took place at the Cultural Centre in the village of Chlou.
The event was attended by Abesalom Kvarchia, Head of the Presidential Administration; Beslan Bigvava, Head of the Ochamchira District Administration; Aslan Sangulia, Head of Chlou village; veterans of the 1992–1993 Patriotic War of the People of Abkhazia (Georgian-Abkhazian War); a delegation from Karachay-Cherkessia; members of Murat Kudzhev's family and local residents.
Participants observed a minute's silence to honour those who lost their lives in the Patriotic War of the People of Abkhazia.
"Today, we have named a street in honour of Karachay-Cherkess volunteer Murat Kudzhev. He was very young when he joined the war, sacrificing his life for the freedom and independence of our homeland. While no words can ease a mother's heart, I want to thank you for raising a true hero. It is our duty to remember such individuals and pass their legacy on to future generations. I wish you peaceful skies above. May each day bring you joy and smiles," said Beslan Bigvava, Head of the Ochamchira District Administration.
Murat Kudzhev was a volunteer from Karachay-Cherkessia who arrived in Abkhazia in June 1993 to fight on the Gumista front. Born on 19 December 1975 in the village of Psyzh, Murat attended Secondary School No. 16 in Cherkessk and later pursued vocational training to become a gas technician.
At just 17 years old, Murat went to Abkhazia without informing his parents of his intention to join the conflict. On 4 July 1993, during positional battles, he was fatally wounded. In recognition of his bravery, Murat Kudzhev was posthumously awarded the Medal "For Courage."
Addressing Murat's mother, Head of the Presidential Administration Abesalom Kvarchia said:
"We bow our heads to you for raising such a son—a true hero. The role of a mother in raising children is immeasurable. Thank you for giving us this hero!"
Murat's mother, Fatima Kudzheva, expressed her gratitude to the organisers and noted the special attention the Abkhaz people give to volunteers.
"When Murat went to war, he was only 17. He left me a note saying, 'Mum, I have gone on some business; don't worry.' I could never have imagined he would go to war like that. We only learned he had gone to war when they brought his coffin home. Here in Abkhazia, I met his comrades who told me he used to say, 'My biggest fear is that if my mother finds out, she will come and take me away.'
"Murat is a descendant of the renowned Kudzba family. When he learned that war had begun in Abkhazia, he couldn't stand aside," she said.
Fatima Kudzheva once again thanked the leadership and people of Abkhazia for remembering and honouring the fallen volunteers.
A street in the village of Chlou has been named after Murat Kudzhev.