Hero of Abkhazia and Presidential Security Advisor, Kafkas Atrishba, Passes Away at 59

SUKHUM / AQW’A — Kafkas Atrishba, a distinguished veteran of the Abkhazian Patriotic War (Georgian-Abkhazian war of 1992-93) and esteemed advisor to the Republic of Abkhazia's representative in Türkiye, has passed away. Born in Istanbul to an Abkhaz father and a Circassian mother, he received a comprehensive education encompassing both sports and psychiatry. In 1992, upon learning of Georgia's invasion of Abkhazia, his ancestral homeland, Atrishba secured leave from the Turkish military to defend his country. He played a pivotal role in establishing a covert special operations base in Gudauta, directly reporting to Supreme Commander Vladislav Ardzinba, and served in President Ardzinba's security detail until 1995.

Kafkas Atrishba was born on 5 April 1965 in Istanbul into a prominent family, Atrishba received a comprehensive education that encompassed both sports and psychiatry. His exceptional abilities led to his selection for training in one of Türkiye's elite military units, where he excelled in various disciplines, including naval combat and parachuting.

Kafkas Atrishba (right), who served in Türkiye's elite military units.

In August 1992, while stationed near the Iraqi border in eastern Türkiye, Atrishba learned of the war erupting in Abkhazia. Determined to contribute, he sought his father's counsel, who was then leading a crisis committee in Istanbul. With his father's support, Atrishba secured a two-year leave from the Turkish military and embarked on a journey to Abkhazia.

By October 1992, after overcoming significant obstacles, including a challenging border crossing via the Psou River, he arrived in Abkhazia. In Gudauta, he played a pivotal role in establishing a covert special operations base, directly reporting to Supreme Commander Vladislav Ardzinba. Atrishba trained and led a dedicated group of patriots, whose strength and unity were instrumental in Abkhazia's victory, a triumph he attributed to divine favour and the resilience of Caucasian traditions.

Following the war, Atrishba remained in Abkhazia, serving in President Ardzinba's security detail until 1995. He then returned to Istanbul, where he successfully ventured into business. In 2002, responding to an invitation from Ardzinba, he returned to Abkhazia to form and command the special unit "Irbis" under the Ministry of Defence. This unit conducted operations in border regions, notably in the Gal district.

Atrishba continued his service in Abkhazia, transitioning from the Ministry of Defence to the State Security Service. His unwavering commitment to his homeland, even at the expense of his military career in Türkiye, exemplified his profound patriotism. Reflecting on his dedication, he remarked, "The way I was raised, when it comes to the homeland, everything else is secondary."

Kafkas Atrishba (centre) in Abkhazia, 1992, during the early days of the Abkhazian Patriotic War against Georgian invaders.

Kafkas Atrishba's funeral is scheduled for Monday, 16 December 2024, following the noon prayer, in Yeşilvadi village, Hendek district, Sakarya Province, Türkiye. He will be laid to rest in his family's village.

Kafkas Atrishba's legacy is one of steadfast loyalty and service to Abkhazia, leaving an indelible mark on its history and in the hearts of its people.

AbkhazWorld expresses its deepest condolences on the passing of our compatriot, Kafkas Atrishba. His cherished memory will forever remain in our hearts.