Sokrat Jinjolia Says Apsuara Is ‘The Best Tool for Upbringing’

SUKHUM / AQW'A — Former Prime Minister of Abkhazia Sokrat Jinjolia has described apsuara, the traditional Abkhaz moral code, as one of the most effective foundations for educating and shaping individuals.

Speaking at a round-table discussion on ‘Value Priorities in the System of Spiritual and Moral Education of the Individual’, Jinjolia, who served as Prime Minister from 1993 to 1994 and is now a member of Abkhazia’s Public Chamber, said that apsuara should remain central to discussions about youth development in the republic.

He emphasised the need for a thorough analysis of current efforts in spiritual and moral education before introducing new recommendations.

‘We cannot remain on the sidelines of global processes. No matter who recognises us or how far we may be from the centres of power, everything happening in the world affects us in one way or another,’ Jinjolia said. ‘We ourselves are participants in these processes.’

What Is Apsuara?

Apsuara, often translated as ‘Abkhazianness’, is commonly understood as the system of native Abkhaz customs, traditions, and ethical values. It encompasses ideals such as honour and conscience, dignity and gallantry, courage and compassion, hospitality, respect for elders, modesty, and patience.

Although rooted in ancient unwritten traditions, the term was first recorded in written sources in 1920 by Dmitry Gulia, a founding figure of modern Abkhaz literature. Today, apsuara is widely invoked in discussions on moral values, cultural foundations, and the qualities that define an ideal person in Abkhaz society.

Core Principles

At the heart of apsuara are several guiding principles shaping social behaviour. One of the most important is alamys — conscience — regarded as a defining moral standard. A well-known saying, ‘An Abkhaz dies in his conscience’, reflects the belief that a person who commits an act incompatible with conscience is considered ‘dead while alive’.

Another key principle is auayura — humanity — which places the value of the human being at the centre of the moral system. Respect for others, expressed in both conduct and etiquette, is seen as an essential rule of life.

Other principles include apsua aamstashvara (‘Abkhaz princely behaviour’) — chivalry, nobility, gallantry — and eihaksgylarа — mutual forbearance.

Prohibitive norms also play a significant role. Pkhasharoup — ‘shame’ — is associated with the fear of violating social expectations. From childhood, children are taught what is considered shameful behaviour and reminded: ‘Do not stain the honour and name of your father and mother.’ Another principle, tsasym — ‘not customary’ — includes taboos of both secular and religious origin.

Abkhaz Etiquette

Abkhaz etiquette forms a distinct and finely detailed part of apsuara, particularly concerning interaction with elders. Respect for older people is one of the oldest Abkhaz customs, reflected in speech, gestures, behaviour, and an emphasis on restraint and attentiveness.

This traditional ethical framework, speakers at the round table suggested, remains deeply relevant to contemporary discussions about shaping moral character and strengthening cultural identity in Abkhazia.