The Abkhaz population suffered significant losses due to the forced exiles following the Russo-Caucasus War in 1864 and the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-78. In 1864, after the Russo-Caucasian War, around 25,000 Abkhazians, mostly from the Sadz, Akhchipsy, Aibga, and Pskhu regions, were forced to leave. Major uprisings in Abkhazia occurred in 1821-27, 1840-45, 1861, 1866, and 1877, each leading to significant exiles of Abkhazians to the Ottoman Empire. The situation culminated in the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878. In total, approximately 135,000 Abkhazians, constituting most of the Abkhazian population, were deported. It was during this period that the colonisation of Abkhazia by Georgians, particularly Mingrelians, first began. This process intensified in the 1930s during the Stalin and Beria era, reaching its peak through a deliberate policy of forced resettlement and assimilation. Between 1937 and 1953, tens of thousands of peasants from Western Georgia were resettled in Abkhazia, shifting the ethno-demographic balance further against the Abkhaz and making the Abkhazians a minority in their own homeland.

The article, which examines this critical period of demographic expansion, was originally published in 'Аҧсуаҭҵаара' / Abkhaz Studies, no. 11, and has been translated from Russian to English.

The Western Caucasus, a region rich in ancient history, is home to a fascinating array of megalithic structures, including dolmens and cromlechs. These monuments, often associated with burial practices and rituals, have long intrigued archaeologists due to their distinctive architectural styles and mysterious purposes. Scattered throughout the verdant landscapes of Abkhazia and the broader Western Caucasus, these dolmens represent some of the earliest examples of monumental stone architecture, dating back to the Bronze Age (3250–1250 BC). Their significance in the cultural and religious life of the region continues to be a subject of study, offering insights into the societies that constructed them.

Dolmens and Cromlechs - Architectural Marvels of the Bronze Age

Dolmens were not unique to the Caucasus; they were widespread across Asia, Africa, and Europe. Archaeologists suggest that the concept of building these structures likely spread via maritime routes, following a 'relay' model of transmission. This global context highlights the significance of the Western Caucasian dolmens as part of a broader megalithic tradition.

Independent researcher and author Cem Kumuk shares a pivotal historical document from the 1919 Paris Peace Conference, presenting it as evidence of long-standing Caucasian solidarity. In his introduction, Kumuk challenges current perspectives on Adyghe (Circassian) identity, arguing for a unified Caucasian approach. The document, a memorandum from the Union of Circassian Peoples and Daghestan Delegation, offers insight into early 20th-century efforts to represent Caucasian interests on the world stage. 

On 11 May 1918, the Republic of the Union of Mountain Peoples of the Caucasus declared its independence.

You may consult the meeting minutes from the link below of the Batum Conference, which convened on that day and did not reconvene thereafter. Additionally, a copy of the independence declaration by the North Caucasian delegates is available. Initially, their objective was to establish a Greater Caucasian Confederation; however, they ultimately proclaimed an independent state. 

The early 20th century witnessed a mosaic of tumultuous events reshaping the geopolitical landscape of the Caucasus, among which the 1918 occupation of Abkhazia by Georgian forces under General Giorgi Mazniashvili (Mazniev) stands out as a pivotal moment. This incursion not only altered the course of Abkhazian history but also cast a long shadow over the region's future relations and the legacy of a controversial figure.