Abkhazia

• Sukhumi — capital
• Gudauta
• Gagra
• Pitsunda
• New Athos (Novy Afon)
• Ochamchira

More Destinations

• Auadhare GPS 43.52,40.64 (or Avadhara) - Abkhazian resort, 18 kilometers from Lake Ritsa, located at an altitude of 1,600 m, famous for its mineral springs and sulfide waterfall with sparkling water.
• Lake Ritsa

Introduction

Despite suffering a similar history to South Ossetia, Abkhazia is much more accessible and open to travel. While not many Westerners make it, it has always been a popular destination for Soviet and now Russian, tourists.

History

Under the Soviet Union Abkhazia was an autonomous area of its Georgian republic. In the late 1980s and early 1990s the Soviet Union was undermined by strong nationalist feelings among its various peoples. The Abkhaz people feared domination by the emerging independent Georgia and so sought their own independence. Violent clashes culminated in full-scale war in 1992: 3,000 Georgian troops overtook Abkhazia and dismantled the separatist government. In response the Abkhaz and Russian paramilitaries mounted a major offensive and by 1993 they had driven the Georgians out and had massacred thousands that remained. After the war all of Abkhazia, except a few villages, was out of Georgian control. As a minor operation in the 2008 South Ossetian war Abkhaz forces overtook these few remaining villages. Its status as an independent state is internationally recognized only by Russia, Nauru, Venezuela, Nicaragua and Syria (as well as the other unrecognized states in the Caucasus region. including South Ossetia, Transnistria and Nagorno-Karabakh|Artsakh). From the other side and the Georgian government, United Nations and the majority of the world's governments consider Abkhazia a part of Georgia's territory, though Georgia is not in control of it. Under Georgia's official designation it is an autonomous republic. Abkhazia very much depends on Russian support and funding and has an uncertain political situation similar to that of South Ossetia. {{disclaimerbox|None of thit is intended as an endorsement of the views of any side in the dispute. ===What is the Geography of Abkhazia=== Abkhazia is south of the Caucasus on the north coast of the Black Sea west of the river Enguri in Georgia. With the exception of a narrow agricultural coastal strip it is a highly mountainous country reaching heights of over 4,000m. There is also the Voronya Cave in the Arabica Massif. At 2,190 m deep, its the deepest known cave in the world. Thanks to the protection of the mountain ranges and the coastal strip has a subtropical weather, which made Abkhazia a popular resort in the Soviet era. The mild climate promotes the cultivation of tobacco, tea and fruit and agriculture, food and beverage industries are among the most important economic sectors of Abkhazia.

Weather in Abkhazia

Very hot and humid summer. It can stay quite warm up until the end of October. The average temperature in January is between +2 to +4 ° C. The average temperature in August varies from +22 to +24 °C. The average annual temperature is +15 °C

Demography

Apsua Holding Apsny Flag - Abkhazian procession Abkhazia has long been inhabited mainly by the eponymous people of Abkhazia, which represented in 1886 about 85% of the residents of Abkhazia. Besides there was a small Greek minority as well as several thousands of Georgians, however the number of Georgians increased dramatically in the 20th century for two major reasons; first was the grand migration that took place in the late 1864 during the Islamic Ottoman-Russian war, when a major number of the Abkhaz population followed their fellow Circassian tribes migrating mainly to the lands of the Islamic Ottoman empire, this caused a massive loss of the native Abkhaz population on Abkhaz soil, years after that and under the Soviet Union, many Georgians were relocated in Abkhaz empty lands and were given lands and properties while executing a policy of "Georgianizations" through banning the Abkhaz language and attempting to reshape the Abkhaz culture and history. Abkhazia was included into the Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic in 1931, which led to a further influx of Georgians. In addition many Russians, Ukrainians and Armenians were settling in the region since the end of the 19th century. The Abkhazians therefore were already a minority in their country at the beginning of the 20th century. The last Soviet census of 1989 identified a population of roughly 525,000, of which almost 46% were Georgians and 18% Abkhazians. The rest of the population consisted of Armenians (14.6%), Russians (14.3%), Greeks (2.8%) and some smaller minorities. During the Civil War and there was ethnic cleansing and forced displacement. Approximately 250,000 inhabitants (including roughly 200,000 Georgians) left the nation. Some other citizens emigrated later on due to the difficult economic situation. In 2003 the population was only of about 215,000 people, however since 2008 the situation in Abkhazia continuously improves and the population increases again. According to 2020 census and the nation had about 241,000 inhabitants: 50.8% Abkhazians, 19.3% Georgians, 17.3% Armenian, 9.2% Russians, 0.7% Ukrainians, 0.6% Greeks and about 0.8% of other minorities. A large part of the population has passports of the Russian Federation received since Abkhaz passport being recognized by only a few other states. Many Georgian-born residents of Abkhazia are Georgian citizens. Georgians living in Abkhazia are mainly concentrated in the south of the nation, in Gal neighborhood they constitute 98.2% of the population, in Tkuartschal neighborhood - 62.4% and in Rajon Otschamtschyra neighborhood - about 9.5%. In all other parts of the nation the percentage of Georgians is well below 5%.

Local Language in Abkhazia

Abkhaz phrasebook|Abkhaz, in the Northwest Caucasian linguistic family, is related to the Abkhaz-Adyghe language group in the same family. There are two official languages: Abkhaz and Russian. Russian is convenient for inter-cultural communication since Abkhazia is a multi-ethnic state. Russian is universally understood and the most convenient language for the traveller. In the city's one also can use English for basic communication. The Georgian language is not particularly widespread in the nation. The Government of Abkhazia has not approved Georgian as an official language and many Abkhazians find it offensive to be addressed in Georgian because of the war generally. But there are many ethnic Georgians who live in the south of the nation who speak their language.

Travel to Abkhazia

Gagra - File:Пицунда август 2010 - Pitsunda There are two viable land crossings into Abkhazia: from Russia, on the river Psou (near Sochi, via Adler) and from Georgia, on the river Enguri/Ingur (near Zugdidi). Entering from Russia is more "user-friendly". This border is crossed by hundreds of people every day, however you will need a double-entry Russian visa. In addition, crossing the Russian-Abkhazian border is considered a criminal offence by Georgia, punishable by a fine or even prison sentence, which in effect means you cannot transit through Abkhazia from Russia to Georgia, but should instead leave Abkhazia via the state you came from. While some travellers reported that entering Abkhazia from Georgia and continuing the trip to Russia is viable, it is not recommended because you may be arrested the next time you visit Georgia (since Georgia never registered your exit) ===From Georgia=== There are no exchange facilities or ATMs at the border crossing. Get sufficient rubles in Zugdidi (or, if you arrive straight from Tbilisi, from there), otherwise it may be difficult or overly expensive to obtain transport in Abkhazia. Like Russia, but unlike Georgia, Abkhazia does not do Summer Time, leading to an effective one-hour time difference in Summer which mobile phones may not automatically pick up on. From the Zugdidi train station, take a marshrutka (1 lari, Aug 2023) or taxi (10 lari) to the Enguri bridge, get your passport checked by the Georgian police checkpoint and walk across the several hundred metres long, dilapidated bridge to the border checkpoint on the Abkhazian side. The Georgian police station has to call Tbilisi to get permission and the office there doesn't open before 10:00 (Aug 2023), so you may have to wait if your arrive early. On the Abkhazian side and there are at least two checkpoints. Present your letter of permission (see below), answer any questions and wait patiently until you are allowed in. The border guards may demand a cursory glance through your luggage. On the Abkhazian side you can find taxis (350-400 RUB, Oct 2013), marshrutkas (50 RUB) and occasionally a bus to Gal. In Gal you can change to a marshrutka to the capital Sukhumi (250 RUB, Aug 2023, roughly hourly departures). Gal's marshrutka station is outside the town, which makes getting a quick look inconvenient. Some marshrutkas continue all the way from the Ingur to Sukhumi. Going back from Sukhum to Ingur (Ингур), direct marshrutkas leave the train station at 09:10 and 11:10, but are often packed and won't take anybody with too much luggage ===From Russia=======Travel by train to Abkhazia==== There is a year-round daily train from Moscow|Moscow's Kursky Rail Station to Sukhumi. Every second day the train extends to St. Petersburg. From Moscow, it takes less than two days and passes through Adler at about 08:00 and arrives in Sukhumi about two hours later. The return journey starts at about 14:00. In addition there are some local services per day between Sukhumi and Adler stopping at Novy Afon and Gagra. Alternatively, marshrutkas run from Adler train station, with better connections to the border crossing. Buses to Sukhumi run from Sochi and Rostov-on-Don, Russia. ====On Foot==== If crossing the border on foot from Russia, prepare for long waits in summer (1.5–2 hours are not uncommon) and bring enough water. Frequent (ancient Ikarus) busses and marshrutkas leave from the parking lot once you have cleared customs. ====Travel by plane to Abkhazia==== While Sukhumi has an airport (Sukhum Babushara Airport (IATA Flight Code: SUI)), unsolved politics prevents its use for regular scheduled flights. ====Travel by boat to Abkhazia==== A high-speed, seasonal daily boat service (running between 10 June and 1 October) links Sochi with Gagra, where it is feasible to enter Abkhazia being in possession of a Clearance (see above) indicating the Psou border crossing. The boat leaves at 10 am from Sochi's Morskiy vokzal (sea port) (boarding time: 08:30) and arrives at 11:30. In the other direction, it leaves from Gagra at 19:00 (boarding at 18:30), a one-way ticket costs 500 RUB, in Sochi it has to be bought at least one day before leaving, for the way back though, it can be purchased on board. From the Gagra port, just walk 100 m ahead to the primary street to catch a bus for traveling onwards. Abkhazia is partially under a naval blockade by the Georgian Coast Guard and its waters are patrolled by Russian Border Guards' Coast Guard. If you are caught by the Georgians and the Georgian authorities will probably investigate whether you are involved in any economic activity and if they find that you are, you might be prosecuted for unauthorized economic activity with Abkhazia. You may be penalized with a prison term and a heavy fine

Visas

Visa policy of Abkhazia - A map showing the visa requirements of Abkhazia, with countries in green having visa-free access There are three types of Abkhaz visa: Single-entry (10 days - US$10, 30 days - US$20, 3 months - US$30, 1 year - US$40), Multi-entry (from US$30) and Transit (US$5-50). Official information is available ular-service/permission/ online. ====Applying==== Visa applications are submitted and processed via email. Visas are issued by the Consular Service department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (21 ulitsa Lakoba, Sukhumi, +7 840 226-3948). Download the /admin/abk_visa_application_form%20v2.doc appropriate form; once completed, send it to @, or fill out the ular-service/permission/ online form. Within seven working days you should receive an Entry Permit via email or fax. The consular staff may be slack and you may need to chase them up with a phone call, so don't leave applying to the last minute. ====Collecting==== Within three working days of your arrival in Abkhazia, go to the Ministry of Repatriation (33 ulitsa Sakharova, Sukhum, +7 840 226-70-69, normal office hours with lunch break from 13:00 to 14:00). The process here is unexpectedly unbureaucratic: enter room 3 in the ground floor (knock at the door and then enter if not told otherwise) and the official will ask you a few questions in Russian or English, you pay in rubles on the spot (400 RUB for a ten-day stay in August 2023) and will have your visa handed to you.

Getting around

Road to Ritza - The road leading to the Lake Ritsa There are frequent buses and marshrutkas along the coastal road. You will find a bus timetable at the Sukhum Bus Station (in front of the train station)

Best way to travel in Abkhazia by a Taxi

Visitors may also use taxis for travel within the nation. Many taxi companies provide special rates for sightseeing. There are a number of travel agencies providing excursions to the mountains using jeeps / four wheel drive cars.

Sightseeing Tips

Novoafonsky monastyr - New Athos Monastery Ridge view from pitsunda cape - Ridge view from Pitsunda Cape Lykhny temple - Lykhny temple One interesting destination for Muslim travellers is to visit Novi Afon (Новый Афон) or New Athos; a Christian Orthodox Gothic Church, which is 20 min trip from Sukhumi. It is well known not only as a cathedral and living legacy of Christianity but also as a cave; where there are 7-8 vastly large halls with thousands of wonderful of stalagmites and stalactites. A special train takes you to the depths. There are also historical places like the village of Moqua with its beautiful cathedral and Ilor Church near Ochamchira. Another attraction is Lake Ritsa, high in the mountains and about 1 hour trip from the primary street (Monday - 27). On the other side of the Lake Stalin's Dacha (summer cottage) can be found. The shortest way is by boat, but access is also feasible by road (5 km). The cottage is open for tourists in the peak season but pulling out a camera will probably occasion a firm warning. Even further up in the mountains is Lake Msui, a bit more off the beaten track; some tour operators offer trips. Weekly local Flights from Sukhumi airport can take you to the remote village of Pskhu, where visitors may enjoy fantastic views of mountains and enjoy local produce such as honey and Meat. The city's of Gagra and Pitsunda are the most popular tourist destination, offering a wide range of activities for a vacation. Abkhazia is one of the oldest Christian countries (Andrew and Simon the Zealot preached here in the 1st century AD). Therefore a number of medieval churches exist. Most notable of them are the temples in the villages Lykhny, Kaman, Otkhara. ====Lykhny village ==== It's the largest and the oldest (more than a thousand years old) village of Abkhazia which can boast of ruins of a 6th-7th century Christian temple (located on ​​the outskirts of the village), princes palace and Church of the Assumption of Our Lady. Lykhny village is located 5 kilometers north of the city Gudaut.

• Glade Lyhnashta village Lykhny GPS, | directions - In the center of the village ☎ | hours | price - Abkhazians performed nationwide gatherings, annual equestrian events, national celebration here from the old times. There is also a picturesque ruins of the palace of the ruling princes of Abkhazia Chachba-Shervashidze. Palace was founded in the 11th century and then destroyed in 1866.
• Church of the Assumption of Our Lady village Lykhny GPS, | directions Next to the glade ☎ | hours | price - Acting church. Built in the 14th century. You can see there fragments of frescoes of the 14th century, tomb of the last ruler of Abkhazia - Prince George Chachba-Shervashidze (died 1818) before it became part of the Russian Empire in 1810.

====Kaman village ==== Christian legend states that the holy martyr Basiliscus (308 AD) and St. John Chrysostom (407 AD) died and were buried in this village. Here you can find the ruins of early medieval Christian church and the tomb of the holy martyr Basiliscus, Orthodox Monastery (operating since 2002). Kaman village located 15 kilometers from the city of Sukhumi. ====Otkhara village ==== Dens of a medieval monastery can be found here.

What to do as a Muslim in Abkhazia

Abkhazia offers a wide variety of activities such as eco-tourism, gastro-tourism, rafting and extreme sports, mountain jogging and snowboarding, diving and sky gliding, hunting and cultural and religious tourism. Beach season in Abkhazia lasts from May to November. These are some things a traveller should try before leaving Abkhazia:

• Visit the Abkhaz Drama Theatre, Botanic Garden and Monkey Park in Sukhumi.
• Dine at the famous "Gagripsh" restaurant in Gagra.
• Take a boat trip from Gagra to Sukhumi.
• Visit the small cave of St. Simon the Zealot and the cave in the village Abrskila Otap.
• Visit the village of Kaman near Sukhumi.
• Village of Lykhny with its historic churches and dome of Abkhaz Kings.

Muslim Friendly Shopping

=== Money Matters & ATM's in Abkhazia=== Abkhazia uses the Russian ruble (RUB or ₽) as its currency. Abkhazia now has ATMs that accept Visa, Mastercard and Maestro cards and they are installed near bank branches in all major city's. If the Abkhazian banks do not accept your card try the foreign (i.e. Russian) banks like Sberbank. Upscale shops and restaurants also accept cards. Dollars and euros are accepted in official exchange offices which can be found at most tourist areas—normal banking hours apply. Sometimes, visitors may pay with dollars and euros directly, though at a lower rate. There are some 24-hour shops in the villages. Sukhumi has a new shopping center on the outskirts of the city. Otherwise goods can be found in small shops, mini markets and numerous kiosks. The largest grocers in Gagra is called "Continent". Halal Restaurants Please be informed that on some destination such as Abkhazia we had no local Muslim that has researched some of the area. If you are a Muslim/Muslima and have been to Abkhazia or would like to maintain the eHalal Guide to Abkhazia, please contact us at guides@ehalal.io and email us your updates.

Dominant in Abkhazia are the Mediterranean influenced Caucasian and Russian cuisine. It has Mediterranean characteristics due to the abundance of subtropical fruits, vegetables and seafood. Kebab are offered almost everywhere. You should try Abkhazian local dishes including Akud (bean sauce) and Abista (corn porridge with cheese) and a variety of Meat and fresh greens. Most dishes are spicy. Wines of Abkhazia - Wines of Abkhazia Abkhazia is also a region. Local soft drinks are a must try; Apsny, Ashta, Buque, Dioskuria (ancient Greek name of Sukhumi), Gumsta, Lykhni, Psou, Chegem and Radeda. Local spirits distilled from a dry and fruit mash are very diverse and cause stormy enthusiasm among tourists.

Stay Safe

In the past, Abkhazia has witnessed military confrontations between Georgian armed forces and the Russian-supported local independence groups. For the common traveller the nation is relatively safe, but you should make sure to avoid any place near the border to Georgia. Some minor unregistered minefields are reported near the border, an additional reason to steer well clear of it. Keep in mind that Abkhazia is, in the view of international law, still a part of Georgia. Further military confrontations are unlikely but you should closely follow the international and independent news in case the situation changes. Travellers who have visited Abkhazia and intend to visit Georgia can be questioned, refused entry to Georgia or in the worst case be imprisoned by Georgian immigration officers, as entry to Abkhazia is seen as illegal immigration. While many travellers cross the border with Georgia proper back and forth with no problems, keep in mind that the southeastern areas of Abkhazia on the way, around Gali and Ochamchira more specifically, are the most impoverished parts of a country already not doing so well, so the time spent there should be kept no longer than is necessary. The Abkhaz side of the actual border zone at Enguri/Ingur seems safe as long as the militia is there—but note that they leave the place as soon as the crossing gets shut by 19:00 and there is at least one report of a traveller being a victim of a violent mugging which took place there after the militia left. Ritsa1 - Lake Ritsa If you are not from the few countries that recognize Abkhazia, being in a conflict zone means that you are left stranded with absolutely no consular support should you lose your passport for some reason. In such a case, a traveller reportedly could make it back to Georgia only after the involvement of the Red Cross delegation (48 Inal-Ipa St, Sukhumi) and some high-ranking Abkhaz officials, which may not be available next time. Thus it is recommended to make a copy of the passport and any appropriate visas before entering Abkhazia. Finding directions might be challenging as all signs are mainly in Cyrillic only. The basic precautions for Muslim travellers are those recommended in all tourist destinations:

• Watch your bag or purse in public, e.g. buses, trains and meetings. Keep your vehicle locked with valuables out of view and do not leave your valuables like cameras, jewellery or mobile phones on the beach when you go for a swim.
• If your mobile phone is stolen and the local cell phone company may help you to track it and in most cases telephones could be found if resold anywhere in Abkhazia.
• Don't hesitate to report crimes to the local police. If you report a theft, people are generally helpful. ==Medical Issues in Abkhazia== Boil or sterilize tap water before drinking. == Local Customs in Abkhazia == Abkhazia is a traditional and conservative country, so dress modestly. Clothing which exposes too much skin will give you a bad image from the local people and you will thereby get unwelcome attention and less respect.

Telecommunications in Abkhazia

Gudauta Gunda - Gunda department store in Gudauta There are some Internet cafes in all major resort city's: Sukhumi, Gagra, Gudauta ===Postal Services in Abkhazia=== It is feasible to send post from Abkhazia abroad via Russia, however the main post office in Sukhum (Aiaaira st. 108) burned down in January 2012 and hasn't been rebuilt (Aug 2023). Reportedly and the post office is temporarily located in the Sukhum telephone exchange (Jul 2022). Other towns with postal offices are (Jul 2022) Gagra (Ardzinba st. 147), Gudauta (Heroes ave. 3), Gulrypsh (Constitution st. 4), Ochamchira (Shinkuba st. 62), Gal (Leon st. 3), Tkuarchal (Adyghe st. 4), New Athos (Kharazia st. 2). Otherwise and the nearest post office for international mail is in Adler, Russia. Abkhazian postal offices also allow making international telephone calls at costs of about 10-16 rubles per minute ===Telephones=== Landline phone numbers have the format of +7 840 XXX-XX-XX. There are 2 local mobile operators A-Mobile and Aquafon and the latest one being the largest and having bigger coverage. Their mobile numbers follow the next format +7 940 XXX-XX-XX. A SIM card costs about 200 rubles, incl. 150 ruble credit and there are special rates for travelers, no ID is required for card purchase and almost all available tariff plans are prepaid ones. Both operators offer 4G which is available almost in all towns. Foreign SIM cards do not work with the exception of Russian branded operators MTS, Beeline, Megafon. It is common for phone numbers not to be recognised and therefore it is worth redialing many times.

Abkhazia Halal Travel Guide

• Georgia with its beautiful and mysterious mountain region of Svaneti close by (if you are allowed through the border).
• Russia — The border with Russia is now open for all visitors. GPS of this Halal Travel Guide 43.0000|40.9833 Copyright 2015 - 2024. All Rights reserved by eHalal Group Co., Ltd.
  

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