^For Abkhazian people it is luxury belonging the true Georgian territorial (not ethnic) name "Abkhazia," by the way, it is pain for Georgia. It is difficult make a list of affirm of all source address by two words that was left to history which deny Basis pretension of History of Abkhaz people.
When we speak about Basis pretension of History of Abkhaz people, it is main issue to fix two opposite circumstance – are there any principles to side of Abkhaz people and the “histories” that are outcome of after “independency,” which is no more than justify propaganda of ethnic cleaning of Georgians. For people who are interested by this problem, it is not difficult to understand spurious and truth founded on history source. But today price of both history - true and false are the same and winner is it who has good publicity media. Unfortunately, Georgia loses “information war,” but everything is changing and it is important to be ready on time when no one can be able to winner without truth.
It was so difficult for Abkhaz historians ("honoured Abkhaz historian workers" have begun their practical activities only in XX century - Stanislav Lakoba, Vladislav Ardzinba, they have no earlier historians) to create false history that they were in an awkward situation, because their “narration” about ethnic Abkhazians begins in the end of XIX century. They are trying to make their interpretation only on Georgian and foreign sources (because they have no their own), that comes from Georgian foundations and nothing have common with today’s Abkhazia. This “histories” have only one goal: it makes legitimating to their crime, it has no more value. In truth, this is made by assistance and financing of Russian espionage organization such as KGB or FSB. Their activity brought Georgia in tragedy of September of 27 in 1993.
There is no fact in history about war between Georgians and people who today are called Abkhazians until 14 august of 1992. Medieval times, ethnic wars were ordinary between neighbor kingdoms. As “Abkhaz historians” wrote, their people, who were live there for centuries, have made Kingdom of Abkhazia in IX century. There is suspect that, people who have different culture and language do not have had even one war with Georgia till XX century! Question?! Answer is easy: people, who today are called Abkhazians, did not have such state system where they managed expansion cultural, ethnical and economical and were be able to show resistance even weak Georgian Kingdom. Self name of “Abkhazians” is Apsny and they are in winning situation when we call them the name which is name of part of Georgian land (such is, Samegrelo, Javaxeti, Adjara etc.) because they are live in this land and it gives them pretension to be owners of Abkhazia!
The earliest information about tribes who were lived in territory of Abkhazia comes from antic Greece historians. Some of them describe time when they lived (Hecate VI BC. Pseudo Skilax IV BC) and designate that in the east coast of Black sea lived Kolkha tribes – Kolkh, Korax, Kola. The land between river Bziph and Sukhumi was occupied by Kolkh and Korax tribes. To the north-west of this tribes were lived Heinokh tribse and occupied territory from river Bziph till Tuapse. To the north of them were lived Kerkets – supposedly Cherkes-Adigey tribes. The Moskh tribes are mentioned private in VI-I BC (Strabon I BC-AC, Prokoph VI AC).
For those who are creating false history, scanty source where they have no origin of tribes, languages, tradition etc. it is easy to contrive misplaced stories to their own interests and then affirm – white is black. Unfortunately for those who affirm that white is black, there are ancient sources where we can write true about Abkhazia.
In II A.C. the tribe Sanig have established principality which were occupied territory from Ckhumi (Sukhumi) to river Shakhe. To the north of them old Greek historian Phlavius Ariane (II AC) had mentioned geographical name – “Old Lazika.” Anonym geographer in his “Peripluse” had mentioned Nikopsia component part of “Old Lazika.” Georgian chronic Leonti Mroveli respond to this sources and wrote “Targamos gave to Egros the land from range Likhi to the small Khazar river, where is end of Caucasus range (Likhi range is natural border between west and east Georgia and minor khazar river is river Nebug - near Tuapse).
Interesting information about Aphshil tribes is mentioned by Plinius and Ariane in first century. They named king of Aphshil tribes Basileus. Aphshils have occupied territory to the east of Sanig principality till fortress of Anakophia, result of that Sebastopolis (Ckhumi – Sukhumi) have become under political holder of Aphshil.
Some investigators of history of Abkhazia (for example Z. Anchabadze) consider that ethnic base was major foundation of principality of Abkhazia. This hypothesis was denied by other scientists (N. Berdzenishvili, E. Khoshtaria, D. Muskhelishvili, etc). They admit that earliest feudal epoch does not let to any indispensable condition to unity Abkhaz tribes, because they did not have common language, written language, State organization and military power. In other word, they did not have necessary little components to do that. On the contrary, this epoch compels little tribes to join more powerful and developed unities - such was Georgia near them.
It is common opinion that tribes which were mentioned above were not Abkhaz tribes. But false “historians” wrote - Абхазы были объектом притязаний различных колониальных империй. Свидетельством этому является античная колонизация эллинских государств, нашествия рымлян и арабских завоевателей. It is fact that there is nothing wroten about Abkhazia in ancient Greece sources! Abazges who are consider Abkhaz tribes (but it is not common opinion) first time were mentioned by Ariane in his “Peripluse” as Abaskoi in II new age. As it turned out lately Abazges have spread their political influence over Sanig principality and were occupied territory from river Bziph to Anakophia. But in IV new age, kingdom of Egrisi (Georgian kingdom) can subordinate under his influence Sanig, Aphshil, Abazg, Svanes and Skvimnia.
If we will foresee the fact, that Abazges (in this case Abkhaz people today) were too little time separately to make their own State organization, govern system for subordinate tribes, tax, custom-house, military and other systems, it is logical that Abazges were under subordinate of Egrisi, which was successor of powerful, brilliant and well known kingdom of Kolkheti. Agatia Skolastikos wrote: “Lazes (people of Egrisi) are mighty and brave tribes and are owner of other tribes. They are proud by their old name Kolkha, and are too haughtiness, may be not too groundless” (essays of history of Georgia, tome I, page 166, Tbilisi 1973). Egrisi was exactly only one major political unit in west Georgia all the earlier medieval times. By objective reason (Byzantium-Iran wars in territory of Egrisi), kingdom of Egrisi become weak and in VII new age Abazges have begun formation as new unity (with assistance of Byzantium).
Mentioned conquerors (Greece, Rome, Byzantium, Persia, Arabia etc) by Abkhaz historians in their work have only one goal - make legitimation their offence. But we have to foresee the fact that no one of those conquerors mentioned Abkhaz people as tribe or nation. For example, about Arabian conquerors in VII new age, were written: "Invide Murvan Kru (deaf) Klisura, and annihilated town of Apshileti - Ckhumi" (Sokhumi). But it is known, that Arabians pursuit Georgian principals and had one goal - prepare bridge-head in west Georgia to attack Byzantium from black sea.
Abkhaz historian wrote: “Несмотря на всё ето, (he speaks about invasion) в VIII веке абхазский народ создал своё, могушественное Абхазское царство, в которое вошли сопредельные территории, населённые картвельскими племенамы. В XI веке ето госудаство в результате династических браков трансформировалось в Грузинское государство просушествовавшее до XIII века.”
In time, when Egrisi (west Georgia in the end of VIII century) become weak, Abazges (as Abkhaz people are known today) have spread their political influence. Abkhaz principal Leon the II, managed to appropriate functions which was created by Egrisi in the west Georgia. But we have to foresee that Leon has governed from Kutaisi, which was capital of west Georgia. Yes, exactly this territory was named Kingdom of Abkhazia! But, in spite of political power, Abazgs (Abkhaz people) locked in their “ethnic frame” and instead of growth; they begun localize themselves as separate principality. By the way, Leon the II cannot managed to unite Ckhumi (Sokhumi) with Abazgs principality and it stay as separate principality. It is easy to explain reforms which were done by Leon the II: ethnic group Abazgs (Abkhaz people today) were lived in territory which was populated only on their principality, between the rivers Gumista and Bziph. This is quite little territory to have enough power assimilation other ethnic groups. Otherwise, Abazg nobles were assimilated by influence of west Georgian culture, tradition, Language, Religion as they become flock of Georgian apostolic church (as Norman rulers were assimilated by Russian).
That is why Leon the II, who was quite active person, could not make politic to introduction of advanced methods of Abkhaz rules, traditions, architecture, written-language etc. There is nowhere such work in history. In such occasion he would be face to face as enemy against culture and tradition of Egrisi (west Georgia). Leon the II was clever and knew that such politic activities would be ignorance. So, he was meddled in dynasty conflicts in west Georgia and struggled as not conqueror, which usually try to spread their culture and tradition and are not interested dynasty conflicts, but as member of this culture. He had tried to obtain legal rights which were spread at that time to be legal ruler. Abkhaz kings, who tried conquest central regions of Kartli (central and south Georgia) to unite whole Georgia, would not be able to make these depending only Abazg (Abkhaz people) ethnic groups. They tried to do it based on west Georgia, where population is only Georgian by origin. Exactly here was started idea to make united Georgian Kingdom and this was not outcome of victorious Abazg (Abkhaz people). Abkhaz historians think that ruling by Abazg Leon the II (but no one knows who was Leon the II by nationality) west Georgia, is basis to write that, this was their land. (In this case Georgians must be have pretension to Russia, because The USSR was ruled by ethnic Georgian, Stalin). That is nonsense.
There is one more question: where was Leon the II from? Was he ethnic Abkhaz as we know Abkhaz people today or not?! There is no one simple opinion in history science about Abazges that they were forefathers of Abkhaz people. We cannot find no one case in history which speeches about measures that was lead by Abkhaz kings that they were from foreign ethnic group, as there is no one historical monument or document in Abkhaz language, architectural building or anything in legend created during two centuries at that times, as leaders of today’s Abkhazia tried to annihilate everything Georgian and they have some result in this way.
We have to designate, that Abkhaz people today are called themselves Apsua, which does not have common with Abkhaz and Abazg. When historians speak about this, Abkhaz “historians” are in an awkward situation and they are too cynical: “Грузинским лидерам, кичашимся своей образованности не следовало бы забыват, что самоназвание народа, как правило, не совпадает с тем, как его называют. Взять хотя бы к примеру названия “грузин” и “картвел.” There is no logic as “Kartveli,” “Georgia,” “Gruzia,” “Gurjistan” and “Vratstan” from foreign languages are pronounced different but all means the same “Sakartvelo” (Georgia)! But Abkhazia and Abkhazian pronounced without change as any region of Georgia – “Kakheti,” “Samegrelo,” “Javakheti,” etc. Only Abkhaz people call themselves Apsua and no one forbid them request from foreigners to call “their homeland” (Abkhazia) Apsny, as do French (France), Russian (Russia) etc. But inculcate name Abkhazia is changeable and it as it is historical name and Apsuas are interested party because they have only one basis pretension: likeness of historical name of the land of west Georgia (Abkhazia) and Abkhazian (Apsua people)! Apsua people need to be Abkhazian!
Abkhaz historians (imitated on Russian historians) wrote that the result of dynasty marriages made transformation of Abkhaz kingdom to Georgian kingdom which existed till XIII century. It is known that, in 978 year, Abkhaz dynasty has ceased in Kutaisi royal throne and it was changed by dynasty of Bagrations – specific Bagrat the III, whose mother was descendant of Abkhaz kings. And in XI century, 1010 years he becomes the first king of united Georgian kingdom. It is fact that measure leaded by Bagrat the III does not give rise complication, if we do not take into consideration a little resistance by feudal lords of Kartli, Kakheti and feudal lords of west Georgia, because there was common consent of majority lords and people. If we get history wrote by Abkhaz historians, that they have had their own greatest ethnic kingdom, with culture, tradition, language, why we do not know even one fact of war or resistance between Georgian and Abkhaz people (as Georgia had with Armenia, or resistance France and England)?! The answer is simple: ethnic Abkhaz kingdom does not exist! Since kings of united Georgia, the title of Bagration kings was beginning as - “King of Abkazia,” – because Abkhazia was the leader among principals which tried to unite Georgia.
After disintegration of united Georgia, history continued dramatically. “Abkhaz historians” wrote that Georgia existed in XI-XIII centuries and then - “грузини проживали в независяших друг от друга государственных образованиях.” In 1465 year (XV century) united Georgia disintegrated in Kartli kingdom, Kakheti kingdom, Imereti kingdom and Samtskhe Saatabago (Samtskhe principality). Then in XVI century Imereti kingdom was disintegrated to three parts – Imereti kingdom, Samegrelo (Odishi) and Guria principalities. And in XVII century Samegrelo principality was divided to two parts – Samegrelo principality and Abkhazia principality with Shervashidze (Georgian second name) nobles on throne. So, why was Abkhazia last principality that separated from Georgia as it was so easy for other principalities to divide?! As we know foreign ethnic groups are leading disintegration processes (as have done Georgian Muslim principalities). Main significance for “Abkhaz historians” is fact that this separate principality was conquered by Russian empire in different times - “Причём Абхазия в составе России сохраняла своё самоуправление и государственность а из грузинских образаваний были создаиы две ерриториальные еденицы – Тбилисская и Кутаисская губернии.” As you see there is no logic.
It was baneful for all Georgia to be part of Russian empire. Most of all it was baneful for Georgian part Abkhazia. Russians tried to change demography on Georgian territory, destroy everything Georgian. But in territory of Abkhazia it had happened catastrophe – ethnic cleaning, which is known as “Muhajir” (In 1864 year, after end of Russian war in north Caucasus. And in 1877-78 years, after Russian-Turkey war). The unsettled land was taking up by north Caucasus tribes, Russians and Armenians. The newspaper “Droeba” report (1883 year, publication N=216): “Abkhazia, as the Promised Land, has blessed name. Everyone, who heard about that land, was given to gratis, gone there. During 5 or 6 years there come Russians, Bulgarians, Germans, Armenians etc. ruler (Russians) gave them a helping hand.”
Apsua people (Abkhaz people, as they are known today) have begun their political activities in the beginning of XX century. In 1918-1921 years, when Georgia was independent democratic republic, Apsua separatists were too active assist of Russian Bolsheviks. After Soviet Russian invasion in Georgia (02.15.1921), Bolsheviks divide United Georgia (total land area 107,600 km²) to several parts, as they knew that it was easy to govern weak Georgia. After declare of Georgian Soviet Republic in February of 1921, same time February 31 in 1921 Abkhazia was declared as Soviet Republic. Abkhaz (Apsua) “historians” wrote: “Уникальност политической ситуации было то что Абхазия называлас независимой, ибо около года была независима как от советской России так и Грузии.” As we know this was Russian chaotic situation when some republic was declared as independent (as was Georgia) but it was till the end depended on Russia (As situation in today’s Abkhazia). As it is known, this status for Abkhazia was given by Stalin as ethnic Apsua Nestor Lakoba was needed to Bolsheviks at those times. But after damage of interrelation between Stalin and Lakoba, Abkhazia become part of his motherland Georgia (not Russia) and from 1931 year it was Soviet Social Autonomy Republic of Georgia.
During Soviet rule there was only one politic – Soviet Russian politics and everything different was unacceptable. As it is known, people were exiled by Soviet Russia from their homeland to foreign countries, the ruling class tried to unite politically united countries to one economic zone, etc. but Abkhaz “historians” wrote that after 1931 year, when Abkhazia was made part of Georgia by Russians, Soviets did something like long delay bomb: “Вся последуюшая политика грузинского руководства была направлена на создание моноетнического государства. Из Грузии были выселены турки-месхетинци, греки, курды, хемшины, лазы и другие. Что же касается Абхазии, то здесь проводилась политика изменения демографии. Ето происходило двумя способами – насильственнщй ассимиляцией и массовим переселением грузинских национальности в Абхазию.” - To tell the truth it is funny. Such important issue as exile was not determination by local government. Everything was depended on Moscow. So, pretensions of Abkhaz people must be against Russia. In other side, if this issue was determination by Georgian government, Abkhaz and Ossetia separatists were exiled first of all and not harmless Greeks or Kurds (it is not worth talking about Lazi).
The facts and history tell us true. During Soviet rule, Russia tried to make for Abkhaz separatists favorable conditions such was no accessible for Georgian people. By assistant of Russian special-service Abkhaz separatists have to come out against Georgia, if Georgia tried to do this at first. No wonder that Abkhaz separatists do not like anyone Georgian – writer, artist, painter or public man, because they are not Abkhazian - “Важно также учесть тот роль, которую по традиции играли в грузинской обшественной жизни писатели, поэты, деятели искуство. Их взгляди значали очен много для формирования мнений, установок и убеждений всех представительских обшества. Характерно, что никто не возразил, по крайней мере в печатном виде, етим фашистам. Напротив, обшество восприняло высказывания лал руководство к действию.” It is funny. How do you think, how it is possible that such sea country as Abkhazia do not have their own words – fish and boat (the equivalent words they got from Russian)? Answer is sample; people of Abkhazia (people who are live there today) come here in beginning XVIII century, from north Caucasian mountains.
Such ideology has one goal: to have hatred with Georgian people. All this was doing to make Georgia weak. Provocations by Apsua side were getting in touch to sensitive matter. For example, they renamed part of Shota Rustaveli (XII-XIII centuries) Street and the second part were named in Abkhaz writers name Iua Kogonia (XX century). Such provocations were happening in university of Sokhumi, in supreme council and everywhere where were Russian spies. The tragedy which we have got by these provocations is preserve in history and reality which we have today is far from truth and does not accordance to world safety system. Prosperity of each person is the guarantee to build democracy country. Result of this conflict is more than 500 000 refugees in their country (from Abkhazia to Samegrelo, Imereti, Kartli, Kakheti etc). This is too difficult not only to the rest of Georgia, but for Abkhazia too, which lost more than 3/2 of their population. So, histories made by this background cannot be true.
