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Abkhaz-Abaza DNA Project
The Abkhaz and Abaza are ancient peoples of the Caucasus, speaking the languages of the Abkhaz-Adyghe group. Their history dates back thousands of years, going back to the Bronze Age. These ethnic groups have preserved their unique culture, language and identity despite numerous historical challenges.
Historical settlement and diaspora
Historically, the Abkhaz inhabited a vast territory along the eastern coast of the Black Sea, from modern Sochi in the north to the Ingur River in the south, including the territory of present-day Abkhazia. The Abazins traditionally lived in the mountainous and foothill regions of the Northwest Caucasus, in the territories of present-day Karachay-Cherkessia, Kabardino-Balkaria and partly Stavropol Krai.
As a result of the Caucasian War of the 19th century and subsequent historical events, a significant part of both peoples were forced to leave their native lands. This led to the formation of large diasporas in Turkey, Syria, Jordan and other Middle Eastern countries, as well as in Europe and North America.
Tragic pages in history
Abkhazians and Abazins experienced a terrible tragedy - a genocide in the XIX century known as ‘muhajirism’. This forced eviction led to catastrophic consequences: the number of Abkhazians and Abazinians in their historical homeland decreased by 95 per cent. Tens of thousands of people were forced to leave their homes, many died en route or from disease. This genocide caused irreparable damage to the gene pool, culture and demography of the Abkhazian and Abaza peoples.
Repression and attempts at assimilation continued in the XX century, which can be characterised as cultural genocide. These events have left a deep mark on the history of the people and continue to influence their current situation.
Despite their tragic history, the Abkhaz and Abazins have managed to preserve their identity and rich sub-ethnic diversity. Each sub-ethnic group has its own unique history and territory of residence:
Abkhazian sub-ethnoses:
- Bzyp - lived in the north-western part of Abkhazia, in the basin of the Bzyp River.
- Guma - inhabited the central part of Abkhazia, the area of modern Sukhum.
- Abzhywa - occupied the south-eastern part of Abkhazia, in the area of the Kodor River.
- Samurzakan - lived in the extreme south-eastern part of Abkhazia, between the rivers Okhurey and Ingur.
- Dal-Tsabal - inhabited mountainous areas in the upper reaches of the Kodor River.
- Akhchipsou - lived in mountainous areas in the upper reaches of the Mzymta River.
- Pskhu - inhabited the highland basin in the upper reaches of the Bzyp River.
- Aibga - lived in the mountainous areas of the modern Adler district and partly in Abkhazia.
- Sadz - inhabited the territory of modern Sochi and its neighbourhood
- Ashuwa (Tapanta) - historically lived in the foothills of the North Caucasus, now mainly in Karachay-Cherkessia.
- Ashkharuwa - originally inhabited the mountainous regions of the North Caucasus, now also predominantly in Karachay-Cherkessia.