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# ABKHAZIA
It used to be a popular place among tourists in the USSR, then the territory
turned into a place of a long war conflict, and now it became an independent republic, admitted
by a number of countries.
The war between Georgia and Abkhazia took place in the 90-s. As a result, the majority of
Georgians had to escape from the republic. Now the most of the population is presented by Abkhazians
and Russians. Abkhazians say that Russia is a defender of their republic. Both governments
collaborate with each other in the economical, tourism and military operations.
Although, the war conflict is over, there are still tracks left: from time to time armed affairs,
gunshots and lots of georgians houses and flats left. But Abkhazians are restoring their lifes.
New hotels are built and repaired, and Abkhazians admit the the summer 2009 was a time when the tourist
flow was bigger than in the time of the USSR.
Ordinary life is becoming better, but Abkhazians will never forget the war.
The conflict took lots of lifes, and the deaths will be forever in minds
of people.
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 A border between Abkhazia and Russia. The border goes through "Kazachiy Market" situated in city of Adler.  "Kazachiy Market". Abkhzian border.  Seller. Lots of Abkhazians everyday come through the border to sell fruit in Russia.  City of Gagra. Lots of houses and flats in the blocks are left by Georgians during war.  An empty Georgian flat. Some Abhazians squat places like this one. They set up new doors and locks, but they have no rights to live in or sell it. They're waiting for a law which will let them to be the owners of Georgian flats.  Two men playing backgammon in the backyard of a hotel.  Homeless dog.  City of New Afon. Ruined railway station.  The beach.  Even in November, when the sea is cold, there are some people who swim in water. There are few tourists during fall.  The street.  Market in the city of Gagra. A flower seller.  Coastal strip is protected by Russian military ships.  Empty streets in the city of Gagra.  Uriy. Came to Abkhazia in the early 2000-s. Retired. He grows rabbits, chickens and tangerines.  A backyard.  An old woman picks up onions.  The beach.  City of Gagra.  A hotel which was ruined during the war. Now it's being repaired.  Photographs of people who died on war. Museum in the city of Gagra.  Children near a ruined building in the city of New Afon.  A bear named Masha. She was found in the mountains by hunters. Now she lives in the backyard of one of blocks. She eats candies and takes bath. Her owners want to give her to the circus.  Police station in the city of New Afon. Policemen celebrate their professional holiday.  Spring and Fall is a season when fishermen get a fish called "barabulka". It's a delicacy.  As it used to be in Russia, now there are lots of homeless dogs in Abkhazia.  Ulia the Bullet. She's an alcoholic and considered to be crazy.  The border.  Fall and winter are seasons when Abkhazians bring citrus fruit to Russia. Border. © alexander aksakov |