AbkhazAbaza

AbkhazAbaza refers to two closely related Northwest Caucasian ethno-linguistic groups: the Abkhaz and the Abaza, and to the languages they speak. In scholarly and ethnographic contexts, the term is used to describe this pair because of shared ancestry, historical ties, and linguistic similarities, while recognizing their distinct identities.

People and geography

Today, Abkhaz and Abaza communities are distributed mainly around the western Caucasus. The Abkhaz are concentrated in Abkhazia, a region along the Black Sea that declared independence from Georgia, though its political status is contested. The Abaza live primarily in Russia's Krasnodar Krai and Adygea, with sizeable diasporas in Turkey and the Middle East due to historical migrations.

Language

Both Abkhaz and Abaza belong to the Northwest Caucasian language family. They are related but not mutually intelligible. The Abkhaz language has its own Cyrillic-based script and is official in Abkhazia; Abaza also uses Cyrillic and faces language maintenance challenges among younger generations, particularly outside homeland regions.

Culture and religion

Traditionally, Abkhaz culture emphasizes hospitality, dance, and crafts. Religious affiliations have varied: Abkhaz communities historically practiced Orthodox Christianity and syncretic beliefs, while Abaza communities have been influenced by Islam in many areas; today, religion among descendants reflects a mix of traditions and secular identities, especially in diasporas.

History

Historical roots trace to ancient kingdoms in the western Caucasus. In the 19th century, Russian expansion led to displacement and mass migration to the Ottoman Empire, creating significant Abkhaz and Abaza diasporas. In the post-Soviet era, Abkhazia's political status remains disputed, affecting cultural and linguistic policies.