After the conclusion of the Russian-Caucasian War on May 21, 1864, the mass forced resettlement of Abkhazians from Abkhazia to the Ottoman Empire commenced. This period was called “Mahajirism” and lasted from 1810 to 1877.
The largest population exodus from Abkhazia took place during the Russian-Turkish War of 1877-1878. During that time, up to 50 thousand people, or over 80% of the highlanders, were forcibly evicted to Turkey.
Currently, approximately three-quarters of Abkhazians reside outside their homeland, with a majority living in Turkey, Syria, and Iran.
Return
In recent years, numerous descendants of the Muhajirs have been returning to their historical homeland. Among them is the family of Janset and Muhammad Aryutaa. They relocated from Syria to Abkhazia a decade ago.
“In my great-great-grandfather's family, there were three brothers: Aslan, Khabib, and Batkiri. My grandfather is Khabib. We are from the village of Kulanyrkhua in the Gudauta region. In 1864, their entire family was deported to Syria. I know that all my ancestors dreamed of returning home to Abkhazia, and although I myself was born in Syria, I never called myself a 'Syrian' or a 'Syrian Abkhaz'. I am Abkhazian. Thanks to my parents, I always knew where my roots were and that someday we would find an opportunity to return.” Muhammad
Adaptation
Memory
Nowadays, the Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Caucasian War - the Muhajirs, is commemorated on May 21 with a parade, lectures, torchlight procession, memorial bonfire, and trips to the sea. During these events, wreaths are laid on the sea waves, as if symbolizing the hope of reaching the Muhajirs, whose lifelong dream has always been to return to their homeland.
