Gali, Abkhazia

Abkhazia is a break away region of Georgia. 1992 saw a bloody year-long war between Abkhazia and Georgia after the break up of the Soviet Union. While a seemingly insignificant region, Abkhazia has remained a spark point for regional conflict. Russia supports the Abkhaz and is dependent on their resources for the construction of their Olympic facilities in Sochi. The USA supports Georgia and views the country as a strong region ally. Once the jewel of The Black Sea, Abkhazia is now a land of destroyed buildings and shattered dreams. There are an estimated 300,000 refugees still living in Georgia who have nothing to return to but burned out homes and economic hardships. These photos are a look at what is left in the country and a reminder of the weight of war in Abkhazia. In the days following the making of these photos, Abkhazia sealed the border with Georgia after six bombs were detonated in the region killing a UN translator and local government head. Shortly after, Russian and Georgia went to war over the nearby breakaway region of South Ossetia. Russia used South Ossetia and Abkhazia to stage their invasion of Georgia.

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