Abkhazians
The Abkhazians or Abkhazes[a] are a Northwest Caucasian ethnic group, mainly living in Abkhazia, a disputed region on the northeastern coast of the Black Sea. A large Abkhaz diaspora population resides in Turkey, the origins of which lie in the Caucasian War in the late 19th century. Many Abkhaz also live in other parts of the former Soviet Union, particularly in Russia and Ukraine.[14]
Not to be confused with Abzakhs.Economy[edit]
The typical economy is strong on the breeding of cattle, beekeeping, viticulture, and agriculture.[17]
Diaspora[edit]
Many Muslim Circassians, Abkhaz and Chechens migrated to the Ottoman Empire following revolts against Russian rule.[32] It is believed that the Abkhaz community in Turkey is larger than that of Abkhazia itself.[32] Some 250 Abkhaz-Abaza villages are estimated throughout Turkey.[32] According to Andrew Dalby, Abkhazian-speakers might number more than 100,000 in Turkey,[33] however, the 1963 census only recorded 4,700 native speakers and 8,000 secondary speakers.[34] Of the 15,000 ethnic Abkhaz in Turkey, only 4,000 speak the language, the rest having assimilated into Turkish society.[35] As of 2006, it is estimated that 600,000 to 800,000 Abkhazians by descent live in Turkey.[12]
Abkhazs in the mid-19th century
