Georgia Remembers the Fall of Sokhumi

On the 27th of September, 1993, Georgia suffered one of its most painful tragedies in modern times: the fall of Sokhumi to Abkhaz separatist forces. 

A violation of a ceasefire agreement brokered in July of that year saw Abkhaz separatist forces descend on Sokhumi from the land, air, and sea. The fall of the city led to the ethnic cleansing of Abkhazia’s Georgian population. 

Civilians were left with no choice but to flee their homes, either by sea, or by foot across the Caucasus mountains and through the Kodori gorge. Many on this latter route fell victim to the cold and hunger, while an estimated quarter of a million that survived became refugees and internally displaced persons in Georgia. 

Shots captured by British photographer John Jones portray the arduous journeys and plight of the civilians who sought refuge through the mountains. See the collection of photos on Tabula.ge

By Máté Foldi