Why are there Armenians in Abkhazia?
More Armenians came to Abkhazia in 1910s fleeing the Armenian genocide. During the 1992–1993 War in Abkhazia most of the Armenians remained neutral for a long time, but as Georgian attacks on their settlements increased, they increasingly opted to support Abkhazians and many fought on their side.
How many Armenians live in Georgia?
More than 200,000 Armenians currently live in Georgia, (400.000, according to unofficial data) concentrated mainly in Tbilisi, Javakhk, Kvemo Kartli, Batumi, Telavi, Surami, Gori, Bolnis-Khachen and other places.
Is Abkhazia a UN member?
Since their declarations of independence, Abkhazia and South Ossetia have been recognised by seven and six UN member states respectively, though Tuvalu withdrew its recognition of both in 2014, while the status of Vanuatu’s recognition of Abkhazia led to confusion between 2011 and 2015.
Is Abkhazia a safe country?
In the past, Abkhazia has witnessed military confrontations between Georgian armed forces and the Russian-supported local independence groups. For the common traveller the country is relatively safe, but you should make sure to avoid any place near the border to Georgia.
What religion are Armenians and Georgians?
Armenian Apostolic faith
Present situation. The Armenians in Georgia belong mainly to the Armenian Apostolic faith, with important numbers of Armenian Catholics as well concentrated in Samtskhe-Javakheti.
When did Tkvarcheli become a town?
(January 2009) Coal mining, which began in the area in 1935, grew in importance during the Second World War, especially after the Donbas was lost during the German invasion of the Soviet Union. Tkvarcheli was given town status on 9 April 1942.
What happened in Tkvarcheli during World War II?
Coal mining, which began in the area in 1935, grew in importance during the Second World War, especially after the Donbas was lost during the German invasion of the Soviet Union. Tkvarcheli was given town status on 9 April 1942. During the War in Abkhazia (1992–93), Tkvarcheli withstood, through Russian military aid, a siege by the Georgian forces.
What are the biggest industries in Tkvarcheli?
Coal-mining has been the town’s main industry, although now the Soviet mines are closed and coal is quarried only by the Abkhaz- Turkish Tamsaş company using the open pit method. Tamsaş’s tax payments account for 75% of the Tkvarcheli district’s budget however, the company was criticised for neglecting environmental requirements.