Project Detail: Abkhazia - the first thereafter

Contest:

Emerging photographers 2017



Brand:

LuganoPhotoDays



Author:

Arne Piepke

Status:
Selected

 

Project Info

Abkhazia - the first thereafter

In Abkhazia everything divides between before and after the war. The small region at the Black Sea, bordering with Russia, spend most of its past as a part of Georgia. Once ruled by the Soviet Union, the region declared independence from Georgia after the collapse of the USSR. A conflict arose, which escalated in a war in 1992. The once called soviet paradise never healed from it. Even though Abkhazia defeated the Georgian troops, their independence is only recognized by Russia and three other states. Therefore, this former paradise remains unknown. Most of the buildings still lay in ruins and in summer just a few Russian tourists spend their cheap holidays in between them. Today a young generation, is growing up and has a chance to define the country‘s future. Some of them want to leave and study in Russia, while others are willing to stay, to see their beautiful country bloom again.

Photos