Turkish voyage by Sergey Bagapsh

This week the head of Abkhazia, Sergey Bagapsh, returned from a four-day trip to Turkey. The visit was unofficial, as Turkey doesn’t recognize Abkhazian independence. Bagapsh was invited by the Abkhazian community in Turkey.

The demographic situation in Abkhazia demands a flow of people to the republic, and Sukhumi is broaching the question of repatriation. Bagapsh visited Turkish towns and villages, Ankara, Adapazarym and Istanbul, where he met descendants of the Makhadzhirs. He told them that the Abkhazians living in Abkhazia or abroad are one nation and they should build and develop their state together.

According to the presidential aide on foreign policy, Vyacheslav Chirikba, there are 200 Abkhazian villages in Turkey. Sukhumi counts on these people to improve relations with Ankara and escape from international economic isolation.

Moscow views Bagapsh’s visit to Turkey ambiguously. On the one hand, there will be more advantages than disadvantages in strengthening relations between Abkhazia and Turkey. On the other hand, politicians are afraid of Islamisation of the republic and empowering Ankara in Abkhazia and the North Caucasian region in general. Moreover, Turkish business is presented in Abkhazia in spheres of interest to Russia. There are only two serious investors in the Abkhazian economy - Russia and Turkey - which means they are the main competitors for influence in the region.

Ekaterina Tesemnikova. Exclusively for VK.