ACGS

Mehmet Nadır Acet

PhD in Philology

Kafkas University

Assistant professor

Kars, Turkey

The Abkhazian War as Depicted in the "Millieti" Newspaper

In 1992–1993 various articles have been published in contemporary Turkish press regarding the events in Abkhazia. The report discusses the materials published in the "Millieti" newspaper, which are related to the current war in Abkhazia.

In one part of the article, an opinion is expressed regarding the protection of the territorial integrity of Georgia. The second part is in favor of the independence of Abkhazia. It should also be noted that the influence of the Abkhazian-Circassian diaspora can be felt in the articles. As for Turkey's state policy, it is unequivocally in favor of Georgia's territorial integrity. Moreover, according to the articles, the central government warns the local Abkhaz-Circassian associations not to interfere in the ongoing conflict. Despite this, volunteers were sent to participate in the conflict in Abkhazia through these associations, and humanitarian cargo was also sent. The articles contain specific information about the position expressed by the Turkish Abkhaz-Adyghe people regarding the war in Abkhazia. For example, it is said that 40 men left Turkey to participate in the war; To protest the war in Abkhazia, 30 Circassian youths started a hunger strike at Sultan Ahmed Square in Istanbul; Erhan Chaghli, a 22-year-old Circassian from Adafazar who went to Gudauta, died near Sukhumi; To protect the rights of the Abkhazians, the International Organization of Circassians appealed to the warring parties to end the war and others.

The newspaper not only deals with the events of Abkhazia but also the events taking place in the rest of Georgia. Also, the progress of the peace negotiations with the belligerents is covered. One of the key topics of the newspaper articles is the participation of Russia and North Caucasians in the war in Abkhazia. It is noted that the Abkhazians called on the peoples of the Caucasus to unite against Georgia. As for the peace talks, this issue is also on the agenda of the newspaper. It can be said that in newspaper articles, from the ceasefire to the final agreement, including the violation of the terms of the ceasefire, all the information is more or less conveyed and evaluated by the reader.

As for the Russian factor, the newspaper shows the facts of Russia's direct intervention in the hostilities, among them the issue of support for the Abkhazians, and certain threats to the Georgian and Abkhaz sides regarding the continuation of the war.

In conclusion, it can be said that the articles published in "Millieti" newspaper more or less satisfied the reader's interest in the ongoing military operations in Abkhazia. The articles show more sympathy towards the Abkhazians. This was probably due to the abundance and influence of the Abkhazian-Adyghe diaspora in Turkey. However, Turkey’s then and current governments strongly supported the inviolability of Georgia's territorial integrity.

Keywords: Georgia, Abkhazia conflict, Turkey, Russia, peace negotiations.