Independence Day (Liberation Day) of the Republic of Abkhazia (30/09)

Independence Day (Liberation Day) of the Republic of Abkhazia, which is celebrated annually in the country on September 30 on the anniversary of the victory in 1993 in the Georgian-Abkhaz war, — is the main holiday of the entire people of Abkhazia.

There is practically not a single family in the Republic where this holiday is not celebrated with tears in their eyes. This day is significant in the history of Abkhazia; it marks the end of the Abkhaz-Georgian war in 1993. In Abkhazia, this armed conflict of 1992-1993 is called the Patriotic War. On the Abkhaz side, 12 thousand people took part in it, during the fighting 3.5 thousand people died, about 5 thousand were injured, more than 200 people are listed as missing; About 10 thousand people died on the Georgian side.

During the September 1993 offensive, the battles for the capital of the republic, Sukhum, predetermined the general outcome of the Patriotic War of the people of Abkhazia. The operation to liberate Sukhum from the troops of the State Council of Georgia lasted 11 days. Fierce fighting within the capital lasted for several days.

The operation to liberate the city ended on the square in front of the government house (now called Freedom Square). The main enemy forces, having suffered serious losses during the battles for Sukhum, were unable to organize effective defense in the still occupied eastern regions of Abkhazia.

The day after the liberation of Sukhum, September 28, the Western and Eastern fronts were connected on the bridge over the Kodor River near the border of the Gulripsh and Ochamchira districts. And on September 30, 1993, the entire territory of the country was liberated from Georgian troops.

On this day there is a parade, fireworks, folk festivities on the embankment of the city of Sukhum, and — festive events throughout the country.

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