Abkhaz and Abazin Communities in Cyberspace

Abstract

The article explores the strategies implemented by two related Indigenous peoples, Abkhaz and Abazins (Abaza), aimed at preserving ethnic culture in the context of virtual space. For Abkhaz and Abazins living abroad, it is essential to demonstrate their unity with their historical homeland, their belonging and inseparability from their traditions. Therefore, they take photos and videos of celebrations of traditional holidays, post them on social networking sites, thus indicating that they are an integral part of their people, regardless of the fact that they live outside. At the same time, the Abazins who are living in Russia, also use virtual communication for the popularization and revival of traditional culture. A content analysis was performed to study ethno-characteristic, linguistic, local, extra-territorial communities in popular social networks such as VK, Odnoklassniki, Telegram, Instagram1, Facebook2. As a result, the main trends that Abkhaz and Abazins use in cyberspace to keep their Indigenous culture alive were traced. In addition, the confrontation between classical Islam and traditional beliefs, which are an integral part of the ethnic culture of these two peoples, was revealed.


1 Instagram™ is a trademark of Instagram Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. По решению Роскомнадзора, социальная сеть Instagram полностью заблокирована в России как экстремистская организация.

2 Facebook™ is a trademark of Facebook Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. По решению Роскомнадзора, социальная сеть Facebook в России признана экстремистской организацией и заблокирована.

Author Biography

Tamara G. Ayba, Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography (Kunstkamera) of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg, Russia

Tamara G. Ayba, Junior Researcher, Caucasus Department of the Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography (Kunstkamera) of the Russian Academy of Sciences (MAE RAS). Her recent research has been focused on the functioning of Abkhaz cultural centers abroad and centers of ethnic consolidation, as well as the history of the Abkhaz-Abaza diaspora. Her studies also examine the assimilation of the Caucasian Highlanders in European countries, along with the challenges of reviving and preserving the Abkhaz-Abaza language and traditional culture (Apsuara, Adyghe Khabze, traditions, and customs). In addition, Tamara Ayba explores the reasons behind the resurgence of ethnic self-awareness and the reestablishment of ties with the historical homeland. Her recent publications include: Features of the Azhyrnyҳәa Prayer Ceremony in Contemporary Abkhazia and among Turkish Abkhazians (2023, in Russ); Abkhaz-Abazin diaspora in Europe. Some issues of preserving the traditional culture of Abkhazians and Abazins abroad (2022, in Russ).

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Published
2025-04-30
How to Cite
Ayba, T. (2025). Abkhaz and Abazin Communities in Cyberspace. Changing Societies & Personalities, 9(1), 84–100. doi:10.15826/csp.2025.9.1.319