Sukhumi

Sukhumi or Sokhumi is a city in a wide bay on the Black Sea's eastern coast. It is the capital and largest city of Abkhazia, a region that most countries consider part of Georgia. The city has been controlled by Abkhazia since the Abkhazian war in 1992–93.

Sukhumi is an important port, has an airport, and is a rail junction. It is also a popular holiday spot because of its beaches, sanatoriums, mineral-water spas, and warm climate. It is part of the International Black Sea Club.

The history of Sukhumi goes back to the 6th century BC, when Greeks settled there and called it Dioscurias. Over the centuries, it has been part of many different states and empires, including the Kingdom of Abkhazia, the Kingdom of Georgia, the Ottoman Empire, and the Russian Empire. During the early 1990s, as the Soviet Union broke apart, the city was badly damaged in a conflict between Abkhazia and Georgia. Today, its population is about 60,000, which is half of what it was before that time.

Toponym

In Georgian, the city is called Sokhumi (სოხუმი). In Russian, it is known as Сухум (Sukhum) or Сухуми (Sukhumi). The name Sokhumi comes from the Georgian word Tskhomi/Tskhumi (ცხომი/ცხუმი), which means "hornbeam tree" in the Svan language. In Abkhaz, the city is called Aqwa (Аҟәа), meaning "stony seashore".

Long ago, the town was known as Tskhumi in Georgian and as Suhum-Kale in Turkish during Ottoman times. The Russian name changed from Sukhum to Sukhumi in 1936, then back to Sukhum in 1992. Today, the most common name in English is Sukhumi, though Sokhumi is also used by some groups like the United Nations, Encyclopædia Britannica, Esri, and Google Maps.

History

Ancient history

The history of Sukhumi began in the mid-6th century BC. It started as a settlement used by local tribes and later became a Greek colony called Dioscurias. The city was an important trading place, bringing in goods from Greece and sending out local products. It was busy with many languages spoken by people from different places.

The city stayed important for many years, even when the sea came closer to it. It became part of a bigger kingdom and later changed its name to Sebastopolis under Roman rule. Over time, the city saw changes and challenges, including being taken over by different groups.

Medieval and early modern history

After facing damage from attacks, the town was restored and became a favorite place for Georgian kings during a golden time for Georgia. It grew as a trade center, especially after the Genoese set up a trading port there. The city had people from many backgrounds, including Armenian, Muslim, and Jewish merchants. It was a busy place for trade, sending out wax, wine, and grain, and bringing in cloth, luxury goods, and salt.

The town faced times of conflict and was taken over by different groups. It was later called Sohumkale by new rulers who built strong walls around it.

19-21st centuries

In the early 1800s, the town became an important outpost for Russia after being taken over by Russian forces. It was officially made part of the Russian Empire in 1864. Later, after big changes in Russia, the city became part of Georgia for a short time. In 1921, it became part of the Soviet Union.

By 1989, Sukhumi was a thriving city with many people. However, it became a center of conflict between Georgia and Abkhazia, leading to a painful war in the early 1990s. The city was badly damaged, and many people were hurt or moved away. Though it has been rebuilt, it has not returned to its former size or mix of people.

In 2021, the city saw some unrest that led to a leader stepping down.

Population

Sukhumi has had many different groups of people living there over time. In the past, rules made it hard for some local people to live in certain parts of the city, so many others from places like Armenia and Russia moved in.

Today, most people in Sukhumi follow different religions, including Orthodox Christianity, Armenian Christianity, Islam, and traditional Abkhaz beliefs.

Culture

Sukhumi has many interesting places to see and learn about. The city has theatres that show classic and modern plays from September to June. You can also visit galleries and museums with beautiful Abkhaz art. The Sukhumi Botanical Garden started in 1840 to bring new plants to the Caucasus area.

Sukhumi is full of history. One famous spot is the Besleti Bridge, built in the 12th century during the time of Queen Tamar of Georgia. You can also see old walls from Rome, the Castle of Bagrat, parts of the big Kelasuri Wall, a Genoese fort, and an Ottoman fortress. Not far away is the Kamani Monastery, built over the tomb of Saint John Chrysostom. In the mountains, you can explore the Krubera Cave, one of the deepest caves in the world.

Sukhumi has Abkhazian State University, which is very important for education in the area. The university, started in 1979, has many departments and teaches around 3,300 students.

Climate

Sukhumi has a humid subtropical climate, which means it is warm and moist most of the year. The summers are almost cool enough to feel more like an oceanic climate, where temperatures stay mild.

Administration

In 2000, the president of Abkhazia changed the mayor of Sukhumi. Over the years, several leaders were appointed and then replaced. In 2004, after an election, a new acting mayor was named. In 2007, some leaders were removed after an investigation into misuse of money. Later, in 2014, after a revolution and a new president, another leader was appointed as mayor.

List of mayors

Transport

Sukhumi has three trolleybus lines that help people get around the city. There is also a railway station where you can catch a daily train to Moscow, stopping in Sochi along the way.

The Sukhumi Babushara Airport began its first international flights on May 1, 2025.

Notable people

Sukhumi has been home to many interesting people from different fields. Some well-known individuals include Anton Alikhanov, a Russian politician and governor of Kaliningrad Oblast, and Alexander Ankvab, an Abkhaz politician who served as Prime Minister of Abkhazia. Other notable figures are Meri Avidzba, an Abkhaz female pilot who fought during the Great Patriotic War of 1942–1945, and Fazil Iskander, a famous Russian writer and poet. The city has also seen politicians, athletes, and artists grow up and make their mark.

International relations

See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in Georgia (country)

Twin towns — Sister cities

Sukhumi has friendly connections with several cities around the world. These include:

• Podolsk, Russia
• Arkhangelsk, Russia
• Sant'Antioco, Italy
• Side, Turkey
• Managua, Nicaragua