Abkhazia is a state with only partial recognition, situated on the Eastern coast of Black Sea with city of Sukhumi as its capital. It originated as a result of ethnic and political tension, following the demise of Soviet Union in 1991. Georgia considers it as a splinter republic still under its jurisdiction and illegaly occupied by Russian troops, but Abkhazia is de facto independent republic, issuing also its own postage stamps. Nevertheless it is not a member state of Universal Postal Union and all mail must be routed through Russia. UPU does not allow for direct international delivery, as Abkhazian stamps are not valid outside borders of the republic. Status of Abkhazia still represents a bitter political problem for Georgia and other states.

Abkhazia is a country of staggering natural beauty with many mountains, valleys, lakes and gorges and also areas of permanent snow and glaciers. It is eminently historic region with many sites dating back to 9th century BC, when Abkhazia was a part of ancient kingdom of Colchis. Capital city of Sukhumi was established around 550BC as a Greek trading outpost, named Dioscurias.

My first two postcards from Abkhazia arrived on Tuesday, June 6th 2016 and represent one of lovely results of my swap from Aland Islands during my May 2016 stay there.